Fallout 4 Carry Weight Calculator
Effortlessly calculate your maximum carry weight in Fallout 4. Understand how your character's Strength, equipped items, and crucial perks like 'Strong Back' and 'Ordnance Express' combine to determine how much loot you can haul across the Commonwealth. Get real-time results and optimize your inventory management for survival.
Carry Weight Calculator
Your character's base carry weight is determined by their Strength SPECIAL stat (10 base per point).
Not taken
Level 1 (+25% Carry Weight)
Level 2 (+50% Carry Weight)
Level 3 (+75% Carry Weight)
Level 4 (+100% Carry Weight)
This perk directly increases your total carry weight capacity.
Not taken
Level 1 (+10% Explosives Carry Weight)
Level 2 (+20% Explosives Carry Weight)
Level 3 (+30% Explosives Carry Weight)
Only affects the weight of explosives. Note: This is less common for general carry weight calculations but can be significant for explosives hoarders.
Percentage of weight reduced from equipped armor pieces (e.g., mods like "Deep Pockets"). Assume average reduction if using multiple armors.
No
Yes (Removes carry weight bonus from Strength, applies Power Armor Chassis bonus)
Wearing Power Armor replaces your base Strength-based carry weight with the chassis's carry weight bonus.
This is the base carry weight bonus provided by your Power Armor chassis (e.g., T-45, T-60). Some modifications might increase this.
Sum of "+X Carry Weight" or "+X Strength" legendary effects on armor pieces (e.g., "Thousandth Round" effect).
Your Carry Weight Breakdown
Base Strength Carry:
Strong Back Bonus:
Explosives Bonus:
Armor Mod Bonus:
Power Armor Carry:
Legendary Bonus:
Carry Weight vs. Strength
Visualizing how increasing Strength impacts your total carry weight, assuming no other bonuses are active.
Fallout 4 Carry Weight Modifiers Summary
| Modifier | Effect | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Base Carry Weight | Each point of Strength adds 10 carry weight (unless in Power Armor). |
| Strong Back Perk | Percentage Increase | Increases total carry weight by up to 100% at Level 4. |
| Ordnance Express | Explosives Weight Reduction | Reduces weight of explosives by up to 30% at Level 3. |
| Armor Mods | Percentage Reduction | Mods like "Deep Pockets" reduce the weight of equipped armor. |
| Power Armor | Replaces Strength Bonus | Uses Power Armor Chassis base carry weight + mods, instead of Strength. |
| Legendary Effects | Flat Bonus / Strength | Some legendary items grant direct carry weight or Strength bonuses. |
Fallout 4 Carry Weight Calculator: Maximize Your Inventory in the Wasteland
What is the Fallout 4 Carry Weight Calculator?
The Fallout 4 carry weight calculator is a vital tool for any survivor navigating the harsh landscape of the Commonwealth. It helps players determine their maximum carrying capacity, which is the total amount of weight their character can hold before becoming over-encumbered. This capacity is not static; it's influenced by several in-game mechanics, including your character's Strength attribute, equipped armor, specific perks, and whether you're wearing Power Armor. Understanding and maximizing your Fallout 4 carry weight calculator is crucial for looting essential resources, weapons, and armor without being constantly bogged down. Whether you're a seasoned scavenger or a newcomer to the wasteland, this calculator provides a clear path to optimizing your inventory management, ensuring you can collect valuable items and progress efficiently.
This tool is designed for all Fallout 4 players, from those just starting out who need to understand the basics of inventory management, to veterans looking to min-max their build for maximum looting potential. It helps to demystify the complex interplay of stats and perks that govern how much your character can carry. Common misconceptions include believing that only Strength matters, or that Power Armor is always superior for carrying capacity without considering the trade-offs. Our Fallout 4 carry weight calculator aims to provide accurate, real-time insights into your potential loadout.
Fallout 4 Carry Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of calculating your maximum carry weight in Fallout 4 involves a primary formula that accounts for your base Strength and then layers on various bonuses and modifications. The formula can be expressed as follows:
Total Carry Weight = (Base Carry Weight from Strength OR Power Armor Bonus) + Strong Back Perk Bonus + Ordnance Express Bonus (for Explosives Only) + Legendary Armor Bonus
Let's break down each component:
- Base Carry Weight: This is the foundation. Normally, each point of Strength provides 10 carry weight. So, a Strength of 5 grants 50 carry weight, and a Strength of 10 grants 100 carry weight. However, when you equip Power Armor, your Strength stat is superseded. Instead, you gain the base carry weight bonus provided by the Power Armor chassis itself (e.g., 50 for a T-45 chassis), plus any bonuses from its modifications or legendary effects.
