weight balance calculator

Weight Balance Calculator — Load Distribution & CG Tool

Weight Balance Calculator — Center of Gravity & Reactions

Enter item weights and positions plus support (reaction) points to compute overall center of gravity (CG) and reaction forces for static equilibrium. Useful for pallets, vehicles, platforms and cargo planning.

Positions measured from a chosen reference point (meters or feet).
Enter two or more support positions (same units as item positions).
If platform has its own weight, enter it and its CG will be assumed at mid-point of supports unless specified in items.
Result:
Enter items and supports then click Calculate Balance.

How it works

The calculator computes total weight and the moment about the reference point (sum of weight × position). CG = sum(moments) ÷ total weight. For supports, it solves static equilibrium (sum of vertical reactions = total weight and sum of moments about reference = 0) to find reaction forces. For systems with more supports than equilibrium equations, a minimum-norm distribution is used to split loads reasonably.

What a Weight Balance Calculator Does

A Weight Balance Calculator helps you determine how weight is distributed across a platform, vehicle, pallet, aircraft, or any object where balance and center-of-gravity matter. It converts individual item weights and their positions into a clear picture of load distribution, center of mass, and potential tipping or overload risks. This tool is essential for safety, legal compliance, and optimal performance.

How It Works (Basic Principles)

The calculator uses the principle of moments (torque) to find the overall center of gravity (CG) and the load on support points. For linear systems:

Moment = Weight × Distance from reference point
CG position = (Sum of moments) ÷ (Total weight)

Once CG is known, the calculator splits total weight among supports (axles, beams, feet) by solving equilibrium equations so vertical reaction forces sum to total weight and their moments match the total moment.

Typical Inputs Required

  • Individual item weights (kg or lb)
  • Positions of each item relative to a chosen reference (meters or feet)
  • Positions of supports or axles (for multi-support systems)
  • Total empty weight of the platform (if applicable)

Example (Simple Two-Support Case)

A plank has two supports 4 m apart. Items: 200 kg at 1 m from left support and 150 kg at 3 m. Total weight = 350 kg. Total moment about left support = (200×1) + (150×3) = 200 + 450 = 650 kg·m. CG from left = 650 ÷ 350 ≈ 1.86 m. Reaction at left = Total × (distance of right support − CG) ÷ span; reaction at right = Total − reaction at left. This tells you how much load each support carries.

Why Use a Weight Balance Calculator?

  • Prevents tipping and uneven wear
  • Ensures legal axle/load compliance for vehicles
  • Helps design safe cargo and pallet layouts
  • Optimizes fuel efficiency and handling in transport
  • Aids rigging and lifting planning for safe operations

Tips & Considerations

  • Always measure distances from the same reference point.
  • Include platform empty weight and attachments for accuracy.
  • Dynamic forces (acceleration, braking) alter effective loads — add safety margins.
  • For critical or certified operations, verify results with physical scales or engineering review.

Final Note

A Weight Balance Calculator simplifies complex load-distribution problems and provides actionable values for safer, more efficient operations. Use it as part of a broader safety and verification process.

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