Deck Beam and Footing Calculator
Deck systems rely on properly sized beams, joists, footings, and posts to safely support live and dead loads in outdoor environments. Accurately sizing these components ensures performance under expected loading conditions and prevents costly failures or deflection over time. StruCalc’s suite of tools help contractors, architects and engineers size each deck component to code easily and accurately.
Applications
Deck Footing
Deck Beams
Advanced Calculations & Reliable Insights
Analysis Capabilities
Multi-Span Beams
Cantilever Beams
Triaxial Loading
Dynamic Load Linking
English & Metric Units
Auto Sizing
ASD & LRFD
Checks & Outputs
Normal Stress
Shear Stress
Moment of Inertia
Buckling
Moment of Capacity
Deflection
Reactions
Structural Design Calculations Made Simple
Increase Your Productivity
Let StruCalc save you time on structural calculations and help you do more of what you do best.
Maximize Accuracy & Compliance
StruCalc delivers accurate calculations according to industry best practices that meet IBC and NDS code.
Streamline Permit Approval
Designed according to industry best practices, our detailed reports are purposefully structured to accelerate permit approvals.
Features that Our Customers Love
Linked Load Paths
Get dynamically updated results with linked load paths.
Comprehensive Material Database
From wood and laminates to concrete and steel, we’ve got you covered!
Relevant Codes & Standards
Compliant with the IBC and NDS, StruCalc keeps you up to date with latest code.
Automated Member Sizing
Simply input your loads and let StruCalc determine the most efficient size of your beam, footing, and more!
Quick Calcs
Use our pre-configured calculators to get quick calcs for hundreds of common applications
Design View
Streamlines the addition of loads through an intuitive data input screen, allowing for easy editing.
Powerful Solutions For Every Project
Beams & Columns
- Wood
- Concrete
- LVL & Glulam
- Masonry
- Steel
Posts & Footings
- Isolated Footings
- Continuous Footings
- Embedded Posts
Roofs
- Roof Beams
- Roof Rafters
- Hip & Valley Beams
- Collar Ties
- I-Joists
Retaining Walls
- Gravity Retaining Walls
- Cantilever Retaining Walls
- Counterfort Retaining Walls
Floors
- Floor Beams
- Floor Joists
Decks
- Deck Footings
- Deck Beams
Walls & Framing
- Shear wall
- Stud Wall
- Bearing Wall
ENSURE YOUR ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS ARE FUTURE-PROOF
StruCalc Supports the 2024 IBC
StruCalc Plus and Pro have been updated to support the 2024 International Building Code standard to ensure that you stay up to code now and in the future.
Saving you time with
Quick Calculations & Permit Ready Reports
With a library of built-in use cases and a robust report generation engine, StruCalc gets you the answers you need quickly and gives permit reviewers the detail they’re looking for.
Powerful tools for complex analysis
Dynamically Track Linked Load Paths
When loads are changed, calculations are automatically updated, saving you time and accurately identifying issues. Let StruCalc do the heavy lifting for you!
Now Offering PDH Courses
Join our community to get great deals on quality PDH courses or get our StruCalc Pro with PDH annual subscription to get 15 PDH hours included with StruCalc Pro.
Why Choose StruCalc?
Fast, Intuitive User Interface
Our straight-forward UI is designed for efficiency, making complex structural calculations easy to navigate with minimal learning curve—so you can focus on design, not deciphering software.
Personalized Onboarding & One-On-One Support
When you need help getting started or expert advice on a complex application, our veteran team of support engineers are just a click or call away.
Extensive Application & Material Database
With hundreds of real-world use cases and a library of common construction materials, StruCalc provides everything you need in one powerful platform.
Building Materials Supported
Wood
Steel
LVL & Glulam
Masonry
Concrete
Pricing & feature comparison:
| Top-tier differences: |
StruCalc Pro: $89.97/mo |
ClearCalcs Pro: $119/mo |
Enercalc: $169/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized Onboarding | |||
| 1:1 Engineering Support | |||
| 2024 IBC | |||
| User Themes | |||
| Concrete Beams | |||
| Masonry Beams | |||
| Wood Shearwalls | |||
| 2024 NDS | |||
| 2021 IBC | |||
| 2018 IBC | |||
| 2018 NDS | |||
| Imperial Units | |||
| Concrete Columns | |||
| Metric Units | |||
| Steel | |||
| Solid Sawn | |||
| I-Joists | |||
| Glulams | |||
| Structural Composite | |||
| 24+ Load Combinations | |||
| LRFD | |||
| ASD | |||
| Beam & Joist Spans | |||
| Live & Dead Loads | |||
| Isolated Footings | |||
| Continuous Footings | |||
| Collar Ties | |||
| Embedded Posts | |||
| Hip & Valley Beams | |||
| Flitch Beam | |||
| Stud Walls | |||
| Wind, Snow, & Seismic Loads | |||
| Advanced Footing Loads | |||
| Out of Plane Loading | |||
| Multi-span Columns | |||
| Bearing Walls | |||
| Retaining Walls | |||
| Linked Load Tracking | |||
| Beam Analysis | |||
| Wall Analysis | |||
| Masonry Columns | |||
| Concrete Walls | |||
| Masonry Walls | |||
| Wood Hangers | |||
| Curved Glulams |
Packed with Features
Best pricing in the industry
No one else offers as many features as StruCalc. Get more for your money and join thousands of architects and engineers that have chosen StruCalc as their partner for structural calculation software.
