Jib Crane Design Calculator
Jib crane boom and foundation sizing from capacity.
Inputs
Results
Boom Sx (in^3)
18
Mast pipe OD (in)8
Foundation dia (in)28
Foundation depth (ft)5
Coverage (sq ft)393
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the required lifting capacity (lb) for the heaviest load the crane will handle.
- Set the boom span (ft) — the horizontal reach from the mast centerline to the hook.
- Enter the under-boom height (ft) — clearance available beneath the boom arm.
- Input the rotation arc (degrees) — how far the boom swings (90° to 360°).
- Use Boom Sx (in³) to select a structural beam section, and Foundation dia (in) and Foundation depth (ft) for anchor design.
How the result changes with Capacity (lb)
| Capacity (lb) | Boom Sx (in^3) |
|---|---|
| 2,090 | 18.81 |
| 7,065 | 63.59 |
| 13,035 | 117.32 |
| 18,010 | 162.09 |
What each input means
- Capacity (lb)
- Required lifting capacity.
- Boom span (ft)
- Boom arm length (reach) in feet.
- Under-boom height (ft)
- Height under the boom in feet.
- Rotation (degrees)
- Boom rotation arc in degrees.
What each result means
- Boom Sx (in^3)
- Required section modulus for the boom beam.
- Mast pipe OD (in)
- Recommended mast pipe outside diameter.
- Foundation dia (in)
- Recommended foundation pier diameter.
- Foundation depth (ft)
- Recommended foundation pier depth.
- Coverage (sq ft)
- Working area covered by the jib crane.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersCapacity (lb) = 2000, Boom span (ft) = 15, Under-boom height (ft) = 12, Rotation (degrees) = 200 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Boom SxBoom Sx = round(moment / 20000 * 100) / 10018 = 18
- Calculate Mast pipe OD8 = 8
- Calculate Foundation diaFoundation dia = mastPipeOD * 2 + 1228 = 28
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