Bolt Shear Capacity Calculator

About the Bolt Shear Capacity Calculator

Estimates the shear capacity of bolts from the bolt diameter, allowable shear stress, and number of shear planes.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the bolt shear stress capacity or allowable shear stress in (\tau).
2. Enter the bolt shear area in (A).
3. Enter the number of shear planes in (n).
4. Read the calculated shear capacity (V) in force units such as newtons or pounds-force.

The formula explained

The calculator uses (V = \tau \cdot A \cdot n), which gives the total shear capacity of the bolt. It multiplies the shear stress by the resisting area and then by the number of shear planes.

• V = shear capacity of the bolt
• \(\tau\) = shear stress capacity or allowable shear stress
• A = shear area of the bolt
• n = number of shear planes

Step by step method

1. Find the shear stress capacity (\tau) for the bolt material or design limit.
2. Determine the effective shear area (A) of the bolt.
3. Count the number of shear planes (n), then multiply (\tau \cdot A \cdot n) to get (V).

Worked example

Problem. A bolt has an allowable shear stress of (120\,\text{MPa}), a shear area of (50\,\text{mm}^2), and (2) shear planes. What is its shear capacity?

1. Use the formula (V = \tau \cdot A \cdot n).
2. Substitute the values: (V = 120 \cdot 50 \cdot 2).
3. Compute the result: (V = 12{,}000\,\text{N}).

Tips and common mistakes

• Make sure your units match, for example (\text{MPa}) with (\text{mm}^2) gives newtons.
• Do not confuse single shear and double shear, because (n) changes the capacity.

Frequently asked questions