Carpentry and Woodworking - beam size on load bearing wall

im ripping out a 22' section of wall on the top floor of my 2 story home. the bottom floor is half underground with no load bearing wall under the same part of the house i am planning on taking out upstairs. i was figuring on sticking in a homemade laminate beam out of 2 x 10s and plywood and having a column supporting it. i was finally asking myself why i needed a support under it when the beam downstairs doesnt have one. if the wall is only supporting the roof... then why would it need to be stronger then the one downstairs.

anyways, a couple months ago i remember running across a chart somewhere that answered the question i have today. unfortunately, i cannot find it again. i have searched and everyone just says.... get a contractor.

does anyone have or know where the info is on sizing up a beam so i dont have to stick a support under it.

thanx a ton

When we encounter load bearing wall issues on this forum, the professional advice is to consult a structural engineer. Too, any changes to structure will require a building permit. Check with your local building code/inspector office.