Calculating Carry Weight Pathfinder

Master your inventory and adventuring capacity.

Calculate Your Carry Weight

What is Pathfinder Carry Weight?

In the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (both 1st and 2nd editions, with slight variations), carry weight refers to the total amount of items and gear a character can comfortably transport without suffering penalties to their movement or combat effectiveness. It's a crucial mechanic that directly influences inventory management, character build choices, and the practicality of undertaking long journeys or carrying specialized equipment. Understanding and calculating your carry weight is fundamental for any adventurer wanting to make the most of their abilities and resources. Properly managing your load ensures you aren't hindered by your gear, allowing you to focus on the challenges ahead.

Who Should Use This Calculator?

This calculator is essential for:

• Pathfinder 2e players: To quickly determine their maximum load, base capacity, and remaining carrying potential based on Strength and armor.
• Game Masters (GMs): To help players understand their limits and to plan encounters or loot distribution that is appropriate for the party's carrying capacity.
• New Players: To grasp a core mechanic that often surprises them with its impact on gameplay.
• Experienced Players: To optimize their builds and inventory for specific campaigns, especially those involving extensive travel or loot.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that carry weight is solely determined by Strength score. While Strength is the primary factor, Pathfinder carry weight is also significantly influenced by:

• Armor Proficiency: Different types of armor (light, medium, heavy) grant different base carrying capacities or modify how Strength affects it.
• Worn Gear: The weight of equipped armor and shields directly reduces your available carrying capacity for other items.
• Specific Feats or Abilities: Certain character abilities or feats might alter carry weight calculations.

Another error is confusing the different tiers of encumbrance. It's not just a binary "can carry" or "cannot carry"; there are distinct levels with escalating penalties.

Pathfinder Carry Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The calculation of carry weight in Pathfinder 2e involves a few key steps. It starts with determining your base carrying capacity, which is then adjusted by your currently worn equipment, and finally, you compare your current load against this adjusted maximum.

Step-by-Step Derivation

1. Determine Base Capacity: This is primarily based on your Strength score. A character with a Strength score of 10 has a Base Capacity of 5 lbs. For every 2 points of Strength above 10, this capacity increases by 5 lbs. For every 2 points of Strength below 10, it decreases by 5 lbs.
   Example: A Strength of 14 gives you (14-10)/2 = 2 increments above 10, so 5 lbs + (2 * 5 lbs) = 15 lbs base capacity. A Strength of 8 gives you (8-10)/2 = -1 increment below 10, so 5 lbs + (-1 * 5 lbs) = 0 lbs base capacity.
2. Apply Encumbrance Type Modifier: For characters proficient in armor, the calculation is slightly different and often more generous, especially with higher Strength. The calculator simplifies this by using the direct multipliers provided by the game rules for different armor proficiencies or High Strength.
   A character with High Strength (20+) or proficiency in Heavy Armor, for example, uses a higher multiplier for their capacity.
3. Subtract Worn Armor and Shield Weight: From the calculated Base Capacity (after any modifiers), you subtract the weight of your currently worn armor and your currently wielded shield. This gives you your 'Maximum Load'.
4. Calculate Remaining Capacity: Your 'Current Load' (the total weight of all items you are carrying, including worn gear) is then compared to your 'Maximum Load'. The difference is your 'Remaining Capacity'.

Variable Explanations

Here are the key variables involved in calculating Pathfinder carry weight:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Strength Score	Your character's raw Strength ability score.	Score	1 to 30 (rarely higher)
Encumbrance Type	Determines the capacity multiplier or starting point based on armor proficiency or high Strength.	Type	Standard, Light, Medium, Heavy, High Strength
Worn Armor Weight	The weight of the armor your character is currently wearing.	Pounds (lbs)	0 to 50+ lbs
Worn Shield Weight	The weight of the shield your character is currently wielding.	Pounds (lbs)	0 to 20+ lbs
Base Capacity	The initial carrying capacity derived from Strength, before worn gear.	Pounds (lbs)	Varies greatly with Strength.
Maximum Load	The total weight a character can carry before becoming Overburdened. (Base Capacity – Worn Gear Weight)	Pounds (lbs)	Varies greatly.
Current Load	The sum of the weight of all items carried, including worn gear.	Pounds (lbs)	Varies greatly.
Remaining Capacity	The difference between Maximum Load and Current Load; how much more can be carried.	Pounds (lbs)	Varies greatly.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Let's look at a couple of scenarios to illustrate how Pathfinder carry weight works in practice.

