# Shear Stress Calculator

> Calculate shear stress step by step: Average τ = V ÷ A; rectangular beam max τ = 1.5V ÷ A; solid shaft τ = 16T ÷ (πd³).

Page: https://freecalculator.tech/tools/shear-stress-calculator
Last reviewed: 2026-11-03

## Formula

Average τ = V ÷ A; rectangular beam max τ = 1.5V ÷ A; solid shaft τ = 16T ÷ (πd³).

- N ÷ mm² = MPa.
- Torsion case expects torque in N·m and diameter in mm.
- Area and diameter must be above zero.
- Average τ = V ÷ A; rectangular beam max τ = 1.5V ÷ A; solid shaft τ = 16T ÷ (πd³).
- Inputs used: Case, Shear force V (or torque T in N·m), Area (for V cases), Shaft diameter (torsion).

## Inputs

- Case
- Shear force V (or torque T in N·m)
- Area (for V cases)
- Shaft diameter (torsion)

## Worked example: 10 kN on a 200 mm² pin

Single shear.
1. τ = 10,000 ÷ 200 = 50 MPa.

## Common questions

### What is double shear?

A pin loaded through two planes carries half the force on each. Enter twice the area to model it.

### Why 1.5 for a rectangular beam?

Shear stress in a rectangular section peaks at the neutral axis at 1.5 times the average.

### Is the shaft formula for hollow shafts?

No, it is for solid round shafts only.

### How do I use the Shear Stress Calculator?

Enter the required values for Case, Shear force V (or torque T in N·m), Area (for V cases), Shaft diameter (torsion). The calculator applies the formula on this page and shows the main result with any supporting breakdown so you can check the arithmetic.

### What formula does the Shear Stress Calculator use?

Average τ = V ÷ A; rectangular beam max τ = 1.5V ÷ A; solid shaft τ = 16T ÷ (πd³). The visible formula section above lists the calculation path and the edge cases the page handles, so the result can be checked without relying on the form alone.

### Can the Shear Stress Calculator be used for exact decisions?

Use it as a calculation aid, not as a substitute for checking the underlying rule, contract, policy, or professional advice that applies to your situation. When a result depends on local rules, personal details, prices, or dates, enter those values yourself and confirm them before acting.

## Limitations and assumptions

- Elastic behaviour.
- Three standard cases.
- No stress concentration factors.
- Results are estimates for planning and learning. Real designs, installations and bids must be checked by a qualified, licensed professional against the codes that apply where you work.
- The result depends on the values you enter for this shear stress calculator; it does not supply missing rates, rules, prices, dates, or assumptions for you.

## Sources

- MIT OpenCourseWare — https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/3-11-mechanics-of-materials-fall-1999/

## Cite this page

- APA: Free Calculator. (2026, November 3). Shear Stress Calculator. https://freecalculator.tech/tools/shear-stress-calculator
- MLA: "Shear Stress Calculator." Free Calculator, 3 Nov. 2026, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/shear-stress-calculator.
- Link: Shear Stress Calculator — Free Calculator, https://freecalculator.tech/tools/shear-stress-calculator