Inventory Weight Calculator
Calculate total inventory weight and remaining carry capacity for RPG games.
Manage encumbrance limits in Skyrim, Baldur's Gate, DnD, and other RPG systems.
Many RPGs and survival games use an inventory weight system to limit what your character can carry. Understanding the math behind carry capacity helps you optimize your loadout — maximizing combat effectiveness without hitting the encumbrance limit that slows you down or locks your character in place.
Formula: Current Weight = Σ (Item Weight × Quantity) Remaining Capacity = Max Carry Weight − Current Weight Carry Utilization % = (Current Weight ÷ Max Carry Weight) × 100
For loot optimization: Value per Weight = Item Value ÷ Item Weight
The higher the Value/Weight ratio, the more efficient an item is to carry — this is your priority score for deciding what to pick up or drop.
What each variable means:
- Max Carry Weight: your character’s base carrying capacity, often modified by Strength stat, perks, bags, or mount/companion overflow.
- Item Weight: shown in the inventory screen, often in lbs or kg depending on the game.
- Value per Weight: a metric borrowed from real-world logistics; prioritize high-ratio items when encumbered.
Worked example: Character max carry: 150 lbs. Current load: 112 lbs. Remaining: 38 lbs.
Considering two looting options:
- Sword: 12 lbs, sells for 300 gold → 25 gold/lb
- Armor: 30 lbs, sells for 600 gold → 20 gold/lb
Both exceed remaining capacity. If forced to choose one: take the sword — higher gold-per-lb ratio maximizes the value of your remaining 38 lbs if you leave the armor.
Common game mechanics:
- Skyrim: base carry weight 300 lbs (increases with Stamina upgrades)
- Fallout 4: base 200 lbs + 10 per Strength point
- The Witcher 3: weight limit ~60 kg (reduced by Witcher gear)
- Encumbrance penalties: movement speed reduction, stamina drain, or full movement lock