← Niches
Rigging reference

Crane Load Calculator

Compare the full rigged load against the crane’s rated capacity at the lift radius — the number that actually governs.

Short answerTotal load = weight of the load + rigging + block/hook. It must stay under the crane’s rated capacity at the working radius (capacity drops fast as radius grows). Work to a percentage of chart capacity, not the boom-tip number.

Want this on your own domain?

We build this calculator as an embeddable tool — engineered, SEO- and AI-ready, delivered in 5 business days for a flat $2,800.

Get yours in 5 days

How it's calculated

A crane’s capacity is not one number — it falls steeply as the load moves out in radius. Add the load, slings, spreader and hook block to get the gross load, find the rated capacity at the actual radius from the load chart, and keep the gross load a safe margin below it. The chart, not the boom length, governs.

Total load = Load + Rigging + Block % of capacity = Total load ÷ Rated capacity(at radius) × 100
Worked example
  1. Gross load 10,800 lb; capacity at 30 ft = 14,000 lb.
  2. % = 10,800 ÷ 14,000 = 77% of chart.

Reference tables

How capacity falls with radius (illustrative)

Radius (ft)Rated capacity
1040,000 lb
2022,000 lb
3014,000 lb
409,500 lb
506,800 lb

A number the tables do not give: the same crane that lifts 40,000 lb at 10 ft radius may only rate 9,500 lb at 40 ft — radius, not boom length, governs.

See a live tool in action

The interactive version of this calculator is on our build queue. Meanwhile, these live example simulators show exactly how yours would look and behave on your own domain:

Conduit Fill · NEC▶ LIVE CALCULATOR Storage Rack quote-simulator▶ OPEN DEMO Packaging / box simulator▶ OPEN DEMO

FAQ

Do I include rigging weight?

Yes — slings, spreaders and the hook block all count as part of the load the crane lifts.

Why does radius matter so much?

Capacity is a moment limit; more radius is more overturning moment, so rated capacity drops sharply as the load moves out.

What margin should I keep?

Practice keeps lifts below a set percentage of chart capacity (often 75–90%); critical or dynamic lifts use larger margins.

Is the chart the final word?

The load chart plus ground bearing, outriggers and crane configuration govern. This is a planning check, not a lift plan.

This page is a reference aid. Always verify against the crane load chart and ASME B30.5. Figures shown are for orientation, not a stamped design.

Build it for your catalog

Put this calculator on your domain so the engineers who run it land on your site — not a competitor's. See how it works or start the conversation.