Determine your Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition character’s carrying capacity and encumbrance penalties using their Strength score and size. This calculator automatically handles the standard and variant rules found in the Player’s Handbook.
D\&D 5e Carry Weight Calculator
Calculation Results
Total Carrying Capacity (lbs):
Push/Drag/Lift Capacity (lbs):
D\&D 5e Carry Weight Formula
Push/Drag/Lift Capacity = Strength Score $\times$ 30 $\times$ Size Multiplier
Variant Encumbrance Thresholds (If Used):
Encumbered = Strength Score $\times$ 5 $\times$ Size Multiplier
Heavily Encumbered = Strength Score $\times$ 10 $\times$ Size Multiplier
Formula Sources: Roll20 (PHB Chapter 7), D&D Beyond (PHB p. 176)
Variables Explained
- Strength Score: Your character’s numerical Strength ability score (usually 1–30). This is the primary determinant of capacity.
- Creature Size: A multiplier applied to the base capacity. Small and Medium creatures use x1. Tiny uses x0.5, Large uses x2, Huge uses x4, and Gargantuan uses x8.
- Encumbrance Rule Set: Determines whether the calculator shows only the maximum capacity (Standard) or also includes the two penalty thresholds (Variant: Encumbrance).
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What is D\&D 5e Carry Weight?
In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, carrying capacity determines the maximum weight in pounds a character can carry without being negatively affected. This is crucial for managing inventory, especially when dealing with heavy armor, multiple weapons, or large amounts of treasure.
The system is intentionally simple under the standard rules, allowing most players to ignore tracking weight unless they are carrying something truly massive, or if their Strength score is exceptionally low. However, the optional “Variant: Encumbrance” rule introduces two penalties for carrying moderate and heavy loads, requiring more careful resource management. This calculator helps streamline that process.
The standard rule assumes that most characters can carry about 15 times their Strength score in pounds before reaching their absolute capacity.
How to Calculate D\&D 5e Carry Weight (Example)
- Determine the Base Score: Start with the character’s Strength Score. For a standard fighter with a Strength of 16, the base score is 16.
- Calculate Base Capacity: Multiply the Strength Score by 15. $16 \times 15 = 240$ lbs.
- Apply Size Modifier: Since most player characters are Medium, the multiplier is x1. $240 \times 1 = 240$ lbs. This is the total Carrying Capacity.
- Calculate Push/Drag/Lift (PDL): Multiply the Capacity by 2 (or Strength by 30). $240 \times 2 = 480$ lbs.
- Calculate Variant Thresholds (Optional): If using the Variant rule, calculate Encumbered ($16 \times 5 = 80$ lbs) and Heavily Encumbered ($16 \times 10 = 160$ lbs).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Carry Weight limit the same for Tiny and Small characters?
No. While Small and Medium creatures have the same capacity, Tiny creatures (like a faerie or sprite) have their carrying capacity halved (x0.5 multiplier) as per the rules.
What is the penalty for being Heavily Encumbered?
If you use the Variant: Encumbrance rule, a Heavily Encumbered character has disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws, and their speed is reduced by 20 feet.
Does armor weight count towards carrying capacity?
Yes, all items carried or worn count toward your carrying capacity, including armor, weapons, gold pieces (50 coins weigh 1 lb), and supplies.
Can a character temporarily increase their carrying capacity?
Yes. Spells like Enlarge/Reduce or features like a Barbarian’s *Rage* can temporarily increase a character’s Strength score or size, thereby increasing their carrying capacity.