Forklift Load Capacity Calculator
Calculate safe working load capacity of a forklift at a non-standard load centre distance using the rated capacity and rated load centre.
Results
What is it?
A forklift's rated capacity is specified at a standard load centre (typically 500mm from the front face of the forks). When handling wider or deeper loads, the actual centre of gravity shifts further away, reducing safe capacity according to the inverse ratio of load centres.
How to use
Enter the forklift's rated capacity and rated load centre from the data plate. Then enter the actual load centre for your specific load (measure or estimate the distance from the fork face to the load's centre of gravity). The calculator shows the derated safe working load.
Example scenario
A 3-tonne forklift rated at 500mm load centre lifting a deep pallet where the CoG is at 700mm: Safe capacity reduces to 3000 � 500 / 700 = 2,143 kg. If your pallet weighs 2,500 kg, it exceeds the safe limit � use a larger forklift or redistribute the load.
Pro tip
Always check the data plate before lifting any non-standard load. Load capacity also decreases with lift height � most forklifts have a capacity chart showing reductions at 3m, 4m, and 5m lift heights. Never estimate: verify with the manufacturer's load capacity chart.