Section Properties Calculator
Moment of inertia, section modulus, radius of gyration, and source boundaries for geometry review
Section properties are geometry inputs for later structural or mechanical review, not approval by themselves. The screen reports area, centroid prompts, moment of inertia, section modulus, radius of gyration, and limited plastic-modulus rows while keeping AISC, ACI, NIST, and qualified-review warnings visible.
Local rectangle, circle, I-shape, channel, angle, tube, tee, and rectangular-component prompts are useful for checking idealized geometry and parallel-axis arithmetic. Cached W-shape rows are treated as source-bounded lookup aids, not a current AISC Shapes Database replacement, member selection, LRFD design, or code approval.
Use the output to organize geometry, catch unit mistakes, and prepare questions for current source review. Material grade, effective length, bracing, local buckling, holes, welds, connections, load combinations, fabrication tolerance, adopted code, and PE review remain outside the app.
Screen beam deflection prompts with source warnings
Beam Deflection Calculator →Screen wood beam span assumptions
Wood Beam Span Calculator →Review wind-load source gaps
Wind Load Calculator →Screen concrete column capacity source gaps
Concrete Column Calculator →How It Works
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Select Shape or Build Custom
Choose an idealized shape, a cached W-shape row, or custom rectangular components. Treat source warnings as part of the input screen.
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Enter Dimensions
Enter dimensions in one unit system and avoid mixing catalog, field, and fabricated dimensions without a current source.
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Review Source Warnings
Check the section properties, source pointers, assumptions, and residual gaps before using the result in another design workflow.
Features & Capabilities
Source-Bounded Shape Prompts
Rectangle, circle, hollow circle, I-shape, channel, angle, tee, tube, and cached W-shape prompts are labeled as local geometry rows.
Custom Rectangular Components
Build a composite section from rectangular elements and review the centroid and parallel-axis contributions before source review.
Geometry Output
Screens area, centroid location, Ix, Iy, Sx, Sy, rx, ry, limited Zx prompts, and source warnings for the selected shape.
Visual Diagram
Cross-section diagram highlights the entered geometry, centroid prompt, and neutral-axis orientation for review.
Report Boundary
Report and PDF exports carry source pointers, assumptions, residual gaps, and PE-review warnings with the numbers.
References
- AISC Shapes Database v16 source pointer for standard steel-shape property context
- AISC Steel Construction Manual 16th Edition source pointer for design-table context
- AISC 360-22 and ACI 318 source pointers for design-boundary warnings only
- NIST SP 811 source pointer for unit conversion and rounding context
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More
Wood Beam Spans: NDS Allowable Stress Design Explained
How maximum spans are calculated per NDS. Species and grade design values, size factor, repetitive member factor, deflection limits, and why deflection usually controls residential spans.
Section Properties Source Guide: Geometry First, Design Review Second
Area, inertia, section modulus, radius of gyration, cached W-shape rows, and parallel-axis prompts with AISC, ACI, and PE-review boundaries visible.
Related Tools
Wood Beam & Joist Span Calculator
Maximum allowable span for wood joists, rafters, and beams per NDS allowable stress design. Bending, shear, and deflection checks with species/grade reference values from the NDS Supplement.
Wind Load Calculator (ASCE 7)
Design wind pressures for low-rise buildings per ASCE 7-22. Velocity pressure, MWFRS wall and roof pressures, exposure coefficients, and internal pressure for enclosed/partially enclosed buildings.
Concrete Column Capacity Calculator
ACI 318-19 maximum axial compression capacity for tied and spiral reinforced concrete columns. Slenderness check, reinforcement ratio validation, and minimum tie/spiral requirements.