Accurately determine your character's carrying capacity and encumbrance in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
Carry Weight Calculator
Your character's Strength score (e.g., 10 for average, 18 for very strong).
Calculated from your Strength score. (Score – 10) / 2, rounded down.
No
Yes (e.g., Goliath, some magic items)
Does your character have a feature or item that modifies carrying capacity (e.g., Goliath's Powerful Build)?
Enter the multiplier provided by the feature or item (e.g., 2 for "double capacity").
Weight of any specific items you want to add that aren't covered by general gear (e.g., loot, extra weapons).
Your Max Carrying Capacity: — lbs
Key Metrics
Base Carrying Capacity:— lbs
Strength Modifier Bonus:— lbs
Total Carrying Capacity:— lbs
Maximum Encumbrance Threshold:— lbs
Weight Carried (Manual Input):— lbs
Carrying Capacity = (Strength Score x 15) + (Strength Modifier x 5) + Additional Weight.
For special cases, Capacity = (Base Capacity * Multiplier) + Additional Weight.
Encumbrance Threshold is typically half of your Total Carrying Capacity.
Carrying Capacity Table
Strength Score vs. Base Carrying Capacity (lbs)
Strength Score
Strength Modifier
Base Carrying Capacity (Score x 15)
Modifier Bonus (Mod x 5)
Total Base Capacity (No Additional Items)
1
-5
15
-25
-10
2-3
-4
30-45
-20
10-25
4-5
-3
60-75
-15
45-60
6-7
-2
90-105
-10
80-95
8-9
-1
120-135
-5
115-130
10-11
+0
150-165
+0
150-165
12-13
+1
180-195
+5
185-200
14-15
+2
210-225
+10
220-235
16-17
+3
240-255
+15
255-270
18-19
+4
270-285
+20
290-305
20
+5
300
+25
325
21
+5
315
+25
340
22
+6
330
+30
360
23
+6
345
+30
375
24
+7
360
+35
395
25
+7
375
+35
410
26
+8
390
+40
430
27
+8
405
+40
445
28
+9
420
+45
465
29
+9
435
+45
480
30
+10
450
+50
500
Carrying Capacity vs. Strength Score
Visualizing how Strength impacts your Base Carrying Capacity.
What is D&D 5e Carry Weight?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), D&D 5e carry weight, often referred to as carrying capacity or encumbrance, is a mechanic that limits how much treasure, gear, and equipment a character can physically transport. It's a crucial element for adventurers who frequently find themselves laden with loot, potions, weapons, and survival essentials. Understanding your D&D 5e carry weight ensures you don't get bogged down by too much gear, which can impose penalties on your character's performance in combat and exploration. This system adds a layer of realism and tactical consideration to the game, forcing players to make choices about what is truly essential for their journey.
Adventurers, particularly those playing martial classes like fighters, barbarians, and rangers, often acquire significant amounts of gear and treasure. This includes armor, weapons, adventuring kits, spell components, magical items, and the spoils of defeated monsters. Even spellcasters need to carry their spellbooks, arcane foci, and components. The D&D 5e carry weight mechanic directly impacts how much of these items a character can carry before facing penalties.
A common misconception is that carrying capacity is solely determined by the character's Strength score without any other modifiers. While Strength is the primary factor, the Strength modifier also plays a significant role, and special features or magic items can further alter these limits. Another misunderstanding is that encumbrance is a binary state (either you can carry it or you can't). In reality, D&D 5e uses tiered encumbrance: being lightly encumbered imposes disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls, while being heavily encumbered reduces your speed. This calculator helps clarify the nuances of D&D 5e carry weight.
D&D 5e Carry Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core mechanic for determining a character's carrying capacity in D&D 5e is based on their Strength score and its associated modifier. The standard formula is designed to scale carrying capacity as a character becomes stronger, reflecting physical prowess.
The base carrying capacity is calculated as follows:
Base Carrying Capacity = Strength Score × 15 (in pounds)
This means a character with a Strength score of 10 has a base capacity of 150 lbs, while a character with a Strength score of 18 has a base capacity of 270 lbs.
However, there's an additional benefit derived from the Strength modifier, which can further increase carrying capacity, especially for characters with very high Strength scores. The rulebook states:
Strength Modifier Bonus = Strength Modifier × 5 (in pounds)
The Total Carrying Capacity is the sum of these two components:
Total Carrying Capacity = Base Carrying Capacity + Strength Modifier Bonus
So, the complete formula for Total Carrying Capacity, without considering any special features or items, is:
For characters with features like the Goliath's "Powerful Build" or specific magic items, the carrying capacity can be increased. The standard interpretation is that these features often double the carrying capacity, or apply a multiplier. When a multiplier is involved, it's usually applied to the capacity *before* adding any additional weight from specific items:
The **Maximum Encumbrance Threshold** is then defined as half of the Total Carrying Capacity:
Maximum Encumbrance Threshold = Total Carrying Capacity / 2
This threshold is critical. If a character's carried weight exceeds this threshold, they become lightly encumbered. If they carry more than their Total Carrying Capacity, they become heavily encumbered.
