Scaffolding Load Calculator
Check bay load, leg load, and base bearing. Choose unit system.
Units
Metric (SI)
US (Imperial)
Platform Load
Leg & Base Check
Duty class
Light (approx 1.5 kN/m² | 31 psf)
Medium (approx 2.5 kN/m² | 52 psf)
Heavy (approx 3.6 kN/m² | 75 psf)
Very Heavy (approx 5.0 kN/m² | 104 psf)
Custom
Use Custom to enter your own surface load.
Surface load (if Custom)
kN/m² (Metric) or psf (US)
Bay length
Platform width
Working levels at once
How many platforms loaded at the same time
Self-weight per bay (optional)
kN (Metric) or kips (US). Frames, boards, guardrails, etc.
Extra point load (optional)
kN (Metric) or kips (US). Pallet, hoist, etc.
Area (one platform)
Surface load used
Bay load (live only)
Self + extra
Total bay load
Levels considered
Live bay load = q × length × width × levels. Add self-weight and any extra point load.
Number of legs per bay
Two frames × two legs = 4
Uneven factor
To allow for uneven sharing
Leg capacity (allowable)
kN (Metric) or kips (US) per leg
Base plate area
cm² (Metric) or in² (US)
Ground bearing capacity
kPa (Metric) or psf (US)
Bay total load (from Platform tab)
kN (Metric) or kips (US)
Leg design load
Leg capacity (allowable)
Utilization
Base bearing pressure
Ground capacity
Check
Leg design load = (Bay total / legs) × uneven factor. Base pressure = Leg load / plate area.