Mezzanine Floor Load Calculator

Inputs

Unit System

Metric (m, kPa, kN)

Imperial (ft, psf, lb)

All results are also shown in both unit families.

Length *

In meters.

Width *

In meters.

Dead Load (DL)

Self-weight allowance, uniform intensity.

Superimposed Dead (SDL)

Decking, finishes, fixed services.

Live Load (LL)

Occupancy, storage, traffic loads.

Equipment Uniform (EL)

Treated as live for factoring.

Optional Point Loads

Add concentrated loads from equipment legs, pallets, or machinery.

Type controls the factor applied.

Point Load 1 (kN)

Point Load 2 (kN)

Point Load 3 (kN)

Reset

Notes: This tool estimates vertical loads only. Verify local codes, deflection limits, vibration, connections, and concentrated load distribution on joists and deck.

Example Data Table

Scenario	Length	Width	DL	SDL	LL	EL	Point Loads
Light storage mezzanine	9.0 m	6.0 m	0.60 kPa	0.25 kPa	3.00 kPa	0.50 kPa	2 × 8 kN (live-type)
Industrial platform	30 ft	20 ft	15 psf	10 psf	125 psf	20 psf	1 × 2500 lb (dead-type)
Office mezzanine	12.0 m	5.0 m	0.55 kPa	0.20 kPa	2.40 kPa	0.00 kPa	None

Use these examples to sanity-check inputs before finalizing calculations.

Formula Used

Geometry

Area = Length × Width

Area is computed in m², then also shown in ft².

Uniform Loads

Dead = (DL + SDL)

Live = (LL + EL)

Total (kN) = Intensity (kPa) × Area (m²)

Load Combination

Service Total = Dead + Live + Point Loads

Factored Total = 1.2 × Dead + 1.6 × Live

The calculator applies the same 1.2 / 1.6 factors to point loads based on their selected type. Adjust factors to match your governing standard if needed.

How to Use This Calculator

Choose Metric or Imperial units at the top.
Enter mezzanine length and width to define floor area.
Provide DL, SDL, LL, and any equipment intensity.
Add optional point loads, then assign each as dead-type or live-type.
Press Calculate to view results above the form.
Download CSV or PDF to share assumptions and outputs.

Practical tip: If you have multiple equipment legs, enter them as separate point loads or combine them into one total if they act at the same bay.

Load Classification for Mezzanines

Start by separating permanent loads from variable demands. Dead load covers framing, decking, rails, and fixed services. Superimposed dead load captures finishes and permanently attached items. Live load represents occupancy or storage and often governs serviceability. Equipment intensity can be treated as live when placement may change. The calculator keeps these categories distinct for clear reporting.

Defining Tributary Area and Intensity

Uniform inputs are intensities multiplied by plan area. Area equals length times width, so confirm dimensions before running results. For openings or irregular layouts, use the effective loaded footprint of the level checked. Unit conversion helps align field notes and drawings, but you should verify the target standard. Ensure the intensity matches the selected occupancy or storage class.

Handling Concentrated Equipment Loads

Mezzanines frequently support pallet drops or machinery legs that act as concentrated forces. Enter point loads where they bear on the deck, not averaged across the full floor. Summing point loads gives a practical total demand for early sizing. For member design, distribute them to joists, beams, and base plates using realistic load paths. The tool lets each point load be tagged as dead type or live type.

Using Factored Combinations for Strength

Strength checks often apply a gravity combination such as 1.2D plus 1.6L. Live loading receives the larger factor due to variability, while dead loading is more predictable. The factored uniform intensity helps you estimate deck and framing capacity quickly. If your governing code uses different factors or additional combinations, adjust the inputs and document the revision. Service totals remain valuable for deflection and vibration screening.

Documenting Assumptions for Review

Good calculations are traceable. Record load sources, equipment weights, and whether equipment is fixed, movable, or subject to impact. Note dimensions, unit system, and the combination used. Include any future use changes that could raise live loading. The CSV and PDF exports support internal checking and submittals. Use them with drawings and specifications to confirm the load model matches intended use.

FAQs

1) What does the service total represent?
Service total is the unfactored sum of uniform dead, uniform live, and entered point loads. Use it for checking overall gravity demand, preliminary reactions, and serviceability topics like deflection, vibration, and comfort.

2) Why are DL and SDL separated?
Separating DL and SDL helps document where weight comes from. DL is structural self‑weight allowance, while SDL is finishes and permanently attached items. They are combined as dead for totals and factoring.

3) How should I enter equipment with four legs?
Enter each leg as a separate point load when locations matter, or sum the legs into one point load for a conservative total. For detailed design, distribute loads to joists, beams, and plates per your layout.

4) Can I rely on 1.2D + 1.6L for every project?
No. This is a common gravity combination for strength checks, but your governing code may require different factors or additional combinations. Always verify local requirements and apply the controlling load case.

5) Does the calculator design beams or columns?
It estimates floor loads only. Member sizing, deflection limits, vibration criteria, connection design, and load distribution are not performed. Use the results as inputs to your structural analysis and detailing.

6) Why do metric totals use kPa and kN?
kPa is a pressure unit used for area loads, and multiplying kPa by m² yields kN. This keeps intensity and total force consistent. Imperial results are shown in psf and pounds for comparison.