Floor beam comparison
Compares entered LVL table capacity with estimated line load.
Within entered capacityLVL load comparisonlvl beam span calculator
LVL Beam Span Calculator
LVL beam spans are manufacturer-specific; this tool calculates the load demand and compares it with the capacity value you enter from the exact product table.
Inputs
Results
Immediate estimateLVL load comparisonWithin entered capacity500 plf required vs 700 plf entered
Proposed span12 ft
Required uniform load500 plf
Approximate end reaction3,000 lb
Capacity ratio1.4x
Enter allowable uniform load from the exact LVL manufacturer's span table before using this comparison.
LVL sizing is manufacturer-specific and depends on product grade, depth, ply count, fastening, bearing, deflection, live/dead load split, duration, wet service, and point loads.
Diagram
LVL beam load
Tributary load is converted to line load and compared with entered LVL capacity.
- Clear span
- Tributary width
- Allowable load
How this calculator works
Enter proposed span, tributary width, design load, and a published manufacturer allowable load to compare an LVL beam candidate.
Demand model
The calculator multiplies tributary width by design load to estimate required uniform line load in pounds per linear foot.
Capacity model
The result compares that demand with the user-entered allowable uniform load from a manufacturer table for the same span and application.
Why no generic LVL table
LVL products differ by manufacturer, grade, depth, ply count, fastening, bearing, and deflection criteria, so this MVP avoids generic span claims.
Required line load
tributary width x design loadUniform load
required line load x proposed spanComparison
entered manufacturer allowable plf >= required plfAssumptions
- Beam: double LVL compared as a simple-span uniform-load case.
- Capacity: The allowable plf value is user-entered from a manufacturer table for the same span and application.
Worked examples
Heavier tributary width
Shows a capacity warning when line load grows.
Within entered capacityLVL load comparisonFAQ
Where do I get the allowable load?
Use the span or load table from the exact LVL manufacturer and product you plan to buy.
Does this size bearing posts?
No. It reports an approximate end reaction, but bearing, posts, studs, and footings need separate checks.
Can I use this for point loads?
No. This MVP assumes a simple-span uniformly loaded beam.
Sources and review
- Online Span Calculator Help, American Wood Council. Accessed 2026-07-20.
- Glulam, APA - The Engineered Wood Association. Accessed 2026-07-20.
Reviewed 2026-07-20. Planning estimates only; confirm project-specific requirements.