- Strong Back Perk Bonus: This is a significant percentage increase applied to your total carry weight.
- Level 1: +25%
- Level 2: +50%
- Level 3: +75%
- Level 4: +100%
- Ordnance Express Perk Bonus: This perk specifically reduces the weight of explosives. While not a direct increase to overall carry weight, it effectively allows you to carry more explosives. At Level 3, explosives weigh 30% less. This is calculated separately and applies only to the weight of explosive items. For the purpose of a general calculator, we often represent this as an effective carry weight increase for those items, or we might exclude it for simplicity unless specified.
- Armor Weight Reduction: Certain armor mods, like "Deep Pockets," can reduce the weight of the armor piece itself. However, the calculator typically focuses on bonuses that increase *overall* carry capacity rather than reducing the weight of specific items you're already wearing. Some legendary armor pieces might grant a flat "+X Carry Weight" bonus, which is usually aggregated into a "Legendary Armor Bonus".
- Legendary Armor Bonus: This accounts for any flat "+X Carry Weight" bonuses found on legendary armor pieces, or bonuses from legendary effects that increase Strength (which indirectly increases carry weight if not in Power Armor). These are summed up and added directly.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Primary SPECIAL stat affecting base carry weight. | Points (1-10) | 1-10 |
| Base Carry Weight | Carry weight derived directly from Strength. | Units (lbs/kg) | 10-100 |
| Strong Back Perk Level | Level of the Strong Back perk. | Integer (0-4) | 0-4 |
| Strong Back Bonus | Percentage added by the Strong Back perk. | Percentage (%) | 0-100% |
| Ordnance Express Perk Level | Level of the Ordnance Express perk. | Integer (0-3) | 0-3 |
| Explosives Weight Reduction | Percentage reduction for explosives. | Percentage (%) | 0-30% |
| Armor Weight Reduction | Percentage reduction from specific armor mods. | Percentage (%) | 0-100% |
| Power Armor State | Indicates if Power Armor is equipped. | Boolean (Yes/No) | Yes/No |
| Power Armor Chassis Bonus | Base carry weight provided by Power Armor. | Units (lbs/kg) | Typically 50+ |
| Legendary Armor Bonus | Total flat carry weight from legendary effects. | Units (lbs/kg) | Variable, e.g., 0-50+ |
| Total Carry Weight | Maximum weight the character can carry. | Units (lbs/kg) | Variable |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let's explore a couple of scenarios to see the Fallout 4 carry weight calculator in action:
Example 1: The Scavenger Build (High Strength, No Power Armor)
Character Setup:
- Strength: 9
- Strong Back Perk: Level 3 (+75% Carry Weight)
- Ordnance Express: Not taken (Level 0)
- Armor Mods: Average 20% weight reduction from Deep Pockets mods.
- Power Armor: No
- Legendary Armor Bonuses: +10 Carry Weight from one piece.
Calculation:
- Base Strength Carry: 9 Strength * 10 = 90
- Strong Back Bonus: 90 * 0.75 = 67.5
- Armor Mod Bonus (applied as overall capacity increase): ~20% of base? (This interpretation can vary, often it reduces item weights. For our calculator, we'll assume mods like 'Deep Pockets' on armor contribute to total capacity rather than directly reducing weight of other items). Let's assume the calculator focuses on direct capacity increases. A more complex calculator might factor in specific item weight reductions. For this example, let's stick to direct capacity bonuses. The calculator focuses on total capacity derived from stats/perks. A 20% armor mod bonus *on capacity* isn't standard. Let's re-evaluate the inputs for typical calculator use: focus on STR, Strong Back, PA, Legendary effects. The "Armor Weight Reduction" input in the calculator is meant for mods that *directly* grant carry weight. Let's assume this means a legendary effect like "+X Carry Weight". If we interpret it as percentage reduction of total weight, that's a different calculation. Let's simplify: Assume "Armor Weight Reduction" refers to a flat carry weight bonus from armor pieces. If a player has multiple armor pieces with "+10 Carry Weight", they sum up. Let's assume the value '20' means '+20 Carry Weight' from legendary effects.*
- Let's re-align with the calculator inputs:
- Base Carry Weight (Strength): 90 (from 9 Strength)
- Strong Back Perk: Level 3 = +75%
- Ordnance Express: Level 0 = 0%
- Armor Weight Reduction: Let's assume this refers to a direct carry weight bonus on armor. So, +20 Carry Weight.
