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Axle Load Calculator

Work out axle load instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Axle Load Calculator

Load distributes between axles by moments: a load at distance d from the front axle on a wheelbase L puts d/L of its weight on the rear axle. Being within the gross limit means nothing if the individual axles are over, which is what weighbridge prosecutions turn on.

Formula

Axle load

rear axle share = distance from front axle / wheelbase; front share is the remainder

Worked example

With the default values below, Axle Load Calculator returns Load transferred to the rear axle of 6,400.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Front axle limit
7,500 kg
Rear axle limit
11,500 kg
Load weight
9,000 kg
Load position from the front axle
3.2 m

Results

Load transferred to the rear axle
6,400.00 kg
Load transferred to the front axle
2,600.00 kg
Rear axle margin
5,100.00 kg
Assessment
Both axles within limits

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Axle load
  3. 3Load transferred to the rear axle= 6,400.00 kg
  4. 4Load transferred to the front axle= 2,600.00 kg
  5. 5Rear axle margin= 5,100.00 kg
  6. 6Assessment= Both axles within limits

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be legal on GVW but illegal on axles?

Yes, and it is the commonest overloading offence. A load placed too far back overloads the rear axle while total weight is still under the limit.

What happens if the load is behind the rear axle?

It lifts weight off the front axle, reducing steering and braking authority — dangerous as well as illegal.

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