Shear Stress Calculator
Calculate shear stress from shear force and the area resisting shear, in MPa or ksi.
How it works
- 1Enter the shear force and the area resisting the shear.
- 2The calculator applies τ = V ÷ A and converts to MPa or ksi.
- 3Compare the result against the material’s shear strength.
Use cases
- Checking a bolt or pin loaded in single or double shear.
- Sizing welds, rivets, and keys against shear failure.
- Analysing punching and cutting operations.
Frequently asked questions
What is shear stress?
Shear stress acts parallel to a surface, unlike normal stress which acts perpendicular. It equals the shear force divided by the area resisting it: τ = V ÷ A.
What is single vs double shear?
In single shear a fastener is cut across one plane, so the shear area is one cross-section. In double shear there are two planes, doubling the effective area and halving the stress for the same load.
How does shear stress compare to shear strength?
A part is safe when the applied shear stress stays below the material’s shear strength, with a suitable safety factor. Ductile metals have a shear strength roughly 0.58 of their tensile yield strength.
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