This calculator is used to calculate the critical buckling force, the force at which a column will begin to buckle. You can play around with it to see how the different input parameters like Young’s modulus, second moment of area, column length and the column end conditions all affect how much force a column can carry.

Critical Buckling Force Calculator

Enter your cross-section properties, material, column length and select your end conditions to calculate the critical buckling force for your column.

Cross-section Hollow CircleCircleRectangleSquareCustom (Enter I)

Radius r (in mm):

Thickness t (in mm)

Area Moment of Inertia I (in mm⁴):

Material SteelAluminumWoodCustom (Enter E)

Modulus of Elasticity E (in GPa):

Column Length L (in m)

End Conditions

Fixed-Fixed

Calculate

Critical Buckling Force

The critical buckling force is calculated using Euler’s buckling formula, shown below. This equation and the calculator above do not include any safety factors. Have a read of our page on buckling to learn more about this equation and the buckling of columns.

Related Topics

Buckling

Buckling is a sudden deflection that occurs in slender columns or members that are loaded in compression.

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Torsion

Torsion is the twisting of an object caused by a moment applied about a longitudinal axis (torque).

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