Truck Axle Weight Calculator

Understanding your semi-truck’s allowable weight distribution is vital for safe and efficient operation. Our easy-to-use Axle Weight Distribution Calculator assists truck owners and operators in estimating their steer axle, drive axle, and trailer axle weights. By inputting the total weight of the truck, the tractor weight, and the weight on the steer axle, our calculator swiftly computes the weights on the drive axle and trailer axle. From planning maximum payloads to ensuring compliance with legal weight limits, our Axle Weight Calculator provides valuable insights to help you avoid overloading, unnecessary fines, and aid your decision-making process.

Calculate Truck Axle Weights Instantly

Formula Used

Drive Axle Weight = Tractor Weight – Steer Weight

Trailer Axle Weight = Total Weight – Tractor Weight


In these formulas:

  • Total Weight is the total weight of the truck and trailer in lbs.
  • Tractor Weight is the weight of the tractor unit in lbs.
  • Steer Weight is the weight on the steer axle in lbs.
  • Drive Axle Weight is calculated by subtracting the steer weight from the tractor weight.
  • Trailer Axle Weight is calculated by subtracting the tractor weight from the total weight.

Examples of Semi-Truck Axle Weight Limits

Total Weight (lbs) Tractor Weight (lbs) Steer Weight (lbs) Drive Axle Weight (lbs) Trailer Axle Weight (lbs)
80000 18000 12000 6000 62000
75000 16000 11000 5000 59000

What is Axle Weight?

Axle weight refers to the weight distributed over a single axle (or the weight spread across consecutive axle groups) of a commercial vehicle. In a semi-trailer truck, weight is typically distributed among the steer axle (front axle), drive axle (rear axle), and trailer axle (tractor weight minus total weight).

It’s important to note that this includes the truck’s gross vehicle weight plus the weight of the cargo. Further, overloading your axles (as specified in the manufacturer’s specs or by law) can result in:

  • Fines
  • Increased wear and tear on your axles
  • Safety hazards

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is it important to know the axle weights?

Knowing the axle weight rating is crucial for maintaining safe vehicle operation, preventing damage to road surfaces, and ensuring compliance with legal weight limits for trucks on public roads.

You can change the weight distribution of your truck by shifting or redistributing the load. Keep in mind that this should always be done in accordance with safety regulations, the manufacturer’s axle rating, and maximum legal weight limits.

Yes, you can use this calculator for other types of vehicles as long as you know the total weight and the axle weight limits. Just keep in mind that the results may not be as accurate for vehicles with significantly different weight distributions than semi-trucks.

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