Example 1: The Cautious Ranger

Character: A Ranger with a Strength score of 16 and proficiency with Light Armor. They are wearing Studded Leather (3 lbs) and carrying a Longbow (3 lbs), a quiver with 20 arrows (2 lbs), a backpack containing rations (5 lbs), a bedroll (2 lbs), 50ft of rope (5 lbs), and a healing potion (1 lb). Their total gear weight *excluding* the armor is 19 lbs.

Inputs:

• Strength Score: 16
• Encumbrance Type: Light Armor Proficiency
• Worn Armor Weight: 3 lbs (Studded Leather)
• Worn Shield Weight: 0 lbs
• Current Load (Items only): 19 lbs

Calculations:

• Base Capacity (Str 16): Strength 10 = 5 lbs. For every 2 points above 10: (16-10)/2 = 3 increments. Base = 5 + (3 * 5) = 20 lbs.
• Maximum Load: Base Capacity (20 lbs) – Worn Armor (3 lbs) – Worn Shield (0 lbs) = 17 lbs.
• Total Current Load: Current Items (19 lbs) + Worn Armor (3 lbs) = 22 lbs.
• Remaining Capacity: Maximum Load (17 lbs) – Total Current Load (22 lbs) = -5 lbs.

Results & Interpretation:

• Primary Result: Overburdened!
• Base Capacity: 20 lbs
• Current Load: 22 lbs
• Remaining Capacity: -5 lbs
• Maximum Load: 17 lbs
• Effective Strength Score: 16

This Ranger is currently carrying 22 lbs, which exceeds their Maximum Load of 17 lbs. They are Overburdened. Their load is between 1x and 2x their Maximum Load (22/17 is approximately 1.29x). This means they will suffer a -10 feet penalty to their Speed and likely have disadvantage on certain checks as per the game rules.

Example 2: The Heavily Equipped Warrior

Character: A Fighter with a Strength score of 18 and proficiency with Heavy Armor. They are wearing Full Plate Armor (50 lbs) and wielding a Tower Shield (30 lbs). Their backpack contains basic adventuring gear weighing 25 lbs.

Inputs:

• Strength Score: 18
• Encumbrance Type: Heavy Armor Proficiency
• Worn Armor Weight: 50 lbs (Full Plate)
• Worn Shield Weight: 30 lbs (Tower Shield)
• Current Load (Items only, excluding armor/shield): 25 lbs

Calculations:

• Base Capacity (Str 18): Strength 10 = 5 lbs. For every 2 points above 10: (18-10)/2 = 4 increments. Base = 5 + (4 * 5) = 25 lbs.
• Maximum Load: Base Capacity (25 lbs) – Worn Armor (50 lbs) – Worn Shield (30 lbs) = -55 lbs.
• Total Current Load: Current Items (25 lbs) + Worn Armor (50 lbs) + Worn Shield (30 lbs) = 105 lbs.
• Remaining Capacity: Maximum Load (-55 lbs) – Total Current Load (105 lbs) = -160 lbs.

Results & Interpretation:

• Primary Result: Severely Overburdened!
• Base Capacity: 25 lbs
• Current Load: 105 lbs
• Remaining Capacity: -160 lbs
• Maximum Load: -55 lbs
• Effective Strength Score: 18

This warrior is carrying 105 lbs. Their Maximum Load calculation results in a negative number (-55 lbs) because their worn armor and shield alone weigh far more than their Strength-based capacity. They are heavily Overburdened and will face severe penalties, potentially rendering them ineffective in combat or movement. This highlights the trade-off between heavy protection and carrying capacity.

