Last Updated: December 2025
This D&D 5th Edition Carry Weight Calculator quickly determines your character’s carrying capacity, encumbrance levels, and maximum lift based on their Strength Score and size. Ensure your adventurer never suffers unnecessary movement penalties!
D&D Carry Weight Calculator
Detailed Calculation Steps
D&D Carry Weight Formula
The standard carrying capacity in D&D 5th Edition is calculated by multiplying the character’s Strength score by 15. The Encumbrance and Heavily Encumbered thresholds are applied using the variant rule from the *Player’s Handbook*.
Formula Source: D&D 5e Player’s Handbook Errata, D&D Beyond: Adventuring
Variables Used
- Strength Score (STR): A value from 1 to 30 that measures the character’s physical power. This is the primary determinant of carry weight.
- Current Total Weight: The combined weight of all gear, armor, weapons, and treasure carried by the character. This determines the level of encumbrance.
- Size Multiplier: A factor that increases capacity for creatures larger than Medium (Large=x2, Huge=x4, Gargantuan=x8) as outlined in the general rules for creature size.
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What is D&D Carry Weight?
In Dungeons & Dragons, a character’s carry weight, or carrying capacity, dictates the maximum amount of gear and equipment they can realistically transport without suffering penalties to their movement speed or combat capabilities. This capacity is fundamentally tied to the character’s Strength score—the higher the score, the more they can carry.
While the standard rule simply states a maximum capacity (STR × 15), many groups use the **Variant Encumbrance Rule**. This optional rule introduces two thresholds: Encumbered (STR × 5) and Heavily Encumbered (STR × 10). Crossing these thresholds results in increasing penalties to speed and combat effectiveness, forcing players to manage their inventory strategically.
How to Calculate Carry Weight (Example)
Let’s calculate the capacity for a Medium-sized Barbarian with a Strength score of 18.
- Determine Base Capacity: Strength Score (18) × 15 = 270 lbs. This is the maximum weight the Barbarian can carry without being “overloaded.”
- Calculate Encumbered Threshold: Strength Score (18) × 5 = 90 lbs. If the weight exceeds 90 lbs, the Barbarian becomes Encumbered.
- Calculate Heavily Encumbered Threshold: Strength Score (18) × 10 = 180 lbs. If the weight exceeds 180 lbs, the Barbarian becomes Heavily Encumbered.
- Determine Push/Drag/Lift Maximum: Strength Score (18) × 30 = 540 lbs. This is the absolute maximum weight they can move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Does armor weight count toward my total carry weight?
- Yes, the weight of all worn armor, equipment, weapons, and items counts toward your total carried weight.
- What are the penalties for being Heavily Encumbered?
- A character’s speed is reduced by 20 feet, and they have disadvantage on Attack Rolls, Ability Checks, and Saving Throws that use Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution.
- How does a creature’s size affect its carrying capacity?
- For every size category above Medium (Large, Huge, Gargantuan), the creature’s carrying capacity and the weight it can push, drag, or lift are typically doubled. Our calculator accounts for this.
- What happens if I exceed my maximum carrying capacity?
- If your current weight exceeds your maximum carrying capacity (STR × 15 × Multiplier), you are unable to move until the weight is reduced. This is referred to as being Overloaded.