Calculate load per square foot (psf) by dividing total weight by loaded area, or find total load or area from a psf value, with kPa and metric units.
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Load Per Square Foot Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the load per square foot for a given total load and area.
Variables:
- L is the load per square foot
- T is the total applied force in pounds-force (lbf).
- A is the area in square feet (sq ft)
To calculate the load per square foot, divide the total load by the area. This will give you the load distributed over each square foot of the area.
What is Load Per Square Foot?
Load per square foot is applied force divided by loaded area. It gives a uniform or area-averaged load intensity; it does not determine the capacity of a floor, roof, shelf or other structure. Concentrated loads, load paths, code load combinations and structural resistance need separate engineering checks. The service-load mode adds simultaneous entered intensities without code factors. Optional tributary width converts area load to member line load.
How to Calculate Load Per Square Foot?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Load Per Square Foot.
- First, determine the total applied force (T) in pounds-force.
- Next, determine the area (A) in square feet.
- Finally, calculate the load per square foot using the formula L = T / A.
- After inserting the values and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Total Load (T) = 500 lbs
Area (A) = 50 sq ft
