Load Bearing Wall Calculator
Single Story Bearing Wall
Calculate the load on a bearing wall supporting one floor or roof
Multi-Story Bearing Wall
Calculate cumulative load on a bearing wall supporting multiple stories
Formula
Total Load = (Dead Load + Live Load) × Tributary Area + Wall Self-Weight
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the tributary width?
Tributary width is typically half the joist span on each side of the bearing wall. For example, if joists span 16 feet from one wall to another, the tributary width for each wall is 8 feet. If the wall is in the center of the house with joists spanning to it from both sides, add half from each side.
What is the difference between dead load and live load?
Dead load is the permanent weight of the structure itself (framing, drywall, flooring, roofing). Live load is the weight of occupants, furniture, and other movable items. Residential floors typically use 40 psf live load per building code.
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