Floor Loading Calculator: How Many Tonnes per m² Do You Need?
- Load on the footprint
- 10.2 t
- Footprint area
- 3 m²
- t/m²
- 3.4
Estimate only, based on the average load over the rack or machine footprint. Point loads under rack base plates, forklift wheels and machine feet must be checked by a structural engineer.
Built by Peter Tan (REN 12771)
Peter is an industrial property negotiator with a software engineering background. He built FactoryHub.my and its spec tools himself, so buyers and tenants can shortlist factories by power supply, ceiling height and floor loading before the first viewing.
About Peter →How the calculation works
- Racking: levels x pallets per level x weight per pallet, plus the racking itself, gives the tonnes on one bay.
- Machine: use the machine weight in tonnes.
- Divide by the footprint (bay length x depth, or base length x width) to get tonnes per square metre.
- Add your safety margin and round up to the next floor loading level seen on factory listings.
Reading the floor loading on a factory listing
Factory listings in Malaysia usually state floor loading in tonnes per square metre. Most listings that state it show between 1 and 5 t/m², with 3 t/m² the most common. A figure "per sq ft" is usually a typo. The number comes from the owner or the original drawings, so ask for the structural drawings or an engineer's letter before you sign.
Factories by floor loading and other specs
FAQ
How much floor loading does a warehouse need?
It depends on what sits on the floor. Work out the weight on each rack bay or machine base and divide by its footprint. For example, a racking bay of 5 levels with 2 one-tonne pallets per level on a 2.7 m by 1.1 m footprint puts about 3.4 tonnes on each square metre, so with a safety margin look for at least 5 t/m². Most factory listings that state a floor loading show between 1 and 5 t/m², with 3 t/m² the most common.
How do I convert tonnes per square metre to kN/m²?
Multiply by 9.81. 1 t/m² is about 9.8 kN/m², so 3 t/m² is about 29 kN/m² and 5 t/m² is about 49 kN/m². Engineers often round 1 t/m² to 10 kN/m².
A listing says 3 tons per sq ft. Is that right?
Probably not. 3 tons per square foot would be over 30 tonnes per square metre, far above a normal factory slab. It is usually a typo for tonnes per square metre. Ask the owner for the as-built drawings or an engineer's letter.
Does this calculator cover forklifts and point loads?
No. It gives the average load over the rack or machine footprint. Rack base plates, forklift wheels and machine feet concentrate the load on small areas, and a structural engineer needs to check those against the slab design.
How can I verify a factory's floor loading?
Ask for the structural or as-built drawings that state the design floor loading. If there are none, a structural engineer can assess the slab, for example from its thickness and reinforcement, before you commit.
Does this calculator replace a structural engineer?
No. Use it to shortlist factories. A structural engineer must confirm the slab can carry your racking or machines.
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