Calculate breaking load in pounds from tensile strength and round, rectangular, or known cross-sectional area, or solve tensile strength from a measured load.

Strength and Breaking Load
Required: diameter and tensile strength.
The allowable working load equals the calculated breaking load divided by this factor.
Breaking load
Equivalent force
Cross-sectional area
Allowable load
Formula
Results estimate axial capacity from ultimate tensile strength and the original net cross-sectional area. Actual safe capacity can be lower because of defects, threads, holes, joints, stress concentrations, fatigue, temperature, and applicable design codes.

Tensile Strength To Lbs Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the tensile strength to lbs.

TS = F / A

Variables:

  • TS is the tensile strength (lbs)
  • F is the force required to break the material (lbs)
  • A is the cross-sectional area of the material (square inches)

To calculate the tensile strength to lbs, divide the force required to break the material by the cross-sectional area of the material. The result will be the tensile strength in pounds-force per square inch (lbs/in²), which indicates the maximum amount of tensile stress that the material can withstand before failure.

Tensile Strength to Pounds-force Conversion Table (Assumes 1.00 in² cross-section)
Tensile Strength (psi) Force (lb) on 1 in²
100100.000
250250.000
500500.000
1,0001000.000
2,0002000.000
3,0003000.000
5,0005000.000
10,00010000.000
15,00015000.000
20,00020000.000
30,00030000.000
36,00036000.000
40,00040000.000
50,00050000.000
60,00060000.000
70,00070000.000
80,00080000.000
90,00090000.000
100,000100000.000
120,000120000.000
* Rounded to 3 decimals. Assumes area = 1.00 in². By definition, 1 psi = 1 lb per square inch.

What is Tensile Strength To Lbs?

Tensile strength is a measure of the force required to pull something such as rope, wire, or a structural beam to the point where it breaks. It is usually measured in pounds-force (lbs) or newtons in the metric system. The tensile strength to lbs refers to the maximum amount of tensile stress that a material or object can withstand before failure, expressed in pounds. This measurement is crucial in engineering and manufacturing to ensure materials and products can withstand the forces they will be subjected to during use.

How to Calculate Tensile Strength To Lbs?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Tensile Strength in lbs.


  1. First, determine the force required to break the material (F) in lbs.
  2. Next, determine the cross-sectional area of the material (A) in square inches.
  3. Next, gather the formula from above: TS = F / A.
  4. Finally, calculate the Tensile Strength in lbs.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

force required to break the material (F) = 500 lbs

cross-sectional area of the material (A) = 10 square inches