5e Max Carry Weight Calculator
Easily calculate your Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition character's carrying capacity.
Carry Capacity Calculator
Your Carrying Capacity
Carrying Capacity: — lbs
Encumbrance Threshold: — lbs
Heavy Encumbrance Threshold: — lbs
What is 5e Max Carry Weight?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the 5e max carry weight, often referred to as carrying capacity or encumbrance, is a mechanic that limits how much gear your character can physically haul. It's determined primarily by your character's Strength score. This system adds a layer of realism and strategic decision-making to your adventures, forcing players to think about what equipment is essential and what can be left behind or stored. Understanding your 5e max carry weight is crucial for any adventurer who doesn't want to be overburdened, slow, or unable to pick up valuable loot.
Anyone playing a D&D 5e character can benefit from understanding their carrying capacity. Whether you're a heavily armored fighter looking to carry multiple weapons and shield, a rogue needing to pack specialized thieves' tools, or a wizard whose spellbook and components are essential, managing weight is key. It affects your movement speed and ability to perform certain actions when overburdened.
A common misconception is that carrying capacity is simply your Strength score. In reality, it's a calculation based on Strength, and there are different levels of "encumbrance" that impose penalties, not just a binary "can carry" or "cannot carry" state. Another myth is that all characters of the same Strength score have the same carrying capacity; racial traits can sometimes modify this base calculation.
5e Max Carry Weight: Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core mechanic for determining a character's carrying capacity in D&D 5th Edition is straightforward, though nuanced by encumbrance rules. The primary formula is based on the character's Strength score.
The Core Formula:
Carrying Capacity = Strength Score × 15
This means that for every point of Strength your character possesses, they can carry 15 pounds of gear. This value represents the absolute maximum weight your character can carry before suffering significant penalties.
Encumbrance Tiers:
The 5e rules don't just stop at a maximum; they introduce tiers of encumbrance that impose penalties as a character carries more weight:
- Not Encumbered: Carrying capacity up to your maximum (Strength Score × 15 lbs). Your speed is unaffected.
- Encumbered: Carrying capacity that exceeds your maximum (Strength Score × 15 lbs) but does not exceed twice that amount. Threshold: Carrying Capacity / 2 lbs If you are encumbered, your speed is reduced by 10 feet. This penalty applies as long as you are encumbered.
- Heavily Encumbered: Carrying capacity that exceeds twice your maximum (Strength Score × 30 lbs). Threshold: Carrying Capacity × 2 lbs If you are heavily encumbered, your speed is reduced by 20 feet, and you have disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls that involve Strength or Dexterity.
Important Note on Racial Modifiers: Some races, most notably Dwarves, have a specific trait that increases their carrying capacity. For example, a Dwarf's carrying capacity is increased by an amount equal to their carrying capacity multiplier. This calculator uses the base Strength × 15 formula; always remember to add any racial bonuses manually if your character qualifies.
Variable Breakdown:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength Score | Your character's raw Strength ability score. | Score (Points) | 3 – 20 (Standard Array/Point Buy) Can be higher with magic items or epic boons. |
| Carrying Capacity | The maximum weight your character can carry without penalty. | Pounds (lbs) | 15 lbs (Str 1) to 300 lbs (Str 20) or higher. |
| Encumbrance Threshold | The weight limit at which penalties begin (speed reduction). | Pounds (lbs) | Half of Carrying Capacity. |
| Heavy Encumbrance Threshold | The weight limit for significant penalties (speed reduction & disadvantage). | Pounds (lbs) | Twice the Carrying Capacity. |
| Total Gear Weight | The actual weight of all items carried by the character. | Pounds (lbs) | Variable, player-dependent. |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's illustrate how the 5e max carry weight calculator works with practical scenarios for D&D adventurers.
Example 1: The Well-Equipped Fighter
Consider a fighter character named Grok. Grok has a Strength Score of 18 and is currently carrying a heavy plate armor, a greatsword, a shield, a backpack filled with rations, torches, rope, and some miscellaneous adventuring gear. The total weight of his equipment is 120 lbs.
- Inputs:
- Strength Score: 18
- Total Gear Weight: 120 lbs
- Race: Human
Calculations:
- Carrying Capacity = 18 × 15 = 270 lbs
- Encumbrance Threshold = 270 / 2 = 135 lbs
- Heavy Encumbrance Threshold = 270 × 2 = 540 lbs
Results Interpretation:
Grok's maximum carrying capacity is 270 lbs. Since his current gear weighs 120 lbs, which is less than his Encumbrance Threshold of 135 lbs, he is not encumbered. His speed remains unaffected, and he can move freely with all his gear. He has plenty of room to pick up more loot or supplies.
