Truck Turning Radius Calculator
Calculate minimum turning radius, swept path width, and clearance radius for a truck or rigid vehicle based on wheelbase and steering angle.
Results
What is it?
A truck's turning radius determines the minimum space required for a U-turn, roundabout, or loading dock manoeuvre. The turning radius is governed by wheelbase and maximum steering angle. The swept path width (the total road width consumed during a turn) is essential for road and facility design.
How to use
Enter the vehicle wheelbase (distance from front to rear axle), the maximum front wheel steering angle (from vehicle specs), and the track width (distance between outer edges of tyres on the same axle). The calculator gives inner turning radius, total swept path, and clearance radius.
Example scenario
A rigid truck with 5,800mm wheelbase, 35� steering angle, 2,000mm track width: Inner turning radius � 10.11 m. Swept path � 22.22 m wide. Clearance radius � 11.11 m. This means the truck needs a minimum 22.2 m wide area to complete a full U-turn.
Pro tip
For articulated semi-trailers (B-doubles, road trains), the turning radius calculation is significantly more complex due to the trailer's off-tracking (the rear wheels cut inside the front wheels' path). Use swept path simulation software (such as AutoTURN) for facility design involving articulated vehicles. This calculator is for rigid trucks only.