Phone:
(701)814-6992
Physical address:
6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
Lintel Size Calculator
Get a preliminary estimate for the correct lintel size for your opening.
Opening & Load Details
Recommended Lintel Size
Consult Engineer
Minimum Bearing Length
4-6 inches
on each side
Was this Lintel Size Calculator helpful?
Your feedback helps us build better tools.
What is a Lintel Size Calculator?
A Lintel Size Calculator is a tool for preliminary planning that provides a basic estimate for the size of a lintel required to span an opening. Based on the width of the opening and the types of loads above, it suggests a common lintel size. This tool is for estimation purposes only and is not a substitute for a structural engineer.
How to Determine Lintel Size
The 3 Core Steps
Follow these steps for a preliminary lintel assessment.
1
Measure the Opening
Measure the clear width of the door or window opening that the lintel needs to span.
2
Determine the Load
Identify all loads above the opening, including the wall itself, floors, and roof trusses.
3
Consult Span Tables
Use manufacturer or engineering span tables to find a lintel that can safely support the load over the span.
How to Use the Lintel Size Calculator
1. Input Opening Details
Enter your opening width and select the type of wall material being supported.
2. Select Loads
Choose the type of lintel material you plan to use and any additional loads (like a floor or roof) it will support.
3. Get a Recommendation
Receive a preliminary lintel size recommendation. Always confirm with a structural engineer.
Key Lintel Load Formulas
Lintel sizing is complex, but it starts with calculating the load. The calculator uses a simplified model to estimate the weight the lintel must support.
Tributary Height = Opening Width / 2
Load Area (ft²) = 0.5 × Opening Width × Tributary Height
Total Load = Load Area × Wall Weight + Floor/Roof Loads
Related Calculators
Why Lintel Sizing Matters
A lintel is a critical structural beam that carries the weight of the wall above a door or window opening. Choosing an undersized lintel can lead to sagging, cracks in your brickwork or drywall, and in the worst case, structural failure. Proper sizing ensures the load is safely transferred to the surrounding wall, protecting your investment and ensuring safety.
Calculate Your LintelFrequently Asked Questions
A lintel is a horizontal structural beam that spans an opening in a wall, such as over a door or window. Its purpose is to carry the load of the structure above the opening and transfer it to the adjacent walls.
Bearing length is the amount of the lintel that rests on the wall on each side of the opening. This is crucial for safely transferring the load. A minimum of 4 to 6 inches of bearing on each side is a common requirement, but this can increase for wider spans or heavier loads.
Absolutely not. This calculator provides a simplified estimate for preliminary planning and budgeting. Lintel sizing is a complex structural calculation that depends on many factors. All lintel sizes must be verified by a qualified structural engineer or architect to ensure safety and code compliance.
A lintel supports the "tributary load" from above. For a simple brick wall, this is a triangular area of brickwork directly above the opening. If the lintel also supports floor joists or roof trusses, these "point loads" must be added to the calculation, significantly increasing the required strength of the lintel.
A wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness. A "single wythe" wall is one brick thick (typically used for veneers or facades). A "double wythe" wall is two bricks thick, often with an air gap or insulation in between, and is used for structural, load-bearing walls. A double wythe wall will place a heavier load on the lintel.
The terms are often used interchangeably. Generally, "lintel" refers to a beam over an opening in a masonry (brick or block) wall, and is often made of steel or precast concrete. "Header" usually refers to a wooden beam used to span an opening in a timber-framed wall.
Still Have Questions?
Contact UsTrusted by Builders and Architects
See why our calculator is a go-to tool for preliminary planning.
Alistair Finch
Structural Engineer
"A great starting point for my initial designs. Helps me quickly select a potential lintel before running the full structural analysis."
Bronwyn Rhys
DIY Remodeler
"Helped me understand what size steel beam I needed to ask my contractor for when I removed a wall. Very helpful!"
Cassian Valerius
General Contractor
"Quickly gives me the numbers my crew needs on site. Reduces errors and saves time. A must-have."
Elara Vance
Architect
"Great for planning out backyard patios and walkways for clients. Helps me quickly create a budget."
Peregrine Thorne
Property Manager
"I manage several rental units, and this calculator is essential for estimating flooring costs for turnover. Simple and very accurate."
Isolde Beaumont
Retail Store Owner
"Used this for budgeting the new flooring for my boutique. The estimate was incredibly close to my final cost."
Theron Petrov
Construction Manager
"Great for quickly estimating material needs for bidding on jobs. Simple, fast, and reliable."
Seraphina Dubois
Remodeler
"This calculator is so simple, but it saved me a couple hundred dollars by making sure I included a waste factor. Highly recommend."
Leander Croft
Handyman
"Does exactly what it says. Would be cool to see a feature that helps calculate costs for removing old flooring."
Have Feedback or a Question?
We'd love to hear from you! If you have suggestions, questions, or just want to say hello, please get in touch.