Pound Per Square Foot Calculator

PSF Formula:

\[ PSF = \frac{Pounds}{Square\ Feet} \]

Pounds per Square Foot (lb/ft²):

Definition: This calculator computes the pressure or load distribution in pounds per square foot (PSF) based on total weight and area.

Purpose: It helps in construction, engineering, and design to determine load distribution on surfaces like floors, roofs, or foundations.

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ PSF = \frac{Pounds}{Square\ Feet} \]

Where:

Explanation: The total weight is divided by the area to determine the weight distribution per square foot.

Details: PSF calculations are crucial for structural integrity, ensuring surfaces can support the intended loads without failure.

Tips: Enter the total weight in pounds and the area in square feet. Both values must be > 0.

Q1: What's a typical PSF for residential floors?
A: Most residential floors are designed for 40-50 PSF live load, but check local building codes.

Q2: How does PSF differ from PSI?
A: PSF is pounds per square foot, while PSI is pounds per square inch (1 PSI = 144 PSF).

Q3: When would I need this calculation?
A: When determining if a structure can support heavy equipment, furniture, or storage loads.

Q4: How do I measure square footage?
A: Multiply length by width in feet for rectangular areas. For complex shapes, break into simple shapes.

Q5: Does this include safety factors?
A: No, engineers typically multiply calculated PSF by safety factors (1.5-2.0) for design.