Enter the total length, width, and thickness of each dock float and the total number of floats into the calculator to determine the weight the dock can support.

Dock Weight Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a dock weight. 

DW = L/12*W/12*T/12 * F * 62.4
  • Where DW is the maximum dock weight (lbs)
  • L is the length of each float (in)
  • W is the width of each float (in)
  • T is the thickness of each float (in)
  • #F is the total number of floats used

To calculate the maximum weight a dock can support, multiply the volume of the floats by the density of water. This results in the maximum dock weight because the force that the floats can hold is equal to the weight of the water they displace.

What is a dock float?

Definition:

A dock float is a piece of material with a hollow inside that is used to float docks. When several are combined, the floats can support the amount of weight equal to the weight of the water they displace.

How to calculate dock weight?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines how to calculate the weight a dock can support.

First, determine the length, width, and thickness of each float. In this example, these are provided as follows:

L = 26 inches

W = 12 inches

T = 6 inches

Next, determine the total number of floats used for the dock. In this case, 10 floats are used.

Finally, calculate the maximum weight the dock can support using the formula above:

DW = L/12*W/12*T/12 * #F * 62.4

DW = 26/12*12/12*6/12 * 10 * 62.4

DW = 676 lbs