How to Use This Pathfinder Carry Weight Calculator

Our Pathfinder carry weight calculator is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Follow these steps to determine your carrying capacity:

1. Enter Your Strength Score: Input your character's current Strength ability score into the 'Strength Score' field.
2. Select Encumbrance Type: Choose the option that best describes your character's general proficiency: 'Standard' if unarmored or only proficient in Light Armor without any specific feat, 'Light Armor Proficiency', 'Medium Armor Proficiency', 'Heavy Armor Proficiency', or 'High Strength' (if your Strength is 20 or higher).
3. Input Worn Gear Weight: Enter the weight in pounds (lbs) of the armor your character is currently wearing in the 'Worn Armor Weight' field. If you're not wearing armor, enter 0. Do the same for your shield in the 'Worn Shield Weight' field.
4. Add Current Item Weight: In the 'Current Load (Items only)' field, enter the total weight of all other items your character is carrying *besides* their worn armor and shield. This includes weapons, ammunition, adventuring gear, loot, potions, etc.
5. Calculate: Click the 'Calculate' button.

How to Read Results

• Primary Highlighted Result: This tells you your immediate status: 'Unencumbered', 'Encumbered', or 'Overburdened'.
• Base Capacity: The fundamental carrying capacity based on Strength alone.
• Current Load: The total weight you are carrying, including worn gear.
• Maximum Load: The maximum weight you can carry before suffering penalties.
• Remaining Capacity: How much more weight you can add before becoming Encumbered. A negative number means you are already Overburdened.
• Effective Strength Score: This reflects your character's Strength score as it applies to carry weight.

Decision-Making Guidance

Use the results to make informed decisions:

• If Overburdened: You must drop items to reduce your 'Current Load' until it is at or below your 'Maximum Load'. Consider what is essential for survival and combat.
• If Encumbered: You have some leeway, but consider if the penalties are worth the items you are carrying. You might want to drop non-essential items to achieve an 'Unencumbered' status for optimal performance.
• If Unencumbered: Congratulations! You have plenty of room for loot and gear. However, always keep an eye on your 'Remaining Capacity'.
• Character Building: For Strength-based characters who need to carry a lot, prioritize increasing Strength and potentially taking feats that improve carry capacity or reduce penalties.

Don't forget to check out our guide on managing inventory and choosing equipment for more tips on optimizing your adventurer.

Key Factors That Affect Pathfinder Carry Weight Results

Several elements significantly influence your Pathfinder carry weight calculations and their consequences:

