By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
Bearing stress is the contact pressure transmitted through the area of contact between two bodies. It is commonly used for pins, bushings and bolted joints.
Contact stress between two cylinders or a cylinder and a flat.
σ_b = F / (d · l)
σ_b is the bearing stress, F the load, d the diameter of the pin or cylindrical contact and l the length of engagement.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| σ_b | Bearing stress. |
| F | Applied load. |
| d | Diameter of the pin or contact width. |
| l | Length of engagement. |
σ_b = 5000 N / (0.02 m × 0.03 m) = 8.33 MPa.
Continue with the Euler Buckling Calculator, Slenderness Ratio Calculator, or the Thin Cylinder Hoop Stress Calculator — or browse more materials and elasticity tools and all physics calculators.
Bearing stress is a contact stress confined to the projected area of contact, while compressive stress acts over the full cross‑section.
Results are computed from the standard equations of classical mechanics. Unit conversions use the SI definitions published by NIST. Air resistance is ignored unless the calculator names a drag model.
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Content updated: September 2026