Axle Weight Distribution Calculator
Where you place a load on a vehicle changes how its weight is shared between the front and rear axles, and this axle weight distribution calculator works out that split using a simple moment balance. Enter the weight of the load, how far behind the front axle it sits, and the wheelbase, which is the distance between the front and rear axles. The tool takes moments about the front axle to find the rear axle reaction, then subtracts it from the total to give the front axle reaction, exactly the way a seesaw balances about its pivot. The result shows how many pounds land on each axle, which matters because every vehicle has separate front and rear gross axle weight ratings that must not be exceeded even when the total weight is legal. A load placed far back loads the rear axle heavily and can lighten the steering axle, cutting front grip, while a load too far forward overloads the front. Seeing the numbers helps you position cargo so neither axle is overloaded and handling stays safe. All inputs are fully editable. The calculation follows the standard moment-balance formula below, with a worked example that reconciles exactly to the calculator defaults.
A moment balance splits the load between axles: rear load = weight x distance from front / wheelbase, front takes the rest. A 5,000 lb load 60 in behind the front axle on a 120 in wheelbase puts 2,500 lb on each axle.
Axle weight distribution formula
Rear axle = W x d / L
Front axle = W - Rear axle
W = load weight
d = distance of the load behind the front axle
L = wheelbase (front to rear axle)
Taking moments about the front axle, the rear axle must support the load in proportion to how far back it sits, and the front axle carries whatever is left of the total.
Worked example
A 5,000 pound load sits 60 inches behind the front axle, on a vehicle with a 120 inch wheelbase.
- Rear axle = 5,000 x 60 / 120 = 2,500 pounds
- Front axle = 5,000 - 2,500 = 2,500 pounds
- Total = 2,500 + 2,500 = 5,000 pounds (check)
With the load centered, each axle carries 2,500 pounds. These are the calculator's default inputs, so the result above matches the widget exactly.
Axle weight distribution calculator: frequently asked questions
How is axle weight distribution calculated?
It uses a moment balance about the axles. The rear axle carries the load multiplied by its distance from the front axle, divided by the wheelbase. The front axle carries the rest, the total load minus the rear axle share. A 5,000 pound load placed 60 inches behind the front axle on a 120 inch wheelbase puts 2,500 pounds on each axle.
What is a moment balance?
A moment is a force multiplied by its distance from a pivot. For a vehicle in balance, the moments about each axle must sum correctly, which lets you solve for how the load splits. Taking moments about the front axle isolates the rear axle reaction, then subtracting it from the total gives the front axle reaction. It is the same principle as a seesaw.
Why does load position matter so much?
The closer a load sits to an axle, the more of its weight that axle carries. A load far back loads the rear axle heavily and can lighten the front, reducing steering grip, while a load too far forward overloads the front. Moving cargo even a short distance shifts the balance, which is why position, not just total weight, drives axle loads.
How does this relate to axle ratings?
Every vehicle has a gross axle weight rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles. The calculated load on each axle must stay below its GAWR, even when the total is within the gross vehicle weight rating. Checking the split helps you position cargo so neither axle is overloaded, which protects tyres, bearings and handling.
What is the axle weight distribution formula?
Rear axle load equals the load times its distance from the front axle, divided by the wheelbase. Front axle load equals the total load minus the rear axle load. With a 5,000 pound load at 60 inches on a 120 inch wheelbase, the rear axle takes 5,000 x 60 / 120 = 2,500 pounds and the front takes 2,500 pounds.
Official sources
- Vehicle loading and occupational safety guidance: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As at 25 June 2026.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 25 June 2026. See our methodology. This is general information, not financial, tax, legal or investment advice.