Bolted Connections Calculator

Checks a single non-preloaded structural bolt for shear, bearing, tension, and combined shear + tension resistance, per AISC 360.

Standards used on this page:ANSI/AISC 360-22, Section J3.6 (shear and tension) · Section J3.7 (combined shear + tension) · Section J3.10 (bearing) · LRFD (Strength Design) throughout.
Scope of this tool - please read before relying on this result:
  • Covers standard non-preloaded ("bearing-type") bolted connections only - not slip-critical (pretensioned/friction) connections.
  • Checks a single bolt - bolt groups, prying action, and load distribution across multiple bolts are not covered.
  • Shear resistance conservatively assumes threads are included in the shear plane.
  • Does not check the connected plate itself (net section resistance, block shear) - this is a bolt-only check.
Bolt
Connected material
Applied loads (optional, for a utilization check)
kips
kips
This calculator provides preliminary, indicative structural calculations only, intended to assist with initial sizing and understanding. It is not a substitute for assessment by a qualified structural engineer, and cad-steel.com accepts no responsibility for its use in any final design.