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Strength Score
A character's raw Strength ability score.
Score
1 to 30 (standard)
Strength Modifier
The bonus or penalty derived from the Strength Score. Calculated as (Strength Score – 10) / 2, rounded down.
Modifier
-5 to +10 (standard)
Base Carrying Capacity
The carrying capacity derived solely from the Strength Score.
Pounds (lbs)
15 to 450 (standard)
Strength Modifier Bonus
The additional carrying capacity granted by the Strength Modifier.
Pounds (lbs)
-25 to +50 (standard)
Total Carrying Capacity
The character's maximum load before becoming heavily encumbered.
Pounds (lbs)
Varies widely, typically 100-500+ lbs.
Additional Weight
Weight of specific items manually added, usually loot or unique gear.
Pounds (lbs)
0+ lbs
Multiplier
A factor from racial traits or magic items that increases carrying capacity.
Factor
1.0 (none), 2.0 (double), etc.
Encumbrance Threshold
Half of the Total Carrying Capacity, marking the limit for light encumbrance.
Pounds (lbs)
Varies widely.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's explore how different character builds handle their D&D 5e carry weight.
Example 1: The Mighty Barbarian
Grok the Barbarian has a Strength score of 18 and a Strength modifier of +4. He's not a Goliath and doesn't have any magical items that affect his carrying capacity. He's equipped with his Greataxe (10 lbs), Chain Mail (55 lbs), and an Explorer's Pack (55 lbs). He also just found a hefty pile of treasure weighing 120 lbs.
Results Interpretation:
Grok's Total Carrying Capacity is 290 lbs. His encumbrance threshold is 145 lbs. With his gear and treasure, he's carrying 240 lbs. Since 240 lbs is greater than his threshold of 145 lbs, but less than his total capacity of 290 lbs, Grok is lightly encumbered. This means he has disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls. He needs to consider dropping some of the treasure or finding a way to transport it.
Example 2: The Nimble Rogue with a Special Item
Flicker the Rogue has a Strength score of 12 and a Strength modifier of +1. He's found a rare "Bag of Holding" which, for the sake of this example, we'll assume doesn't affect carrying capacity directly but could store items. However, he also possesses a magical belt, the "Belt of the Pack Mule," which grants him a carrying capacity multiplier of 1.5. His current gear weighs 30 lbs. He acquired some gems worth 40 lbs.
Actual Total Carrying Capacity = Carrying Capacity (with Multiplier) + Additional Weight (This is where interpretation matters; typically, multiplier applies to base, and additional is added after, or the multiplier applies to the *entire* load. We'll use the former for clarity: Capacity = (Base * Multiplier) + Additional Items
Results Interpretation:
Flicker's effective carrying capacity is 277.5 lbs due to the magic belt. His encumbrance threshold is 138.75 lbs. He's currently carrying only 70 lbs. This means he is not encumbered and has plenty of room for more loot or gear. The multiplier significantly boosts his physical carrying limits, allowing him to be more prepared or haul more rewards.
How to Use This D&D 5e Carry Weight Calculator
Using our D&D 5e carry weight calculator is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to quickly determine your character's carrying limits:
Enter Strength Score: Input your character's current Strength score. This is the primary determinant of carrying capacity.
Strength Modifier: The calculator automatically calculates your Strength modifier based on the score entered. This value is crucial for the final calculation.
Special Carrying Capacity?: If your character has a racial trait (like the Goliath's Powerful Build, which counts as one size larger for carrying capacity) or a magic item that increases their carrying capacity, select "Yes".
Capacity Multiplier: If you selected "Yes" for special carrying capacity, enter the multiplier provided by that feature or item. For example, if a feature doubles your carrying capacity, enter "2". If it increases it by 50%, enter "1.5". If no such feature exists, leave this at "1" or ensure the "No" option is selected.
Additional Items (Weight in lbs): Input the total weight in pounds of any specific items you are carrying that aren't accounted for in standard gear. This typically includes loot, treasure, or significant unique items.
Calculate: Click the "Calculate Carry Weight" button.
Reading the Results:
Base Carrying Capacity: This is (Strength Score × 15).
Strength Modifier Bonus: This is (Strength Modifier × 5).
Total Carrying Capacity: This is the sum of the Base Carrying Capacity and Strength Modifier Bonus (and potentially adjusted by a multiplier). This is the absolute maximum weight your character can carry before becoming heavily encumbered.
Maximum Encumbrance Threshold: This is half of your Total Carrying Capacity. Crossing this threshold means your character becomes lightly encumbered, suffering penalties.
Weight Carried (Manual Input): This displays the "Additional Items" you entered, representing the weight you are actively carrying in addition to your base gear.
Your Max Carrying Capacity: This is the highlighted main result, representing the Total Carrying Capacity.
