Stress Calculator
Calculate stress from force and cross-sectional area.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Request a ToolHow to Use the Stress Calculator
Enter the applied force and cross-sectional area. The calculator gives stress in Pascals and MPa.
- Enter force. The applied load in Newtons.
- Enter area. The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the force.
- Read the result. Stress = Force / Area.
About the Stress Calculator
Stress is the internal force per unit area within a material. It is one of the most fundamental concepts in structural and mechanical engineering. When a force is applied to an object, the material resists by developing internal stress. If the stress exceeds the material's yield strength, permanent deformation occurs. If it exceeds the ultimate strength, the material fractures. The SI unit is Pascal (Pa), but engineers commonly use megapascals (MPa) or gigapascals (GPa).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between stress and pressure?
Both are force per area. Pressure typically refers to external forces on surfaces, while stress refers to internal forces within a material. Stress can be tensile (pulling), compressive (pushing), or shear.
What are common yield strengths?
Mild steel: ~250 MPa. Aluminum 6061: ~276 MPa. Titanium Ti-6Al-4V: ~880 MPa. Concrete (compressive): ~30 MPa.
What is the difference between engineering stress and true stress?
Engineering stress uses the original cross-sectional area. True stress uses the instantaneous area, which changes as the material deforms. True stress is always higher during tensile loading.