1. Strength Score: This is the bedrock of your carrying capacity. Higher Strength directly translates to a higher Base Capacity, allowing you to carry more before even considering other factors. Investing in Strength is crucial for heavily equipped characters or those who anticipate acquiring significant loot.
2. Armor Proficiency and Type: Light armor imposes minimal weight and penalties, while medium and heavy armor drastically increase your worn weight. This higher intrinsic weight can easily push you into the Encumbered or Overburdened categories, even with a good Strength score. Your proficiency level dictates which armor types you can effectively wear.
3. Worn Shield Weight: Similar to armor, shields add weight. While often less than heavy armor, a large shield like a Tower Shield can consume a substantial portion of your carrying capacity, forcing difficult choices about what else you can carry.
4. Item Weight: The actual weight of the items you choose to carry is paramount. Heavy armor, large weapons, spell components, and valuable but bulky treasures all add up. A meticulous inventory and knowledge of item weights are essential for effective management. Consider using our item weight guide for detailed lists.
5. Character Feats and Abilities: Pathfinder 2e offers various feats and abilities that can alter carry weight. For instance, feats like "Bulk Up" or "Carry Companion" can increase your capacity or change how bulk is calculated. Always review your character's specific abilities for potential carry weight benefits.
6. Campaign Demands: The nature of the adventure itself is a major factor. A dungeon crawl might involve looting valuable treasures, requiring significant carrying capacity. A wilderness survival trek might necessitate carrying more rations, water, and survival gear. A stealth mission might require lighter loads to avoid noise and encumbrance penalties.
7. "Bulk" vs. Weight: While this calculator focuses on weight (lbs), Pathfinder 2e also uses the concept of "Bulk." Generally, 1 Bulk is equivalent to 5 lbs, and a character can typically carry 5 Bulk without penalty, up to 10 Bulk (Encumbered), and over 10 Bulk (Overburdened). Understanding how Bulk translates to weight is key, especially for items that might not have explicit weight values listed but do have Bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the basic carry weight for a character with 10 Strength in Pathfinder 2e?
  A character with a Strength score of 10 has a base carrying capacity of 5 lbs. For every 2 points of Strength above 10, this increases by 5 lbs.
• How does armor proficiency affect carry weight?
  Proficiency with heavier armor generally means the armor itself weighs more, directly reducing your available capacity for other items. However, the game rules often grant higher base capacities or multipliers for characters proficient with heavier armor types, especially when combined with high Strength. Our calculator accounts for this by using the appropriate encumbrance type.
• What's the difference between Encumbered and Overburdened?
  Being 'Encumbered' typically means your load is between 1/2 and 1x your maximum capacity, resulting in a speed penalty. Being 'Overburdened' means your load is between 1x and 2x your maximum capacity, incurring a larger speed penalty (usually -10 ft) and potentially disadvantage on certain checks. Carrying more than 2x your maximum capacity is usually impossible without special abilities.
• Do I need to track the weight of my weapons and armor?
  Yes, absolutely. The weight of all worn armor, wielded shields, equipped weapons, ammunition, and adventuring gear must be factored into your total 'Current Load'.
• Can I carry more if I have a higher Strength score?
  Yes, a higher Strength score directly increases your base carrying capacity, allowing you to carry more weight before becoming Encumbered or Overburdened.
• What does "High Strength" mean in the calculator?
  The "High Strength" option in the calculator typically applies to characters with a Strength score of 20 or higher, as these characters often benefit from enhanced carry weight calculations beyond standard armor proficiencies.
• How does the "Bulk" system interact with weight?
  In Pathfinder 2e, 1 Bulk is generally equivalent to 5 lbs. Most characters can carry up to 5 Bulk without penalty, are Encumbered between 5 and 10 Bulk, and Overburdened above 10 Bulk. This calculator uses weight (lbs) for precision, but it's useful to remember the Bulk equivalents for inventory management.
• What if my worn armor and shield weigh more than my base capacity?
  If the weight of your worn armor and shield alone exceeds your base carrying capacity, your 'Maximum Load' will be negative. This indicates you are significantly Overburdened and must reduce your carried weight drastically, potentially by dropping items that aren't essential for survival.
• Can I use magic items to increase my carry weight?
  Yes, magical items like belts of giant strength or bags of holding can significantly impact your carrying capacity or allow you to store items without adding to your physical load. Always check the specific properties of magic items.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Optimize your Pathfinder 2e experience with these additional resources:

• Detailed Guide to Pathfinder 2e Encumbrance Rules: A deep dive into the official rules governing carry weight and its penalties.
• Pathfinder 2e Item Weight and Bulk List: A comprehensive table of common adventuring gear, weapons, and armor with their weights and Bulk values.
• Pathfinder 2e Spell Component Tracker: Manage your spell components and their associated weights.
• Pathfinder 2e Character Builder Guide: Tips on building characters optimized for combat, exploration, and social encounters, including strength-based builds.
• Pathfinder 2e Magic Item Finder: Search for magic items that can enhance your character's abilities, including those that affect carry capacity.
• Pathfinder 2e Adventure Planning Checklist: A tool to help GMs and players prepare for adventures, including considerations for inventory and carry weight.