Example 2: The Overburdened Rogue
Now let's look at Zaltar, a rogue with a moderate Strength Score of 12. He's decided to loot every treasure chest and discarded weapon he can find after a successful dungeon crawl. He's now carrying his daggers, thieves' tools, studded leather armor, a backpack, plus 50 lbs of assorted gems, gold, and minor magic items. His total gear weight has climbed to 195 lbs.
- Inputs:
- Strength Score: 12
- Total Gear Weight: 195 lbs
- Race: Halfling
Calculations:
- Carrying Capacity = 12 × 15 = 180 lbs
- Encumbrance Threshold = 180 / 2 = 90 lbs
- Heavy Encumbrance Threshold = 180 × 2 = 360 lbs
Results Interpretation:
Zaltar's carrying capacity is 180 lbs. His current gear weighs 195 lbs. This exceeds his Encumbrance Threshold of 90 lbs but is still below his Heavy Encumbrance Threshold of 360 lbs. Therefore, Zaltar is encumbered. His speed is reduced by 10 feet. If he picks up even just 1lb more, he might reach 196 lbs which is still encumbered, but any significant increase in weight could push him into the heavily encumbered category, imposing greater penalties. He should consider ditching some of the less valuable loot.
Example 3: The Dwarf's Bonus
Broggan the Dwarf has a Strength Score of 16. Standard rules give him a carrying capacity of 16 x 15 = 240 lbs. However, as a Dwarf, he benefits from the 'Dwarven Carrier' trait (or similar, depending on the specific dwarf subrace rules), which might grant him a carrying capacity bonus equivalent to his normal carrying capacity (240 lbs). His total gear weight is 200 lbs.
- Inputs:
- Strength Score: 16
- Total Gear Weight: 200 lbs
- Race: Dwarf
Calculations (Base + assumed racial bonus):
- Base Carrying Capacity = 16 × 15 = 240 lbs
- Assumed Racial Bonus = 240 lbs (doubling capacity for carrying purposes due to Dwarf trait)
- Total Effective Carrying Capacity = 240 + 240 = 480 lbs
- Encumbrance Threshold = 480 / 2 = 240 lbs
- Heavy Encumbrance Threshold = 480 × 2 = 960 lbs
Results Interpretation:
Broggan's effective carrying capacity is 480 lbs due to his Strength and Dwarven heritage. With gear weighing 200 lbs, he is well below even his Encumbrance Threshold of 240 lbs. He is not encumbered and can carry significantly more. This highlights why certain races can be better suited for roles that involve carrying a lot of gear.
How to Use This 5e Max Carry Weight Calculator
Our 5e max carry weight calculator is designed for simplicity and speed. Follow these steps to accurately determine your character's carrying capacity and encumbrance status.
- Enter Strength Score: Input your character's current Strength score. This is the most critical factor. Scores typically range from 3 to 20, but can be higher with magic items.
- Enter Total Gear Weight: Sum up the weight of all items your character is carrying. This includes weapons, armor, adventuring gear (rope, torches, rations), backpacks, and any loot you've collected. Use pounds (lbs) as the unit.
- Select Race (Optional): Choose your character's race from the dropdown. While this calculator defaults to the standard formula, knowing the race helps you remember if specific racial traits (like those for Dwarves) might modify your actual carrying capacity beyond this calculation.
- Click Calculate: Press the "Calculate" button. The calculator will instantly display your results.
How to Read Your Results:
- Main Highlighted Result: This shows the total weight of your gear (Total Gear Weight) in pounds. It also indicates your current encumbrance status (Not Encumbered, Encumbered, or Heavily Encumbered).
- Carrying Capacity: This is your absolute maximum weight limit (Strength Score × 15 lbs).
- Encumbrance Threshold: This is half your Carrying Capacity. If your gear weight exceeds this, your speed is reduced by 10 feet.
- Heavy Encumbrance Threshold: This is double your Carrying Capacity. If your gear weight exceeds this, your speed is reduced by 20 feet, and you suffer disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity-based checks, saves, and attacks.
- Formula Explanation & Key Assumptions: Provides a quick reminder of the base formula used and important considerations like racial modifiers.
Decision-Making Guidance:
Use the results to make informed decisions:
- If you are not encumbered, you have room for more gear or can move at full speed.