- Power Armor State: No
- Power Armor Bonus: N/A
- Legendary Armor Bonus: +10 Carry Weight
- Total Carry Weight = 90 (Base) + (90 * 0.75) (Strong Back) + 20 (Legendary Armor) = 90 + 67.5 + 20 = 177.5
Calculator Result: Approximately 177 Carry Weight Units.
Interpretation: This player can carry a significant amount of loot. They might prioritize heavy weapons, armor pieces, and crafting materials. The high Strength and Strong Back perk are the main drivers here.
Example 2: The Power Armor Engineer (Moderate Strength, Power Armor)
Character Setup:
- Strength: 5 (This stat becomes less relevant in PA)
- Strong Back Perk: Level 1 (+25% Carry Weight)
- Ordnance Express: Level 2 (+20% Explosives Weight Reduction)
- Armor Mods: N/A (PA overrides normal armor)
- Power Armor: Yes (T-60 Chassis)
- Power Armor Chassis Bonus: 75 (T-60 base bonus)
- Legendary Armor Bonuses: +5 Carry Weight from a PA piece.
Calculation:
- Base Carry Weight: 75 (from T-60 PA Chassis)
- Strong Back Bonus: 75 * 0.25 = 18.75
- Legendary Armor Bonus: +5 Carry Weight
- Total Carry Weight = 75 (PA Base) + 18.75 (Strong Back) + 5 (Legendary) = 98.75
- Explosives Weight Reduction: 20% (This applies to the weight of explosives themselves, not the total capacity calculation directly).
Calculator Result: Approximately 99 Carry Weight Units (excluding the specific benefit of reduced explosive weight).
Interpretation: While this character has less base carry weight than the Scavenger Build, they benefit from the Power Armor's inherent capacity. The Strong Back perk still provides a noticeable boost. They are well-suited for carrying PA components, heavy weaponry, and, with the Ordnance Express perk, a substantial supply of grenades and mines.
How to Use This Fallout 4 Carry Weight Calculator
Using the Fallout 4 carry weight calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to get your optimal carry capacity:
- Input Base Strength: Enter your character's Strength SPECIAL stat (typically 1-10). If you plan to frequently use Power Armor, remember this value will be replaced by the Power Armor chassis bonus.
- Select Strong Back Perk: Choose the level of the 'Strong Back' perk you have invested in, from 'Not Taken' to Level 4.
- Select Ordnance Express (Optional): If you rely heavily on explosives, select the level of the 'Ordnance Express' perk. Note that this primarily reduces the weight of explosives, not your overall capacity.
- Enter Armor Bonus: Input any flat carry weight bonuses provided by legendary armor pieces (e.g., "+10 Carry Weight"). If you have multiple, sum them up.
- Specify Power Armor Use: Select 'Yes' if you are calculating your capacity while wearing Power Armor. If you choose 'Yes', your Strength-based carry weight will be ignored.
- Enter Power Armor Bonus: If using Power Armor, input the base carry weight bonus provided by your chassis (e.g., 50 for T-45, 75 for T-60).
- Click 'Calculate Carry Weight': The calculator will instantly display your maximum carry weight, along with key intermediate values like your base capacity and perk bonuses.
Reading the Results: The primary result shows your total carry weight capacity. The intermediate values break down how each stat and perk contributes. This helps you understand which areas to invest in for greater carrying potential.
Decision-Making Guidance: Based on your calculated carry weight, you can make informed decisions. If your capacity is low, consider investing more points in Strength, acquiring the Strong Back perk, or seeking out legendary armor with carry weight bonuses. If you frequently use Power Armor, ensure you have a good chassis and consider mods that might further increase its carry weight bonus.
Key Factors That Affect Fallout 4 Carry Weight Results
Several interconnected factors significantly influence your maximum carry weight in Fallout 4. Optimizing these can drastically increase how much loot you can manage:
- Strength SPECIAL Stat: This is the most fundamental factor for characters *not* in Power Armor. Each point of Strength directly translates to 10 units of carry weight. Maximizing Strength is a primary goal for any character build focused on hoarding loot.
- Strong Back Perk: This perk is a force multiplier. At its highest level (Level 4), it doubles your carry weight capacity. This makes it arguably the most impactful perk for increasing raw carrying potential outside of Power Armor.
