Calculators · Towing and loads
Axle load, centre of gravity and weight transfer calculator
Where a load sits matters as much as how heavy it is. A load behind the rear axle adds more than its own weight to that axle and lifts weight off the front, which affects steering, braking and axle ratings. These calculators show how a load changes each axle’s weight, locate a vehicle’s centre of gravity from axle weights, and estimate how much weight moves between axles under braking or acceleration.
Axle loads after adding a load
Splits a load between the axles by lever principle, using its distance behind the front axle. A distance greater than the wheelbase means the load is behind the rear axle, which unloads the front axle — a negative front change.
rear added = load × position / wheelbase front added = load − rear added
Centre of gravity from axle weights
Locates the centre of gravity along the vehicle from the weight on each axle, measured on scales. Its position explains a vehicle’s balance: nearer the front means more understeer and better traction for front-wheel drive.
x = wheelbase × rear / (front + rear)
Weight transfer under braking or acceleration
When a vehicle brakes, weight moves onto the front axle; when it accelerates, onto the rear. The amount depends on deceleration, centre-of-gravity height and wheelbase — tall vehicles with short wheelbases transfer the most.
ΔW = m × a × h / wheelbase
Worked example: loading a van
- A van with a 3.0 m wheelbase weighs 1,000 kg front and 800 kg rear.
- A 500 kg load 2.4 m behind the front axle adds 500 × 2.4 / 3.0 = 400 kg to the rear and 100 kg to the front.
- A 300 kg load hung 4.0 m behind the front axle — 1 m behind the rear — adds 400 kg to the rear and removes 100 kg from the front.
- Braking a 1,500 kg car at 0.8 g with a 550 mm centre of gravity moves about 244 kg onto the front axle.
Typical front weight distribution
| Layout | Front share |
|---|---|
| Front-engine, front-wheel drive | about 58 – 64% |
| Front-engine, rear-wheel drive | about 50 – 55% |
| Mid-engine sports car | about 40 – 45% |
| Rear-engine | about 38 – 42% |
| Empty pickup truck | about 55 – 60% |
Related
About these results
Results are theoretical estimates from standard engineering formulas. Real-world figures depend on conditions these formulas do not capture. Always follow the manufacturer's specifications for maintenance, loading and safety decisions.
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