Vehicle Center of Gravity Calculator
The longitudinal center of gravity of a vehicle is where its weight effectively acts along the length of the chassis. You can find it from a simple static weighing: put the front axle on scales and the rear axle on scales, read both weights, and measure the wheelbase. A moment balance then places the center of gravity. This calculator returns the distance of the center of gravity from the front and rear axles and the front-to-rear weight distribution. All inputs are your own measured values, so the result is exact for your vehicle in the loaded condition you weighed.
Center of gravity formula
Total = front weight + rear weight
CG behind front = (rear weight / total) * wheelbase
CG ahead of rear = wheelbase - CG behind front
Front distribution % = (front weight / total) * 100
This is a moment balance about the front axle. The center of gravity sits closer to the heavier axle. A front distribution near 50 percent means a balanced layout front to rear.
Weighing notes
- Weigh on a level surface with the vehicle in its normal loaded state.
- Use the same weight unit for both axles; the distance unit follows the wheelbase.
- This gives the longitudinal position only, not the height of the center of gravity.
- The center of gravity sits nearer the heavier axle.
- Repeat with passengers and cargo to see how loading shifts the balance.
Center of gravity: frequently asked questions
How is a vehicle's center of gravity found from axle weights?
Weigh each axle on scales, then use a moment balance. The distance of the center of gravity behind the front axle equals the rear axle weight divided by the total weight, multiplied by the wheelbase. The remaining distance is measured from the rear axle. This is the standard static weighing method.
What is wheelbase?
Wheelbase is the straight-line distance between the front and rear axle center lines. It is listed in your vehicle specifications. Enter it in the same length unit you want the center-of-gravity distance returned in.
Does this give the height of the center of gravity?
No. This calculator finds the longitudinal (front-to-rear) position and the front and rear weight distribution. Finding the height of the center of gravity requires re-weighing the vehicle with one axle raised, which is a separate procedure.
Why does weight distribution matter?
Front-to-rear weight distribution affects traction, braking balance, and handling. A 50/50 distribution is often a design goal for balanced handling, while front-heavy or rear-heavy layouts change how a vehicle behaves under acceleration and braking.
Can I use any weight unit?
Yes. Use the same unit for both axle weights (pounds or kilograms). The distribution percentages are unitless, and the center-of-gravity distance is returned in whatever length unit you used for the wheelbase.
Official sources
- U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: vehicle stability and rollover research.
- SAE International: vehicle dynamics standards.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 17 June 2026. See our methodology.