5e Carry Weight Calculator

Calculator

Strength Score

Creature Size

Current Load

Load Unit

Base Speed in Feet

Rule Mode

Extra Multiplier

Output Unit

Character Notes

Count as one size larger

Reset

Formula Used

Carrying capacity: Strength × 15 × effective size multiplier.

Push, drag, or lift: Strength × 30 × effective size multiplier.

Variant encumbered limit: Strength × 5 × effective size multiplier.

Variant heavily encumbered limit: Strength × 10 × effective size multiplier.

Physics force estimate: kilograms × 9.80665 = newtons.

The effective size multiplier starts with creature size. Tiny is 0.5. Small and Medium are 1. Large is 2. Huge is 4. Gargantuan is 8. A build trait or custom rule can increase it.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the character or creature Strength score.
Select the creature size.
Add the current carried load.
Choose standard carrying or variant encumbrance.
Use the larger-size option for traits that allow it.
Press Calculate to see capacity, speed notes, and force estimates.
Use CSV or PDF export for campaign records.

Example Data Table

Strength	Size	Multiplier	Carry Capacity	Push, Drag, Lift	Variant Encumbered	Variant Heavy
8	Medium	1	120 lb	240 lb	40 lb	80 lb
10	Medium	1	150 lb	300 lb	50 lb	100 lb
18	Medium	1	270 lb	540 lb	90 lb	180 lb
18	Large	2	540 lb	1,080 lb	180 lb	360 lb
20	Huge	4	1,200 lb	2,400 lb	400 lb	800 lb

Understanding Carry Weight in 5e Physics

A 5e carry weight calculator turns a simple table rule into useful planning data. Strength gives the base load. Size changes the scale. Gear weight shows whether a character moves freely, slows down, or reaches a hard limit. The physics angle is helpful because weight is a force, not only a number on a sheet.

Why Strength Matters

The common rule multiplies Strength by fifteen for normal carrying capacity. Push, drag, and lift limits use twice that value. A low Strength wizard may carry books and tools without trouble. A high Strength fighter can move armor, treasure, ropes, and heavy doors. This calculator also shows remaining capacity, so players can decide what to drop before a dangerous climb.

Size and Build Effects

Tiny creatures carry half the Medium amount. Large creatures double it. Huge creatures double again. Some traits may let a creature count as one size larger. The calculator handles that as an extra multiplier. It also lets you add a custom multiplier for mounts, magic, house rules, or special campaign physics.

Variant Encumbrance

Many groups use the optional encumbrance rule. It creates two warning zones. A load above five times Strength causes encumbrance. A load above ten times Strength causes heavy encumbrance. These thresholds are scaled by size in this tool, which keeps large monsters and tiny familiars consistent.

Using the Results at the Table

Use the result box before shopping, looting, or travel. Enter current carried weight, base speed, size, and Strength. Compare the normal capacity with the push, drag, or lift value. If the load is too high, split treasure among the party. You can also export a CSV or PDF record for character sheets.

Physics Notes

In physics, mass and weight are different ideas. Game rules list pounds of load. The calculator converts that load to kilograms and estimates weight force in newtons using standard gravity. This does not replace the game rule. It simply helps players imagine how much physical effort the carried load represents.

Use it between sessions too. Prepared numbers reduce pauses, arguments, and guesswork. They also make heavy treasure, siege tools, and rescued allies feel believable. Careful load records keep travel decisions fair and quick.

FAQs

1. What does the calculator measure?

It measures normal carrying capacity, push capacity, drag capacity, lift capacity, optional encumbrance thresholds, remaining load space, and estimated physical force.

2. Which Strength score should I enter?

Enter the current Strength score after permanent changes, temporary effects, magic items, or campaign bonuses that your table allows.

3. Does creature size matter?

Yes. Tiny creatures carry less. Large and larger creatures carry more. The calculator applies a multiplier based on selected size.

4. What is the larger-size checkbox for?

Use it when a trait, feature, or ruling says the creature counts as one size larger for carrying, pushing, dragging, or lifting.

5. What does variant encumbrance do?

It adds stricter thresholds. The calculator marks encumbered and heavily encumbered states, then estimates the adjusted movement speed.

6. Can I use kilograms?

Yes. You may enter load in pounds or kilograms. Results can show pounds, kilograms, or both units together.

7. Why does it show newtons?

Newtons estimate weight as a physical force. This helps connect the fantasy load value to a simple real-world physics idea.

8. Can I export results?

Yes. Use the CSV button for spreadsheet records. Use the PDF button for a compact printable character or campaign report.