Calculate dead loads from material dimensions, composite layers, or deck and structural gravity loads for beams, girders, and columns.

Find self-weight from dimensions and mass density.

Preliminary loads only. Material densities vary; verify project values. No member strength, code compliance or complete foundation design is checked.

Default 2400 kg/m³ is an approximate normal-weight concrete density; replace it for your material.

Dead Load Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a dead load.

DL = V × D
  • Where DL is dead-load force
  • V is the volume of the member/beam/etc.
  • D is weight density (force per volume). For mass density ρ in kg/m³, use DL = V × ρ × 9.80665 to obtain newtons.

To calculate self-weight, multiply volume by weight density. The calculator accepts mass density and applies standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s², to obtain force. Its deck and structural modes are preliminary load estimates using the stated distribution assumptions, not member-capacity or complete footing designs.

Dead Load Definition

What is a dead load? A dead load is defined as the weight of a structure that does not include the weight of the passengers or cargo. For example, a beam holding up a building would have a dead load equal to its own weight.

Example Problem

How to calculate dead load?

  1. First, determine the volume of the beam.

    For this example, we are looking at the dead load of a beam holding up a bridge. The beam itself has a volume of 10 ft^3.

  2. Next, determine the density of the beam.

    The steel beam has a density of 493.18 lbf/ft^3.

  3. Finally, calculate the dead load.

    Using the formula above, the dead load is found to be 10*493.18 = 4,931.8 lbf.

About Dead Load

What is considered a dead load? A dead load is a load or weight of a structural component of a building that does not change over time. In other words, the load from that structure is constant.

What are live loads? Live loads are the opposite of dead loads. These are loads that change over time that act on a structure. For example, traffic moving over a bridge is a live load because it changes over time.