Model elevator group capacity using practical project inputs. Calculate interval, waiting time, and service percentage. Export reports for teams, audits, and design decisions fast.
Effective car load: Qeff = Q × LF
Group handling capacity: HC5 = 300 × (N × Qeff) / RTT
Handling capacity percent: HC% = (HC5 / Population) × 100
Interval: I = RTT / N
Average waiting time: W ≈ I / 2
| Population | Elevators | Capacity | Load factor | RTT (s) | HC (persons/5 min) | HC (%) | Interval (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 | 4 | 16 | 0.80 | 120 | 128.00 | 16.00 | 30.00 |
| 1200 | 6 | 18 | 0.75 | 135 | 180.00 | 15.00 | 22.50 |
| 600 | 3 | 13 | 0.85 | 110 | 90.41 | 15.07 | 36.67 |
Handling capacity expresses how many people your elevators can move in five minutes during the busiest arrival period. Designers typically evaluate the morning up‑peak for office buildings, when passengers travel from the main lobby to upper floors. The calculator reports both people per five minutes and the percentage of the served population. These outputs help size the group early, before detailed traffic simulations are available for early planning.
Capacity depends on car size, number of elevators, loading level, and round trip time. Car capacity is converted to passengers using a load factor, because cars rarely fill to their nominal rating. Round trip time includes door operations, passenger transfer, and travel time to the highest probable stop. When round trip time rises, cars return less often and handling capacity falls, even if capacity stays constant.
Interval is the average time between successive car departures from the main floor. A lower interval usually feels better to occupants because waits are shorter and queues clear faster. The calculator derives interval from round trip time divided by the number of elevators. Use the reported interval alongside handling capacity; a group may meet capacity targets yet still create long perceived waits if interval is high.
Typical performance targets vary by building type and tenant expectations. Many office designs aim for roughly 12–17% of the population moved in five minutes, and premium offices may target higher for peak-lobby conditions. Residential and hotel traffic is more spread out, so acceptable percentages can be lower, but comfort often depends on interval and car size. Align targets with local codes, standards, and stakeholder requirements.
Treat early calculations as a screening tool and refine assumptions as plans mature. Update highest probable stop, door times, and passenger transfer rates once layout and specifications are known. Consider adding reserve capacity for future tenancy growth, service lifts, or access control delays. If the results are marginal, options include adding a car, increasing speed, improving door performance, or reducing round trip time through zoning.
It estimates how many passengers a lift group can deliver from the main floor to upper floors in a five‑minute peak period, expressed as people and as a percentage of the served population.
Real cars rarely load to their rated maximum. The load factor converts rated capacity to a realistic passenger count, improving early sizing and reducing overly optimistic capacity estimates.
Round trip time is one car’s full cycle from lobby departure to returning ready to load again. Interval is the average time between successive car departures, equal to round trip time divided by the number of cars.
It depends on building type and service goals. Offices often aim around 12–17% in five minutes, while premium offices can be higher. Residential and hotels may accept lower percentages if waits remain comfortable.
Round trip time and the number of elevators usually dominate. Door times, passenger transfer times, and highest probable stop strongly influence round trip time, while capacity and load factor set passengers per trip.
No. It is a fast screening tool for early design. Use it to compare options, then confirm performance with manufacturer data and traffic analysis once floor populations, zoning, and specifications are defined.
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.