Your essential tool for determining carrying capacity and understanding weight limits in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
Enter your character's Strength score (e.g., 10, 14, 18).
Standard (15x Strength Score)
Less (10x Strength Score)
More (20x Strength Score)
Most official 5e rules use 15 pounds per point of Strength. Some homebrew or specific races/classes might modify this.
The total weight of all equipment your character is currently carrying.
Character can carry weight up to their carrying capacity limit.
Base
0
Encumbered
Speed is reduced by 10 feet.
Half Carrying Capacity
0
Heavily Encumbered
Speed is reduced by 20 feet.
Twice Carrying Capacity
0
Push/Drag/Lift
Maximum weight a character can lift, drag, or push.
Carrying Capacity
0
Understanding 5e Lift Weight & Carrying Capacity
What is 5e Lift Weight & Carrying Capacity?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), "lift weight" and "carrying capacity" refer to the maximum amount of weight a character can reasonably carry and manipulate. This is a crucial mechanic that directly impacts a character's mobility, effectiveness in combat, and ability to transport treasure, equipment, and even allies. Your Strength score is the primary determinant of these limits, reflecting your character's raw physical power. Understanding these rules helps players make informed decisions about what gear to bring, how much loot they can haul, and how to manage their inventory effectively during adventures.
Who should use this calculator: Any 5e player or Dungeon Master (DM) looking to quickly and accurately determine a character's carrying capacity, understand the implications of encumbrance, or calculate the maximum weight they can lift or drag. It's especially useful for characters with high or low Strength scores, or when dealing with unusual carrying scenarios.
Common misconceptions: A frequent misunderstanding is that "carrying capacity" is the absolute maximum weight one can lift. In 5e, carrying capacity dictates what you can carry *without* penalty to speed. The maximum weight you can lift, drag, or push is often considered equal to your carrying capacity, though DMs might rule differently for extreme circumstances. Another misconception is that the 15x multiplier is universal; while standard, some races (like Dwarves with their Powerful Build) or magic items can alter these figures.
5e Lift Weight & Carrying Capacity Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core mechanics for carrying capacity in D&D 5e are straightforward, primarily driven by the Strength score. Here's the breakdown:
Carrying Capacity (lbs): This is the primary calculation that determines how much weight a character can carry without suffering penalties. The standard rule is:
Carrying Capacity = Strength Score × 15
This means a character with a Strength of 10 can carry 150 lbs, while a character with 18 Strength can carry 270 lbs.
Strength Bonus for Lifting/Carrying: The Strength modifier (calculated as (Strength Score - 10) / 2, rounded down) doesn't directly determine capacity but influences the *effectiveness* of strength-based actions. In the context of lifting and carrying, the Strength score itself is the key.
Weight Categories (Encumbrance):
Unencumbered: Carrying weight up to your Carrying Capacity. No penalties.
Encumbered: Carrying weight more than half your Carrying Capacity up to your full Carrying Capacity. Your speed is reduced by 10 feet.
Heavily Encumbered: Carrying weight more than half your Carrying Capacity up to twice your Carrying Capacity. Your speed is reduced by 20 feet.
Push, Drag, or Lift: The maximum weight you can lift, drag, or push is typically considered equal to your Carrying Capacity. This is the absolute maximum for a single powerful effort, not sustained carrying.
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range (5e)
Strength Score
A character's raw physical strength rating.
Score (1-30)
3 – 20 (standard array/point buy)
Carrying Capacity Multiplier
Factor applied to Strength Score to determine carrying capacity.
Multiplier
Typically 15 (can vary by DM ruling or specific traits)
Carrying Capacity
Maximum weight a character can comfortably carry.
Pounds (lbs)
Variable, based on Strength Score
Current Gear Weight
Total weight of items currently equipped or carried.
Pounds (lbs)
0 – High
Encumbrance Threshold
Half of the Carrying Capacity.
Pounds (lbs)
Variable, based on Carrying Capacity
Heavy Encumbrance Threshold
Twice the Carrying Capacity.
Pounds (lbs)
Variable, based on Carrying Capacity
Push/Drag/Lift Limit
Maximum weight for a single, strenuous physical effort.
Pounds (lbs)
Equal to Carrying Capacity
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's look at a couple of scenarios to illustrate how carrying capacity works in 5e:
Example 1: The Mighty Barbarian
Character: Grok the Barbarian
Inputs:
Strength Score: 20
Carrying Capacity Multiplier: 15
Current Gear Weight: 85 lbs
Calculations:
Carrying Capacity: 20 (Strength) × 15 = 300 lbs
Max Lift/Drag Weight: 300 lbs
Encumbrance Threshold: 300 lbs / 2 = 150 lbs
Heavy Encumbrance Threshold: 300 lbs × 2 = 600 lbs
Outputs:
Primary Result (Max Carry): 300 lbs
Intermediate Values: Max Lift/Drag: 300 lbs, Encumbered at >150 lbs, Heavily Encumbered at >300 lbs.
Interpretation: Grok can carry up to 300 lbs without penalty. He is currently well below this limit (85 lbs). If he picks up a large haul of treasure worth 100 lbs (total 185 lbs), he will become Encumbered, reducing his speed. If he tries to lift a massive boulder weighing 400 lbs, he likely cannot, as it exceeds his carrying capacity, though a DM might allow a Strength check to *attempt* it.
Example 2: The Dexterous Rogue
Character: Elara the Rogue
Inputs:
Strength Score: 8
Carrying Capacity Multiplier: 15
Current Gear Weight: 40 lbs
Calculations:
Carrying Capacity: 8 (Strength) × 15 = 120 lbs
Max Lift/Drag Weight: 120 lbs
Encumbrance Threshold: 120 lbs / 2 = 60 lbs
Heavy Encumbrance Threshold: 120 lbs × 2 = 240 lbs
Outputs:
Primary Result (Max Carry): 120 lbs
Intermediate Values: Max Lift/Drag: 120 lbs, Encumbered at >60 lbs, Heavily Encumbered at >120 lbs.
