Science
Young’s modulus from extension
Estimate elastic stiffness from a tensile load and measured extension.
Calculators / Science / Poisson ratio from strain
Poisson ratio from strain calculator
Calculate the signed relationship between lateral contraction and axial extension.
On this page
Poisson ratio0.3
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Calculate the signed relationship between lateral contraction and axial extension.
Poisson ratio =
-lat/axWorked example
- Axial strain: 0.001
- Lateral strain: -0.0003
- Poisson ratio: 0.3
Assumptions and limits
Axial strain must be nonzero. Both strains are dimensionless and measured under the same loading; this does not validate a material’s isotropy or elasticity.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Calculate the signed relationship between lateral contraction and axial extension. For ordinary tensile extension and lateral contraction, the opposite signs give a positive ratio.
When this tool is useful
For ordinary tensile extension and lateral contraction, the opposite signs give a positive ratio.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
Axial strain ax | 0.001 |
Lateral strain lat | -0.0003 |
Frequently asked questions
Which assumptions matter for this result?
Axial strain must be nonzero. Both strains are dimensionless and measured under the same loading; this does not validate a material’s isotropy or elasticity.
How can I check the worked example?
Use the displayed example inputs in the stated formula. Keep each quantity in its labelled unit and compare the unrounded result before applying display rounding.