Column Buckling Safety Calculator

Euler’s critical load

Euler showed that an ideal straight column buckles when the axial load reaches $P$_cr = π 2 E I K L 2 . Here $E$ is Young’s modulus, $I$ is the area moment of inertia, $L$ is unsupported length, and $K$ adjusts for end conditions. Comparing $P$_cr to the applied load yields the factor of safety $\mathrm{FS}=\frac{P}{}$_cr P _applied .

Connect to more structural tools

Validate complementary stresses with the beam bending stress calculator, evaluate service deflections using the beam deflection calculator, and model lateral bracing strategies alongside the cantilever beam load calculator. Combining these tools highlights where slender columns need reinforcement or bracing adjustments.

Remember that imperfections, eccentric loads, and material nonlinearities reduce real-world capacity. Use the results as a screening tool before moving to detailed finite-element analysis or design-code checks.