Tarkov Weight Calculator
Calculate your maximum carry weight in Escape From Tarkov based on your Strength level and inventory. Plan your raids efficiently!
Inventory Weight Planner
Your current Strength skill level (1-51).
The base weight of your backpack or rig (e.g., 5.0 kg for a Beta).
Total grid slots available in your container.
Estimated average weight per slot of items you plan to carry. Adjust based on loot type.
Your Maximum Carry Weight
0.0 kg
0 kg
Strength Bonus
0 kg
Base Carry Capacity
0 kg
Estimated Loot Weight
Formula: Max Carry Weight = (Base Container Weight + Strength Bonus) + (Container Size * Average Item Weight per Slot)
Weight Capacity vs. Strength Level
Shows how your maximum carry weight increases with higher Strength levels.
Strength Level Carry Bonus (Approximate)
Base carry weight bonus provided by different Strength levels.
| Strength Level | Carry Bonus (kg) | Max Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0 | 5.0 |
| 10 | 1.8 | 6.8 |
| 20 | 3.6 | 8.6 |
| 30 | 5.4 | 10.4 |
| 40 | 7.2 | 12.2 |
| 51 | 9.1 | 14.1 |
What is the Tarkov Weight Calculator?
The Tarkov Weight Calculator is a specialized tool designed to help players of Escape From Tarkov estimate their maximum carrying capacity for a raid. In Tarkov, weight significantly impacts your stamina regeneration and movement speed, making it crucial to manage your inventory effectively. This calculator takes into account your character's Strength skill level, the base weight of your chosen backpack or rig, the number of grid slots it provides, and an estimated weight per slot for the loot you intend to carry.
Understanding your carry limit allows you to make informed decisions before and during a raid. You can better assess if you can afford to bring extra gear, carry valuable loot, or if you need to prioritize lighter items. It's an essential tool for any Tarkov player aiming to maximize their efficiency and survivability, whether they are focusing on loot runs, questing, or player versus player (PvP) engagements.
Who Should Use It?
- New Players: To understand the basic mechanics of weight and its impact.
- Experienced Players: To optimize loadouts and plan for high-value loot extraction.
- Scav Runners: To maximize profit from Scav runs by knowing how much loot can be carried.
- Quest Focused Players: To ensure they have enough space and weight capacity for quest items.
Common Misconceptions
- Weight is only about speed: While weight primarily affects movement speed and stamina, exceeding your base capacity can lead to severe debuffs, including health damage if your "Overweight" status is critical.
- All containers are equal: Different containers have vastly different base weights and slot counts. A heavier, larger container might offer more space but could hinder you more due to its own weight.
- Strength level doesn't matter much: Strength provides a direct bonus to your carry weight and also affects melee damage and how quickly you use stamina. Higher levels significantly increase your carrying potential.
Tarkov Weight Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of the Tarkov Weight Calculator revolves around a few key factors: your character's Strength level, the physical attributes of your container, and an estimation of the items you'll be carrying.
The formula can be broken down as follows:
Total Carry Weight = (Base Container Weight + Strength Carry Bonus) + (Total Available Slots * Average Item Weight per Slot)
Variable Explanations
- Base Container Weight: This is the inherent weight of the backpack or chest rig itself, measured in kilograms (kg).
- Strength Carry Bonus: This is a weight bonus derived from your character's Strength skill level. It increases as your Strength level goes up.
- Total Available Slots: The total number of grid slots your backpack or rig offers for storing items.
- Average Item Weight per Slot: This is an estimation of how much each grid slot will typically be filled with in terms of weight. It's a crucial variable for planning, as different items have vastly different weights relative to their slot size. For example, a Graphics Card takes up 2 slots but weighs only 0.2 kg, while a KEK "whale" takes up 1 slot but weighs 2.0 kg.
Variables Table
Variables used in the Tarkov Weight Calculator.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength Level | Character's Strength skill level | Level (1-51) | 1 – 51 |
| Base Container Weight | Inherent weight of backpack/rig | kg | ~0.5 kg (Small Pouch) to 15.0+ kg (Largest backpacks) |
| Container Size | Total grid slots available | Slots | ~4 (Pocket) to 60+ (Largest backpacks) |
| Average Item Weight per Slot | Estimated weight of items per slot | kg/slot | ~0.05 kg (Light items like keys) to 2.0 kg (Heavy items like ammo boxes) |
| Strength Carry Bonus | Additional weight capacity from Strength skill | kg | ~0 kg (Level 1) to 9.1 kg (Level 51) |
| Total Carry Weight | Maximum effective weight capacity including loot | kg | Calculated |
Note on Strength Carry Bonus: The exact bonus provided by Strength can be complex and is influenced by server-side calculations. This calculator uses a commonly accepted approximation for the bonus. The table and chart illustrate this approximation.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Optimizing a High-Value Loot Run
A player is heading into Reserve with a 60-slot GreatRaid backpack (base weight 5.0 kg) and wants to maximize their chances of extracting valuable loot. Their character has a Strength Level of 35. They anticipate filling the backpack with a mix of valuable medium-sized items, estimating an average item weight per slot of 0.2 kg.
