TradeMaster Calc

LVL / Glulam beam calculator

Size engineered lumber beams (LVL, glulam) with bending, deflection, and shear checks.

3.50" total width
ft
lbs/ft
Dead + live per foot
2-ply 2.0E LVL — 11.25" (single)
All checks pass
Beam size
3.50" x 11.25"
2-ply 2.0E LVL · 14' span · 300 lbs/ft
1. Bending (Fb = 3000 psi)
Pass
Required S: 29.40 in³ · Provided: 73.83 in³ · 2.51x
2. Deflection (L/360, E = 2.0M psi)
Pass
Actual: 0.3122" (L/538) · Allowable: 0.4667"
3. Shear (Fv = 285 psi)
Pass
Actual: 80.0 psi · Allowable: 285 psi
Max moment
7350 ft-lbs
88200 in-lbs
Max deflection
0.3122″
L/538
Max shear
2100 lbs
80.0 psi

LVL and Glulam Beam Sizing

LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams are engineered wood products made from thin veneers laminated together. They offer higher strength and stiffness than dimensional lumber, making them ideal for headers, beams, and ridge beams.

Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) beams are made from finger-jointed dimension lumber laminated together. They come in wider widths than LVL and are often used where the beam is exposed.

Common LVL Configurations

  • Single 1.75" x 9.25" — Light headers over windows
  • 2-ply 1.75" x 11.25" — Standard floor beam or header
  • 3-ply 1.75" x 14" — Heavy-load carrying beam
  • 2.0E rating — Most common residential LVL grade
What load should I enter?

Total load = dead load + live load in pounds per linear foot. For a beam carrying floor joists: multiply the total floor load (typically 50 psf) by the tributary width (half the joist span on each side). A beam carrying 12' of floor = 50 x 12 = 600 lbs/ft.

These calculators are provided for estimation and educational purposes only. Always consult manufacturer span tables and a licensed structural engineer for final beam sizing.