The article considers experimental and theoretical studies of short corbels. The analysis has revealed the specificity of formation and development of inclined cracks depending on the load and type of reinforcement. The factors influencing the bearing capacity of short corbels have been described. The influence of the ratio a/d and saturation of corbels with the main longitudinal reinforcement has been particularly highlighted. As the a/d ratio decreases and the percentage of longitudinal reinforcement increases, the load-bearing capacity of short corbels increases. In our opinion, it is advisable to consider the influence of longitudinal reinforcement on the strength of short corbels using a more generalized parameter ξ = x/d, as in calculating the strength of vertical sections. This parameter effectively accounts for both the influence of the strength of concrete and longitudinal reinforcement on the bearing capacity of short corbels. The parameter characterizing the bearing capacity of corbels, according to our proposals, is the ratio of the experimental destructive moment Mu,test to the calculated destructive moment of the vertical section Mu during the destruction of the console along an inclined section. The ratio of these moments is designated as V = Mu,test/Mu and is used in our approach to calculate the strength of inclined sections of reinforced concrete beams. This ratio has been also proposed to be used in the calculation of the strength of inclined sections of short corbels.