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Trusted by thousands of architects, engineers and construction professionals
The Importance of Accurate Calculations
Improper deck beam sizing, footing spacing, or joist layout can result in sagging, bounce, or structural compromise. StruCalc’s suite of tools—including a deck beam calculator, deck footing calculator, and deck post spacing calculator—helps engineers size each component to code with precision. Whether you’re working on a residential backyard or a commercial outdoor platform, accurate calculation ensures performance, safety, and approval.
Deck Beam and Footing Calculator FAQs
What Deck Framing Elements Can StruCalc Analyze?
StruCalc supports detailed structural calculations for:
- Deck Beams – Single-span and multi-span beam analysis using the deck beam calculator and deck beam size calculator.
- Deck Footings – Isolated footings with axial, uplift, and lateral checks.
- Deck Posts – Evaluate spacing and loading using the deck post spacing calculator.
- Deck Joists – Sizing and spacing with the decking joist spacing calculator.
Each element is linked for continuous load path analysis and dynamic reaction feedback.
What Loads Must Be Considered in Deck Design?
Deck framing systems must be evaluated for:
- Live Loads – Commonly 40 psf or more depending on use (residential, public, rooftop).
- Dead Loads – Self-weight of beams, joists, decking, and railing systems.
- Snow Loads – Based on ASCE 7 provisions by location.
- Uplift and Lateral Loads – Wind exposure and seismic zone effects on unbraced structures.
StruCalc automatically applies load combinations and distributes loads through connected members.
How Does StruCalc Assist with Beam and Joist Sizing?
Using the deck beam calculator and deck beam size calculator, engineers can:
- Evaluate bending moment, shear, and deflection limits.
- Select materials (wood, LVL, steel) and input spacing between posts.
- Determine maximum span based on load conditions.
StruCalc’s decking joist spacing calculator allows for:
- Adjustment of joist spacing based on span, decking type, and deflection.
- Comparison of spacing configurations to minimize bounce and vibration.
How Are Footing and Post Layouts Determined?
Using the deck footing calculator and deck post spacing calculator, engineers can:
- Size footings based on tributary area and soil bearing capacity.
- Calculate optimal post spacing to support beams and minimize material.
- Analyze uplift, sliding, and overturning for unanchored posts.
These modules ensure proper support and minimize oversizing.
What Standards Does StruCalc Follow for Deck Design?
StruCalc calculations align with:
- IBC (International Building Code) – Deck live load and railing requirements.
- IRC (International Residential Code) – Prescriptive deck construction details.
- NDS (National Design Specification for Wood Construction) – Beam, post, and joist design values.
- ASCE 7 – Wind, snow, and seismic loading provisions.
All calculations support permit-ready outputs and compliance documentation.
Why Use StruCalc Instead of Manual Deck Spreadsheets?
Deck designs require balancing member size, spacing, and cost. Manual tools often lack dynamic linking or code checks. StruCalc offers:
- Automated Load Distribution – From joists to beams to posts to footings.
- Built-In Span Tables and Material Properties – For wood, engineered lumber, and steel.
- Interactive Post and Beam Spacing Tools – Instant recalculations as geometry is adjusted.
- Permit-Ready Reports – With labeled load paths, code references, and diagrams.
Get Started with StruCalc’s Deck Beam and Footing Calculators
From backyard platforms to rooftop decks, StruCalc simplifies safe structural framing. Whether you need a deck beam span calculator, deck footing calculator, or are configuring joist and post layouts with a deck post spacing calculator, StruCalc gives you the clarity and precision required for every phase of outdoor framing.
Visit StruCalc.com to explore how our integrated deck beam calculator and footing design software help deliver code-compliant results, fast.