Decision-Making Guidance:
Compare your 'Total Weight Carried' (base gear + additional items) against your 'Maximum Encumbrance Threshold' and 'Total Carrying Capacity'. If your carried weight exceeds the threshold, you're encumbered and should consider dropping items or finding creative solutions. If it exceeds your total capacity, you are heavily encumbered, severely limiting your movement and actions.
Key Factors That Affect D&D 5e Carry Weight Results
Several factors influence a character's ability to carry loot and gear in D&D 5e, going beyond just the Strength score. Understanding these elements is key to effective inventory management and maximizing your adventuring potential.
Strength Score: This is the foundational element. A higher Strength score directly translates to a higher base carrying capacity. Investing in Strength is paramount for characters who expect to haul significant amounts of treasure or heavy equipment.
Strength Modifier: While the Strength Score determines the bulk of the carrying capacity (multiplied by 15), the Strength Modifier provides an additional bonus (multiplied by 5). This means characters with scores that yield a positive modifier benefit even more, especially at higher scores.
Racial Traits: Certain races have traits that modify carrying capacity. The most prominent is the Goliath's "Powerful Build," which effectively treats them as one size larger when determining carrying capacity, potentially doubling it for smaller-sized creatures or increasing it significantly for medium creatures. Other features might offer direct percentage increases.
Magic Items: Magic items can drastically alter carrying capacity. Items like a "Belt of Giant Strength" (which sets your Strength score to a higher value) indirectly boost carrying capacity. More directly, items like a "Bag of Holding" or "Portable Hole" allow characters to store vast amounts of items without increasing their physical carried weight, circumventing the encumbrance rules entirely for those stored items. Other items might offer direct multipliers or fixed weight allowances.
Character Class and Feats: While not directly a calculation factor in the core rules, certain class features or feats can indirectly influence how much a character *needs* to carry or how they manage it. For instance, a Ranger might focus on survival gear, while a Fighter might prioritize armor and weapons. Feats like "Heavy Armor Master" might make certain gear heavier but also provide combat benefits.
The Definition of "Encumbrance": It's crucial to remember that encumbrance penalties are applied based on weight. Light encumbrance (over half total capacity) imposes disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls. Heavy encumbrance (over total capacity) reduces speed. Players must constantly monitor their carried weight against these thresholds to maintain optimal performance.
Specific Item Weights: The game provides general guidelines for item weights. However, if a Dungeon Master rules that a specific item is unusually heavy or light, this will affect the total carried weight. For example, a particularly large and ornate shield might weigh more than the standard 6 lbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard carrying capacity in D&D 5e?
The standard carrying capacity is calculated using the formula: (Strength Score × 15) + (Strength Modifier × 5) pounds.
How does encumbrance affect my character?
If your carried weight exceeds half your carrying capacity, you are lightly encumbered and have disadvantage on ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls. If your carried weight exceeds your total carrying capacity, your speed is reduced by 10 feet.
Does Strength score 10 give me a +0 modifier for carrying capacity?
Yes. A Strength score of 10 grants a +0 modifier. The modifier is calculated as (Strength Score – 10) / 2, rounded down. So, for a score of 10, it's (10 – 10) / 2 = 0.
What if my character is a Goliath? How does that affect carrying weight?
Goliaths have the "Powerful Build" trait, which means they count as one size larger when determining their carrying capacity, as well as the weight they can push, drag, or lift. This often effectively doubles their carrying capacity compared to a non-Goliath of the same Strength.
Can a Bag of Holding be used to bypass carrying weight limits?
Yes, for the items stored within it. A Bag of Holding allows you to store items without increasing your character's physical carried weight. However, the Bag of Holding itself has a weight (usually 15 lbs) that contributes to your carried load.
Do spell components count towards carrying weight?
Generally, common spell components that are not consumed do not count towards carrying weight unless they are particularly heavy or numerous. However, if a component is rare, expensive, or significant in bulk, the Dungeon Master might rule that it contributes to the character's load.
What if I have a Strength score of 3? What's my carrying capacity?
A Strength score of 3 gives a modifier of -4. Your Base Carrying Capacity would be 3 x 15 = 45 lbs. Your Strength Modifier Bonus would be -4 x 5 = -20 lbs. Your Total Carrying Capacity would be 45 – 20 = 25 lbs.
How important is managing carry weight in a long campaign?
It's extremely important. Over the course of a long campaign, adventurers accumulate vast amounts of loot, valuable items, and necessary supplies. Poorly managed inventory can lead to characters becoming encumbered, hindering their effectiveness in critical moments, and forcing difficult decisions about what treasure to leave behind.
Does the 'carrying capacity' on my character sheet include the weight of my armor and worn items?
Your character sheet typically lists your Total Carrying Capacity. The weight you are actively carrying (armor, weapons, backpack, etc.) needs to be tracked separately and compared against this capacity to determine encumbrance.