This paper describes the design process of a 3-component load cell with a multiple parallel plate structure which may be used to measure transverse forces and twisting moment simultaneously. Also we have derived equations to predict the bending strains on the surface of the beams in the multiple parallel plate structure under transverse force or twisting moment. It reveals that the bending strains calculated from the derived equations are in good agreement with the results from finite element analysis and experiment. Also we have evaluated the rated output and interference error of each component, which can be efficiently used to design a 3-component load cell with a multiple parallel plate structure.