- Strength Level: 35
- Container Base Weight: 5.0 kg
- Container Size: 60 slots
- Average Item Weight per Slot: 0.2 kg
Calculation:
- Strength Carry Bonus (approx. for Level 35): ~6.3 kg
- Base Carry Capacity = Base Container Weight + Strength Carry Bonus = 5.0 kg + 6.3 kg = 11.3 kg
- Estimated Loot Weight = Container Size * Average Item Weight per Slot = 60 slots * 0.2 kg/slot = 12.0 kg
- Total Carry Weight = Base Carry Capacity + Estimated Loot Weight = 11.3 kg + 12.0 kg = 23.3 kg
Result Interpretation: This player can comfortably carry approximately 23.3 kg of loot. With their estimated loot weighing 12.0 kg, they are well within their limit (11.3 kg base + 12.0 kg loot = 23.3 kg total capacity). They have enough buffer to potentially pick up a few heavier items or a larger valuable piece without becoming overweight.
Example 2: A Tactical PvP Loadout with Limited Looting
A player is geared for a Factory PvP run. They are using a lightweight tactical rig, the Akkumulator rig (base weight 2.0 kg), which has 16 slots. Their Strength Level is 15. They only plan to pick up essential ammo or small valuables, estimating a low average item weight per slot of 0.1 kg.
- Strength Level: 15
- Container Base Weight: 2.0 kg
- Container Size: 16 slots
- Average Item Weight per Slot: 0.1 kg
Calculation:
- Strength Carry Bonus (approx. for Level 15): ~2.7 kg
- Base Carry Capacity = Base Container Weight + Strength Carry Bonus = 2.0 kg + 2.7 kg = 4.7 kg
- Estimated Loot Weight = Container Size * Average Item Weight per Slot = 16 slots * 0.1 kg/slot = 1.6 kg
- Total Carry Weight = Base Carry Capacity + Estimated Loot Weight = 4.7 kg + 1.6 kg = 6.3 kg
Result Interpretation: The player's maximum carry weight is around 6.3 kg. Their planned loot of 1.6 kg leaves them with a significant buffer (4.7 kg). This allows them to move quickly, use minimal stamina, and still have room for keycards or small valuable items found during engagements. They can afford to carry a heavier weapon or more ammunition without penalty.
How to Use This Tarkov Weight Calculator
Using the Tarkov Weight Calculator is straightforward and designed to give you quick insights into your carrying potential. Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter Your Strength Level: Input your current Strength skill level (from 1 to 51). You can find this information in your character's skills tab.
- Input Container Base Weight: Find the weight of your chosen backpack or rig in kilograms (kg). This information is often available on the item's inspect screen in-game or on community wikis.
- Specify Container Size: Enter the total number of grid slots your container provides.
- Estimate Average Item Weight per Slot: This is the most subjective input. Consider the types of items you expect to loot. For a run focused on small, high-value items (like GPUs, flash drives), use a lower value (e.g., 0.1-0.15 kg/slot). For runs with bulkier items (like food, water, larger components), use a higher value (e.g., 0.2-0.4 kg/slot).
- Click "Calculate": Once all fields are filled, press the calculate button.
How to Read Results
- Primary Result (Max Carry Weight): This is the total maximum weight your character can carry, including their gear and loot, before suffering significant penalties. Aim to keep your total carried weight below this value.
- Strength Bonus: Shows the extra weight your Strength level adds to your capacity.
- Base Carry Capacity: This is the sum of your container's weight and the Strength Bonus. It's the weight limit before considering any looted items.
- Estimated Loot Weight: The calculator's estimate of the weight of items you plan to carry, based on your inputs.
- Chart: The dynamic chart visually represents how your maximum carry weight scales with Strength level, assuming a fixed container and average item density.
- Table: The table provides a quick reference for approximate carry bonuses at various Strength levels.
Decision-Making Guidance
- If your Estimated Loot Weight is close to or exceeds your Max Carry Weight: You may need to be more selective about what loot you pick up, consider using a larger container, or focus on lighter items.
- If your Estimated Loot Weight is far below your Max Carry Weight: You have plenty of room for more loot, heavier items, or extra tactical gear.