Interpretation: Elara has a much lower carrying capacity (120 lbs). Her adventuring gear already weighs 40 lbs. If she finds a magical sword weighing 10 lbs and a chest of gems weighing 30 lbs (total 80 lbs), she remains unencumbered. However, if she adds a heavy shield (15 lbs) and chainmail armor (55 lbs) found later, her total load becomes 150 lbs. This exceeds her 120 lb carrying capacity, but is below the 240 lb heavy encumbrance limit. She becomes Heavily Encumbered, reducing her speed by 20 feet, making stealthy movement more difficult. She would need to ditch some gear to move faster.
How to Use This 5e Lift Weight Calculator
Enter Strength Score: Input your character's base Strength score. This is the most critical value.
Select Multiplier: Choose the multiplier based on your character's race, class, or DM's ruling. The standard is 15.
Input Current Weight: Add the total weight of all items your character is currently carrying.
Calculate: Click the "Calculate" button.
How to read results:
Maximum Carry Weight (Primary Result): This is the total weight your character can carry before any speed penalties apply.
Maximum Liftable Weight: The absolute maximum weight your character can lift, drag, or push in a single, strenuous effort.
Strength Bonus for Lifting: Not directly used for capacity, but this shows the modifier derived from Strength, which impacts attack rolls and damage.
Carrying Capacity Limit: This is equivalent to the "Maximum Carry Weight" and indicates the threshold for being unencumbered.
Table Data: The table provides context for the weight categories (Unencumbered, Encumbered, Heavily Encumbered) based on the calculated carrying capacity.
Decision-making guidance: Use the results to decide what loot to leave behind, whether you can carry rescued villagers, or if you need to hire a pack animal. If you're Encumbered or Heavily Encumbered, consider strategies like dropping non-essential items, using magical storage (like a Bag of Holding), or improving your Strength score. Planning your inventory based on carrying capacity prevents frustrating situations mid-adventure.
Key Factors That Affect 5e Lift Weight & Carrying Capacity Results
While the formula is simple, several factors influence how carrying capacity plays out in a game:
Strength Score: The most direct factor. Higher Strength means significantly higher carrying capacity. Investing in Strength is vital for characters who need to carry a lot.
Carrying Capacity Multiplier: Standard is 15x Strength, but specific D&D 5e rules, racial traits (e.g., Dwarves' Powerful Build effectively increasing their carrying capacity by one size category), or DM rulings can alter this. Always confirm the correct multiplier for your game.
Magic Items: Items like Gauntlets of Ogre Power set Strength to 19, increasing carrying capacity. Bags of Holding and Portable Holes provide extradimensional spaces that don't add to your character's weight, effectively bypassing carrying limits for stored items.
Armor and Equipment: Heavy armor and bulky weapons significantly contribute to your total gear weight. A Fighter might have high Strength but be heavily encumbered by their plate mail and weapons, whereas a Wizard with lower Strength might carry less total weight.
Action Economy & Speed: Being Encumbered or Heavily Encumbered reduces your speed. This impacts your ability to engage in combat effectively, escape danger, or cover ground quickly. The trade-off between carrying loot and maintaining mobility is a constant consideration.
DM Interpretation: Dungeon Masters have the final say. They might adjust carrying capacities for narrative reasons, allow creative solutions (like using a cart or cooperating to carry heavy objects), or implement stricter tracking of encumbrance, especially in survival-focused campaigns.
Lifting vs. Carrying: Differentiate between sustained carrying and a single maximum effort. You might be able to *lift* a portcullis (your carrying capacity), but you can't *carry* that weight for miles.
Player Choices & Strategy: Ultimately, players decide what to carry. Prioritizing essential gear, utilizing pack animals, or leaving treasure behind are strategic choices directly related to managing carrying capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the standard carrying capacity multiplier in 5e?
A: The standard rule is 15 pounds per point of Strength score.
Q: How does being Encumbered affect my character?
A: If you are carrying more than half your carrying capacity but not more than your full carrying capacity, your speed is reduced by 10 feet.
Q: What if I'm carrying more than my carrying capacity?
A: If you are carrying more than your carrying capacity, you become Heavily Encumbered. Your speed is reduced by 20 feet, and you have disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls that use Strength or Dexterity.
Q: Can I lift more than my carrying capacity?
A: The maximum weight you can lift, drag, or push is typically equal to your carrying capacity. This is for a single, strenuous effort. DMs may require a Strength check (DC determined by the DM) for weights close to or exceeding this limit.
Q: Does carrying capacity apply to creatures?
A: Yes, the rules apply to carrying any weight, including other creatures. You might be able to carry a small creature, but you couldn't carry a large giant.
Q: Are there ways to increase carrying capacity?
A: Yes, primarily by increasing your Strength score (through leveling, magic items like Belt of Giant Strength, or spells like Enlarge/Reduce). Some racial traits, like Dwarves' Powerful Build, also indirectly increase capacity.
Q: Do containers add weight?
A: Generally, the container itself adds its weight, but its contents do not add to *your* carrying weight if they are contained within it, unless the DM rules otherwise. A Bag of Holding, however, has special extradimensional properties and its contents don't add weight to the carrier.
Q: What about Strength scores above 20?
A: Strength scores above 20 are rare but possible through magic items or specific abilities. The carrying capacity formula (Strength Score x 15) still applies. For example, a Strength score of 24 would grant a carrying capacity of 360 lbs.