Skip to main content
Calcimator

Deck Load Calculator

Calculate maximum deck loading capacity from structural scantlings, plating thickness, and frame spacing.

Inputs

ft²
in
ft
psi

Results

Gross Deck Capacity

225 lb/ft²

Net Capacity (minus plate weight)214.8 lb/ft²
Capacity (metric)10.77 kN/m²
Total Deck Capacity112,500 lbs
Total Capacity56.3 short tons
Plate Self-Weight10.21 lb/ft²
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the deck area in square feet and the steel plate thickness in inches.
  2. Input frame spacing in feet, steel yield strength in psi, and desired safety factor.
  3. Review the gross deck capacity (lb/ft²) and net capacity after subtracting plate weight.
  4. Check total deck capacity in short tons for cargo planning.
  5. Increase plate thickness or reduce frame spacing if the capacity is insufficient for your use.

How the result changes with Frame Spacing

Frame SpacingGross Deck Capacity
0.95997.2 lb/ft²
2.08208 lb/ft²
3.4376.5 lb/ft²
4.5543.5 lb/ft²

What each input means

Deck Area
Total deck area being evaluated.
Plate Thickness
Steel deck plating thickness in inches.
Frame Spacing
Spacing between supporting frames or beams.
Steel Yield Strength
Yield strength of deck steel. Mild steel: 36,000 psi; HT: 51,000 psi.
Safety Factor
Design safety factor. Typical range 2.0-3.0 for marine applications.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Deck Area = 500, Plate Thickness = 0.25, Frame Spacing = 2, Steel Yield Strength = 36000 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Gross Deck Capacity
    Gross Deck Capacity
    225 = 225
  3. Calculate Net Capacity
    Net Capacity
    214.8 = 214.8
  4. Calculate Capacity
    Capacity
    10.77 = 10.77

Engine last updated . Checked against 3 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Naval Architecture

Stability GZ Curve Calculator

Calculate the righting arm (GZ) curve from hull geometry and loading to assess vessel stability.

Naval Architecture

Vessel Displacement Calculator

Calculate vessel displacement from hull dimensions, draft, and block coefficient.

Naval Architecture

Bilge Pump Sizing Calculator

Calculate required bilge pump capacity from hull volume, flooding risk, and ABYC guidelines.

More in Aviation, Marine & Transport.