- To Increase Carry Capacity: Focus on increasing your Strength level through gameplay or use larger/lighter containers.
- Using the Reset Button: The reset button will revert the calculator to sensible default values, useful for quick recalculations or starting fresh.
- Copy Results: The "Copy Results" button allows you to easily paste your calculated values and key assumptions into notes or guides.
Key Factors That Affect Tarkov Weight Results
While the calculator provides a solid estimate, several real-world factors in Escape From Tarkov can influence your actual carrying capacity and how weight affects you:
- In-Game Strength Level Progression: Your Strength level isn't static. As you gain experience in raids, your Strength skill will increase, directly boosting your carry weight bonus. The calculator provides a snapshot based on your *current* level. Consistent training is key for long-term carry potential.
- Container Choice (Weight vs. Slots): This is a major trade-off. Some backpacks offer many slots but are very heavy themselves (e.g., Vic or GreatRaid backpacks). Others are lighter but have fewer slots (e.g., Pilot or Smersh rigs). The calculator factors in both, but the optimal choice depends on your playstyle and loot strategy. Balancing these two is crucial.
- Item Weight Density: Not all items are created equal in terms of weight per slot. A GPU is 0.2kg for 2 slots (0.1 kg/slot), while a Military Power Filter is 1.0kg for 1 slot (1.0 kg/slot). Your estimation of "Average Item Weight per Slot" is critical. Filling a container with dense items (like ammo boxes) will hit your weight limit much faster than filling it with light, valuable items (like flash drives or intelligence folders).
- Stamina and Overweight Debuffs: The calculator focuses on the *maximum* weight you can carry. However, even carrying close to your limit can drain stamina faster. Exceeding your comfortable carry weight (often slightly below the absolute maximum) leads to slowed movement, reduced jump height, and faster stamina drain. Critically exceeding it can cause health damage over time.
- Specific Item Interactions: Some items, like certain quest items or medical supplies, might have unique weight properties or be essential to carry regardless of weight. Planning your inventory must account for these necessities.
- Strength Skill Leveling Methods: How you gain Strength matters. Actively training by running with heavy gear (like MREs or marked room loot) increases Strength faster. This means your actual carry capacity might improve mid-raid if you find and equip heavier items.
- Gear and Armor Weight: While not directly part of the calculator's core inputs, the weight of your primary weapon, armor, helmet, and other gear adds to your *total* carried weight. Always factor this into your overall loadout planning. A heavy meta M4A1 plus a full set of armor can easily add 15-20 kg before you even pick up any loot.
- Raid Objectives: Are you focused on extracting specific high-value loot, completing quests, or engaging in PvP? Each objective prioritizes different aspects of your loadout and inventory management, influencing how much weight you can dedicate to loot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the maximum Strength Level in Tarkov? A: The maximum Strength Level in Escape From Tarkov is 51. Reaching this level significantly boosts your character's carrying capacity and stamina efficiency.
- Q: Does the weight of my gear (armor, weapon) count towards my carry weight limit? A: Yes, the total weight you carry includes your equipped weapons, armor, helmet, rig, and backpack, plus any items stored within your inventory. This calculator focuses on the capacity for *loot*, but you must always consider your base gear weight.
- Q: How accurate is the "Average Item Weight per Slot" input? A: This is an estimation. The accuracy depends on your knowledge of item weights and your planned loot strategy. For general loot runs, a value between 0.15 and 0.25 kg/slot is often a reasonable starting point.
- Q: Can I become "Overweight" even if my total weight is below the calculated maximum? A: The calculated "Max Carry Weight" is the point where severe debuffs begin. You might experience some stamina drain increase even before reaching this absolute limit. The game also has specific thresholds for "Light Load", "Normal Load", "Heavy Load", and "Overweight".
- Q: How does my Strength level actually increase? A: Strength experience is gained primarily by using items that add weight to your character. Sprinting with heavier gear, picking up loot, and performing actions like jumping while carrying significant weight contribute to leveling up the skill.
- Q: Which backpack is the best for weight efficiency? A: This depends on your goal. For pure slot count, larger backpacks like the GreatRaid or T-7 cost more weight. For maximizing carry weight *bonus* from Strength while still having decent space, lighter rigs like the AVS or Smersh might be considered, but they offer fewer slots. It's a trade-off.
- Q: What happens if I go significantly Overweight? A: If your total carried weight heavily exceeds your maximum capacity, your character will suffer severe stamina drain, reduced movement speed, inability to jump, and eventually take damage over time, potentially leading to death.
- Q: Can I use this calculator for my Scav runs? A: Absolutely! Scav runs are prime opportunities for loot farming. Using this calculator helps you determine how much valuable loot you can safely extract with your Scav's potential Strength level.