Poisson's Ratio Calculator

About the Poisson’s Ratio Calculator

The Poisson’s Ratio Calculator helps determine the Poisson’s Ratio (ν) of a material — a fundamental elastic property that defines how a material deforms laterally when stretched or compressed longitudinally. It expresses the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain and is essential in structural engineering, mechanics of materials, and material science for understanding deformation and stress behavior.

What You Can Calculate

• Poisson’s Ratio (ν): The dimensionless ratio between lateral and axial strain in a material under uniaxial loading.
• Material Deformation Behavior: Evaluate how materials expand or contract laterally when subjected to tension or compression.

Formula Used in the Calculator

The Poisson’s Ratio is calculated using the standard formula:

• ν = − ε_lat / ε_axial

Where:

• ν = Poisson’s Ratio (dimensionless)
• ε_lat = Lateral strain
• ε_axial = Axial strain

How to Use the Poisson’s Ratio Calculator

1. Enter the lateral strain (ε_lat) — the strain measured perpendicular to the applied load.
2. Enter the axial strain (ε_axial) — the strain measured in the direction of the applied load.
3. The calculator will instantly compute the Poisson’s Ratio (ν).

Applications of Poisson’s Ratio in Engineering

• Structural Engineering: Used in beam, column, and plate design to assess lateral contraction and expansion effects.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA): A critical input parameter for accurate material behavior modeling and simulation.
• Material Science: Helps in classifying materials as ductile, brittle, isotropic, or anisotropic based on deformation response.
• Elasticity and Mechanics of Materials: Correlates with other mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and shear modulus.
• Composite and Polymer Analysis: Used to determine flexibility and dimensional stability under various load conditions.