Wheel Load and Corner Weight Calculator
Calculate the load on each wheel from vehicle weight, wheelbase, track width, and CG height.
Returns corner weights, front/rear bias, and oversteer tendency.
Static Wheel Loads The static load at each axle is determined by the center of gravity (CG) position: Front axle load: Wf = W × (b / L) Rear axle load: Wr = W × (a / L) Where: W = total weight, L = wheelbase, a = CG distance from front axle, b = CG distance from rear axle. Load per wheel = axle load / 2 (for equal left/right distribution on flat ground).
Corner Weight Measurement Real vehicles are corner-weighted with scales at each wheel. True corner weighting corrects for left/right imbalance and chassis twist. Performance cars are corner-weighted with the driver seated (adds 70–90 kg).
Weight Transfer Under Acceleration/Braking Longitudinal weight transfer: ΔW = (W × a_g × h) / L Where a_g = acceleration in g, h = CG height, L = wheelbase. Under braking at 1g: all weight transfers forward by (W × h / L). Stiffer front suspension = more front roll resistance = more understeer.
Lateral Weight Transfer (Cornering) Lateral ΔW = (W × ay × h) / Track width ay = lateral acceleration (g), h = CG height. Lower CG height → less lateral weight transfer → more grip. Formula cars: CG height ~200 mm. SUVs: ~700–900 mm.
Front/Rear Bias % front = (front axle load / total weight) × 100 50/50 is ideal for balanced handling (rear-wheel drive sports cars, F1). Most street cars: 55–65% front (front engine, front drive). Mid-engine sports cars (Ferrari, Porsche mid): ~42% front / 58% rear.
Understeer and Oversteer More front load = understeer tendency (car pushes straight). More rear load = oversteer tendency (rear steps out). Front-biased: safer for novice drivers (most street cars). Rear-biased (50/50 or rear-heavy): faster but requires skill.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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