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Column Buckling Calculator

Euler critical buckling load and slenderness ratio for structural columns.

Calculate critical buckling load and factor of safety for a slender column under axial compression using Euler's formula.

Reference: Euler's Column Buckling Formula

Column Buckling Calculator

Inputs

Results

Effective Length (Le)
2000.0mm
Radius of Gyration
20.41mm
Slenderness Ratio (Le/k)
98.0
Critical Buckling Load (Pcr)
246,740N
Allowable Load (at target FOS)
82,247N
Design Factor of Safety
12.34
✅ Column is safe against buckling
Note: Slenderness ratio suggests a short/intermediate column. Euler's formula may overestimate capacity. Consider Johnson's parabolic formula instead.

Formula Used

Pcr = π²EI / Le²  |  Le = K·L
Euler's formula is valid only for long, slender columns (typically slenderness ratio > 100–120). For shorter columns, use Johnson's parabolic formula or code-based interaction equations (e.g., AISC).

⚠ For preliminary design and educational use only. Verify all results against applicable codes and standards before use in production or safety-critical applications.

About this calculator

Part of our Mechanical Calculators collection. Beams, bolts, springs, gears, bearings, and core ME calculations.

How it works

Calculates Euler critical buckling load, slenderness ratio, and effective length for columns with pinned-pinned, fixed-free, fixed-pinned, or fixed-fixed end conditions.

Enter your values in the inputs above and click CALCULATE. Results appear on the right without a page reload. No login and no server upload.

Privacy and accuracy

Every calculation runs locally in your browser. Your design data never leaves your device. Results are intended for preliminary engineering work. Always verify critical designs with qualified review and applicable standards before production use.

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