How to Calculate Pound Per Square Foot Loads

The pound per square foot load, also known as pressure, exerted on an object is based on the base area and weight of the object. This is the average amount of pressure exerted by the object over the entire base surface. This measurement can be relevant for judging whether a platform can support an object. An object with a large base area exerts less pressure than an object the same weight with a smaller base area.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the length of the base of the object in feet.

2. Measure the width of the base of the object in feet.

3. Multiply the length and width to get the base area of the object in square feet.

4. Divide the weight of the object in pounds by the base area. This is the pound per square foot load or pressure of the object.

References

• Engineering; Dr. Joseph Orlins; 2003