Alternatives Guide · Updated 2026
Best Tekla Tedds Alternatives for Beam Design in 2026
Tekla Tedds is an established calculation software — but with enterprise pricing, a lengthy procurement process, and more complexity than most beam checks require, many engineers are looking for lighter, faster alternatives.
Tekla Tedds (by Trimble) provides a library of pre-built structural calculation templates for beams, columns, foundations, retaining walls, and more. It's been an industry standard in larger UK consultancies for years, particularly valued for its standardised calculation output and Eurocode compliance. However, at several thousand pounds per seat per year, it requires a serious commitment — and a procurement process that can take weeks or months in larger firms.
Common reasons engineers seek Tekla Tedds alternatives: the annual licence cost is prohibitive for small practices or individual engineers, the software is desktop-only with no Excel integration, setup and IT admin overhead is significant, and for the majority of day-to-day work (beam checks), the full Tedds library is unnecessary.
BeamBuddy
Our PickAn Excel add-in purpose-built for beam analysis. Runs directly inside Microsoft Excel with bidirectional cell linking, 397 Blue Book steel sections, continuous beam support, and Eurocode 3 design checks. Designed for the beam work that makes up the bulk of routine structural calculations.
Pros
- ✓Lives inside Excel — results write to cells
- ✓397 UK steel sections (UB, UC, PFC, RHS, SHS, CHS, IPE, HEA, HEB, HEM)
- ✓Continuous beams with up to 10 spans
- ✓Eurocode 3 design checks
- ✓No procurement — install from Excel Add-ins store
- ✓Thousands of times cheaper than Tedds
Cons
- ✗Beam analysis only — no foundations, columns, or retaining walls
- ✗No standardised Tedds-style PDF output (results go to Excel cells)
- ✗Requires Microsoft Excel
Calcs.com
Web-based structural calculation platform offering beam, column, and connection design modules. Aims to modernise the traditional "calcs-on-paper" workflow with a browser-based alternative.
Pros
- ✓Modern web interface
- ✓Multiple structural element types
- ✓Eurocode compliance
- ✓No installation required
Cons
- ✗Web-only — no offline access
- ✗No Excel integration
- ✗Less established section library
- ✗Still relatively expensive per seat
TheStructuralEngineer.info Spreadsheets
Collection of free and paid spreadsheets covering various structural calculations. Built by practising engineers, they offer standard Eurocode design checks in familiar Excel format.
Pros
- ✓Familiar Excel format
- ✓Can inspect and modify formulas
- ✓One-off cost, no subscription
- ✓Covers various element types
Cons
- ✗No automatic SFD/BMD diagrams
- ✗Each spreadsheet handles one beam configuration
- ✗Manual data entry (no cell linking)
- ✗Varying quality and maintenance
SkyCiv
Cloud-based structural analysis platform with full 3D frame analysis, beam calculators, and design modules. Broader in scope than beam-only tools, with support for multiple international design codes.
Pros
- ✓Comprehensive structural analysis
- ✓Multiple design codes
- ✓Cloud accessible from any device
- ✓3D frame analysis capability
Cons
- ✗Similar or higher monthly cost than Tedds when annualised
- ✗No Excel integration
- ✗Learning curve for the full platform
- ✗Web dependency — no offline mode
Frequently Asked Questions
Can BeamBuddy replace Tekla Tedds?
For beam analysis work, yes — BeamBuddy handles simply supported beams, continuous multi-span beams, all standard load types, Eurocode 3 steel design checks, and full Blue Book section selection. However, Tedds also covers foundations, columns, retaining walls, and other element types that BeamBuddy does not. If beam checks are your primary Tedds use case, BeamBuddy is a much cheaper and faster alternative.
How much cheaper is BeamBuddy than Tekla Tedds?
Tekla Tedds typically costs £2,000–£4,000+ per seat per year. BeamBuddy Pro is £1.99/month (£23.88/year) — roughly 100x cheaper. For a 5-person team, that's the difference between £10,000–£20,000/year and under £120/year.
Does BeamBuddy produce Tedds-style calculation sheets?
BeamBuddy takes a different approach: instead of generating a standalone calculation document, it writes results directly into your Excel spreadsheet cells. You build your calculation sheet in Excel and BeamBuddy populates the analysis results automatically via cell linking. Many engineers find this faster than Tedds' template-based approach.
Can I try BeamBuddy before committing?
Yes — BeamBuddy offers a free tier with no time limit, plus a 14-day Pro trial with full access and no credit card required. You can also try the free online beam calculator at beambuddy.co.uk/calculator without any account.
Ready to switch from Tekla Tedds?
Start with a free 14-day Pro trial. Import your beam designs and see results in your Excel spreadsheet in minutes.