- Power Armor Chassis: When equipped, Power Armor completely changes the equation. Your Strength stat is effectively locked at 11 (though it still affects other things), and you gain the inherent carry weight bonus of the Power Armor frame itself. Different Tiers (T-45, T-51, T-60, X-01) offer varying base carry weight bonuses, making some frames inherently better for hauling capacity.
- Legendary Armor Effects: Legendary armor pieces can spawn with unique effects. Critically, some grant a direct "+X Carry Weight" bonus, or "+X Strength." The latter indirectly boosts carry weight if you're not in Power Armor. Aggregating these bonuses across multiple armor pieces can provide a substantial, flat increase to your capacity.
- Ordnance Express Perk: While not increasing *overall* capacity, this perk is vital for characters who carry a lot of explosives. By reducing the weight of mines, grenades, and missile launchers, it frees up significant inventory space *specifically* for these valuable, yet heavy, items.
- Carry Weight Augmentation Mods: Certain mods for armor (like "Deep Pockets" or "Ultra-Light Build" with specific variations) can affect the weight of the armor itself or potentially grant small carry weight bonuses. However, the most significant direct carry weight increases usually come from legendary effects or Power Armor.
- Companion Carry Weight: Although not directly calculated by this tool, remember that companions like Strong or Codsworth can also carry items for you, effectively extending your total carrying capacity in the field.
- Food and Chems: Temporary buffs from certain chems (like Buffout) or irradiated foods can temporarily increase Strength, thus increasing carry weight. These are short-term solutions but can be invaluable during critical scavenging runs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the maximum possible carry weight in Fallout 4?
- With optimal stats (Strength 10), all perks maxed (Strong Back 4, Ordnance Express 3), Power Armor (e.g., X-01 with mods) and beneficial legendary effects (+Strength or +Carry Weight), the theoretical maximum can exceed 500-600 carry weight units, though practical limits and specific build variations exist.
- Does Strength still matter when I'm in Power Armor?
- No, your base Strength stat is largely ignored for carry weight calculation when you are wearing Power Armor. The game uses the Power Armor chassis's base carry weight bonus and any modifications or legendary effects applied to the Power Armor itself.
- How much does the Strong Back perk actually add?
- Strong Back adds a percentage bonus to your *total* carry weight: Level 1 is +25%, Level 2 is +50%, Level 3 is +75%, and Level 4 is +100% (doubling your capacity).
- Can I increase carry weight with drugs?
- Yes, chems like Buffout temporarily increase your Strength stat, which in turn increases your base carry weight if you are not in Power Armor. Irradiated foods can also provide temporary stat boosts.
- What's the difference between Strength bonus and Power Armor bonus for carry weight?
- Strength provides a base carry weight of 10 per point for your character's base inventory. Power Armor replaces this with a flat bonus from the Power Armor chassis itself, which varies by model (e.g., T-45, T-60, X-01).
- Does the Ordnance Express perk increase my total carry weight?
- No, Ordnance Express reduces the weight of explosives specifically. While it allows you to carry more explosives, it doesn't increase your overall carry weight capacity like Strength or the Strong Back perk does.
- Should I prioritize Strength or Strong Back?
- Both are excellent. If you're not using Power Armor, investing in Strength first provides a solid foundation, and then taking Strong Back amplifies that foundation significantly. If you are heavily invested in Power Armor, Strength matters less for carry weight, making Strong Back and PA-specific bonuses more critical.
- Are there any legendary effects that directly increase carry weight?
- Yes, some legendary armor pieces can spawn with the effect "+X Carry Weight" or "+X Strength," both of which directly contribute to your carrying capacity.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
To further enhance your Fallout 4 experience, explore these related tools and guides:
- Fallout 4 Carry Weight Calculator: The tool you're using now to precisely manage your inventory capacity.
- Fallout 4 Strength Perk Guide: Learn more about maximizing your Strength stat and its associated perks.
- Fallout 4 Power Armor Guide: Discover the best Power Armor frames, mods, and how they affect gameplay, including carry weight.
- Fallout 4 Loot Management Tips: Strategies for efficiently collecting and organizing your vast array of items.
- Fallout 4 Best Perks for Scavengers: Focus on perks that benefit item collection, crafting, and survivability.
- Fallout 4 Item Weight List: A comprehensive list of common items and their weights to help plan your scavenging runs.