Measures · Lintel
Lintel sizing FREE
Work out the depth of a lintel from its clear span and material. Below the result you find the formula and the standard.
Indicative pre-sizing. It does not replace a structural calculation signed by a licensed engineer. For seismic zones with agS (design ground acceleration) > 0.15g, long spans or use classes III/IV → talk to a structural engineer.
Pick a calculation from the list to start.
Formula, example and standard
h ≈ L/20 (min IPE 120)
Example with the starting values (Clear span: 1.5 m; Material: Steel): Depth ≈ 12 cm (IPE 120). Min bearing each side: 25 cm.
- Steel: min IPE 120 even for short spans.
- Bearing: 20 cm for L ≤ 110 cm · 25 cm for L > 110 cm (UNI EN 845-2).
- Load-bearing masonry in seismic zones: lintel + opening frame (cerchiatura) required (NTC §7.8).
Source: NTC 2018 §4.5 · UNI EN 845-2 · dimuziolaterizi.com
Indicative pre-sizing: it does not replace a calculation signed by a licensed engineer.
The other calculations
Timber beamSteel IPE beamReinforced concrete beamReinforced concrete columnSteel columnTimber columnRC cantilever / balconyClay block and concrete slabTimber floorPredalles slabLoad-bearing brick wallPartition wallStaircaseMinimum room heightWindow-to-floor ratioEscape route widthNumber of toiletsNTC imposed loadsExternal insulationVentilated crawl spaceRoof pitch