Dead Load Calculator for Buildings

Measure slabs, walls, and finishes with layered inputs fast. Convert density, thickness, and area units, view totals instantly, then download reports for approvals and records.

Calculator

Pick the input style that matches your data.
Use standard gravity or local code value.
Optional safety margin for takeoff and rounding.

Use for layered or pressure methods.
If area is blank, area = L × W.

Layer inputs (used by layered area method)
Layer 1 is required. Layers 2–3 are optional.


Alternative inputs
If mass is blank, mass = volume × density.
Overrides volume-based mass if provided.
Cost is an estimate for takeoff and comparison.

Formula Used

Layer method
  • Area = L × W if area is not provided
  • Mass = Σ(Area × thickness × density)
  • Dead load W = (Mass × g) / 1000 in kN
Pressure and direct methods
  • W = q × Area where q is kN/m²
  • Mass = (W × 1000) / g
  • Adjusted = value × (1 + contingency/100)

Dead load is the permanent weight of materials and fixed equipment.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select the method that matches your available data.
  2. Enter area directly, or provide length and width.
  3. For layered method, enter thickness and density per layer.
  4. Optionally add contingency and pricing for quick takeoff.
  5. Press calculate to show results above this form.
  6. Download CSV or PDF to store project documentation.

Example Data Table

Scenario Area (m²) Layers Mass (kg) g (m/s²) Contingency Dead load (kN) Area load (kN/m²)
Slab only 100 Concrete 0.15 m @ 2400 36000 9.80665 0% 353.04 3.53
Slab + screed 80 0.12 m @ 2400 + 0.05 m @ 2000 31040 9.80665 5% 319.70 4.00
Direct area load 120 q = 3.8 kN/m² 9.80665 2% 465.12 3.88

Example values are illustrative and may differ from project specifications.

Track permanent loads carefully to support safer designs.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.