Size dock levelers fast for smooth, safe transfers. Enter door, trailer, and equipment details quickly. Download clear reports for bids, inspections, and records easily.
| Scenario | Door (in) | Dock (in) | Bed range (in) | Grade (%) | Forklift + Load (lb) | Suggested width | Suggested length | Suggested capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution bay | 96 | 48 | 38–60 | 8 | 9,000 + 5,000 | 6′ 0″ | 10′ 0″ | 20k–30k (round up) |
| Heavy pallets | 108 | 52 | 42–62 | 8 | 12,000 + 8,000 | 6′ 6″ | 10′ 0″ | 25k–35k (round up) |
| Wide door, cross-traffic | 120 | 50 | 40–64 | 10 | 8,500 + 4,000 | 7′ 0″ | 8′ 0″ | 25k (round up) |
Usable width is controlled by the tighter of door clearance and trailer clearance after margins. In many projects, an 8′ door (96 in) with 6 in side clearance yields about 84 in usable width, which typically maps to a 6′ (72 in) standard leveler width for consistent alignment.
Deck length depends on the worst-case height differential between dock and truck bed. If dock height is 48 in and the fleet ranges from 38–60 in, the maximum differential is 12 in. With an 8% allowable grade, the estimated deck requirement is about 150 in before rounding, so a 10′ (120 in) or 12′ (144 in) standard is commonly selected depending on lip and tolerance.
Many sites target 8% for loaded handling and 10% for lighter traffic. Higher grades increase impact and reduce traction, especially with wet decks or uneven tires. This calculator reports an achieved grade estimate to help you screen layouts early, then verify final geometry with manufacturer submittals.
Capacity is based on forklift weight plus the heaviest carried load, then increased by a safety factor. Example: 9,000 lb forklift + 5,000 lb load = 14,000 lb. With a 25% factor, the required rating is 17,500 lb, which typically rounds up to a 25,000 lb unit. High-cycle operations benefit from higher allowances to reduce fatigue and downtime.
Use this example to confirm inputs and outputs match expectations:
Measure door clear width, dock height, and fleet minimum and maximum bed heights. Then confirm forklift weight, peak carried load, and nearby clearance constraints like bumpers, guides, or seals.
The longest deck is driven by the largest dock-to-bed differential you must safely service. Using the worst case reduces steep approaches that increase impact, traction loss, and operator risk.
Yes. Grade is vertical change divided by ramp length, expressed as a percentage. Lower grades are easier for loaded equipment and help limit bounce and product instability.
Use 20–25% for typical operations and higher values for high-cycle traffic, harsh environments, or uncertain load growth. Confirm your site’s safety policy and supplier guidance before purchase.
Recheck bed-height assumptions and grade targets. If the range is real, consider a longer standard, engineered solutions, or operational controls such as dedicated doors for extreme vehicles.
Lip length affects effective ramp distance and vehicle contact. The calculator applies a conservative screening allowance; final selections should use manufacturer geometry and ramp charts for your application.
Yes, it supports early planning, scope checks, and budgeting. For final submittals, verify pit dimensions, clearances, and ratings with the chosen manufacturer and confirm compliance with local requirements.
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.