Calculate estimated live load from occupancy load, loaded area, tributary width, beam span, point loads, and load factors. Use this live load calculator for floors, roofs, decks, balconies, stairs, rooms, beams, joists, and preliminary structural load planning.
Area live load:
The calculator multiplies live load in PSF by loaded area to estimate total temporary load.
Occupancy preset:
The calculator uses a common preset live load based on the selected occupancy or use type.
Beam line load:
The calculator converts area live load into pounds per linear foot using tributary width.
Combined live load:
The calculator combines area live load, point load, live load reduction, and load factor into one estimate.
A live load calculator helps estimate temporary load before checking beams, joists, rafters, posts, columns, footings, or foundations.
It can help compare occupancy load, loaded area, total live load, beam PLF, tributary width, support reactions, and factored load.
Your result shows estimated live load in PSF, reduced live load, factored live load, total live load in pounds, beam line load in PLF, total beam load, and estimated simple-span support reactions. These are planning estimates only.
Live load is temporary or movable weight on a structure. It can include people, furniture, storage, movable equipment, vehicles, maintenance loads, and occupancy-related loads.
Multiply live load in pounds per square foot by the loaded area in square feet. Add point loads when needed.
Multiply live load in PSF by tributary width in feet. For example, 40 PSF over a 10-foot tributary width equals 400 PLF.
No. Live load is temporary or movable weight. Dead load is permanent weight from framing, materials, finishes, fixed equipment, and the structure itself.