Column Buckling Calculator
Euler critical buckling load.
Enter your values
Enter the young's modulus in GPa.
Enter the second moment of area in cm⁴.
Enter the length in m.
Choose one of: Both ends fixed, Fixed-pinned, Both ends pinned, Cantilever.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Critical buckling load
- 987 kN
- Effective length
- 3 m
- Safe load (FoS 2)
- 493.5 kN
- In tonnes force
- 100.61
Quick answer
Euler buckling load depends on stiffness divided by the square of effective length.
Pcr = π²EI ÷ (KL)²
At a glance
| What it does | Euler critical buckling load. |
|---|---|
| Category | Engineering |
| Inputs needed | Young's modulus, Second moment of area, Length, End condition |
| Main output | Critical buckling load |
| Formula | Pcr = π²EI ÷ (KL)² |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Column Buckling Calculator
- 1Enter the material modulus and section I.
- 2Enter the column length.
- 3Choose the end restraint condition.
Inputs explained
- Young's modulus(GPa)
- Enter the young's modulus in GPa.
- Second moment of area(cm⁴)
- Enter the second moment of area in cm⁴.
- Length(m)
- Enter the length in m.
- End condition
- Choose one of: Both ends fixed, Fixed-pinned, Both ends pinned, Cantilever.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Young's modulus200 GPa
- Second moment of area450 cm⁴
- Length3 m
- End conditionBoth ends pinned
Results
- Critical buckling load987 kN
- Effective length3 m
- Safe load (FoS 2)493.5 kN
- In tonnes force100.61
Frequently asked questions
Why does end condition matter so much?
Fixing both ends quarters the effective length and quadruples capacity.
Does Euler apply to short columns?
No — short columns fail by crushing, not buckling.
What do I need to enter into the Column Buckling Calculator?
Just 4 values: young's modulus, second moment of area, length, end condition. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Column Buckling Calculator work out the answer?
Euler buckling load depends on stiffness divided by the square of effective length. It applies the formula Pcr = π²EI ÷ (KL)² and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Column Buckling Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.