- If you are encumbered, consider dropping non-essential items or finding a way to transport them, as your movement is hampered.
- If you are heavily encumbered, this is a critical situation. Drop weight immediately to avoid combat disadvantages and severe speed reduction. This often means leaving valuable loot behind or finding creative solutions like hiring help or using magical transport.
Remember to use the "Reset Defaults" button to clear current inputs and the "Copy Results" button to save your findings.
Key Factors That Affect 5e Results
Several factors can influence your character's carrying capacity and encumbrance status in D&D 5e, going beyond the simple Strength score calculation. Understanding these can help you optimize your gear management.
- Strength Score: This is the primary determinant. Higher Strength means higher carrying capacity. This is why characters built for melee combat often have high Strength.
- Race: As detailed earlier, certain races have traits that directly increase carrying capacity. For instance, Dwarves are often depicted as strong and sturdy, with rules reflecting their ability to carry more. Always check your specific race's traits in the Player's Handbook or relevant sourcebooks.
- Magic Items: Items like Bags of Holding or Carrying Capacity Belts can significantly alter your gear management. A Bag of Holding doesn't add weight to your character but stores items in an extradimensional space, effectively bypassing weight limits for the stored items. Belts might directly increase Strength or carrying capacity.
- Armor and Weapons: Heavier armor (plate vs. leather) and larger weapons (greatsword vs. dagger) contribute significantly to your total gear weight. Choosing lighter options, if viable for your character build, can save crucial pounds.
- Adventuring Gear: Items like backpacks, bedrolls, ropes, tools, rations, and waterskins all add up. Players must prioritize what is essential for the current adventure. Carrying too much rope might mean not being able to carry that valuable treasure.
- Mounts and Companions: If you have a mount or a loyal animal companion, they can often carry gear for you. This effectively increases your adventuring party's overall carrying capacity without burdening individual characters. Consult your Dungeon Master on how this works within their game.
- Player Interpretation & DM Fiat: While the rules provide a framework, the Dungeon Master (DM) has the final say. Some DMs might hand-wave minor encumbrance issues, while others might enforce them strictly. They might also have house rules regarding carrying capacity for certain creatures or items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the standard carrying capacity formula in 5e?
The standard formula is: Carrying Capacity = Strength Score × 15 lbs.
2. How much can a character with Strength 20 carry?
A character with a Strength Score of 20 can carry up to 300 lbs (20 × 15 = 300).
3. What happens if my character is encumbered?
If your gear weight exceeds your Carrying Capacity (Strength Score × 15 lbs), your speed is reduced by 10 feet.
4. What are the penalties for being heavily encumbered?
If your gear weight exceeds double your Carrying Capacity (Strength Score × 30 lbs), your speed is reduced by 20 feet, and you have disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls that involve Strength or Dexterity.
5. Do racial modifiers for carrying capacity stack with the base formula?
Yes, typically. For example, a Dwarf's carrying capacity bonus is usually added to their base carrying capacity derived from Strength. Always consult specific racial traits.
6. Does a Bag of Holding affect my character's weight?
No, a Bag of Holding does not add its own weight to your character's carrying capacity, nor does the weight of items stored within it count towards your limit. It provides extradimensional space.
7. Can I calculate carry weight for non-player characters (NPCs)?
Yes, you can use the same formula (Strength Score × 15 lbs) for any creature with a Strength score to determine their theoretical carrying capacity.
8. What if my character is not a typical humanoid (e.g., a beast or monster)?
The Player's Handbook (PHB) provides guidelines for the carrying capacity of beasts and other creatures, often based on their size and Strength score. The Strength × 15 formula is primarily for player characters and similar humanoids.
9. Can magic items increase my Strength score, and how does that affect carrying capacity?
Yes, items like the Belt of Giant Strength can increase your Strength score. If your Strength score increases due to a magic item, your carrying capacity increases proportionally based on the new, higher Strength score (New Strength × 15).
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- D&D 5e Character Builder Create a new character and track stats like Strength and inventory.
- 5e Spell List & Effects Explore spells that might aid in carrying capacity or movement.
- D&D Magic Item Finder Search for items like Bags of Holding or Strength-enhancing belts.
- 5e Encounter Builder Plan combat encounters, considering your party's speed and potential encumbrance penalties.
- 5e Skill Check Guide Understand how encumbrance affects ability checks.
- D&D 5e Rules Reference Deep dive into core D&D rules, including equipment and encumbrance.