How to use this calculator
- Enter vehicle mass. Use the total vehicle test weight.
- Set static balance. Enter the static front axle percentage.
- Enter geometry. Set CG height and wheelbase.
- Choose mode. Select braking or acceleration and enter the g level.
How it works
Longitudinal load transfer is transfer = mass x acceleration_g x CG height / wheelbase. Braking adds that load to the front axle; acceleration moves it to the rear axle.
Pair this page with the brake bias calculator for braking setup or the wheel torque calculator for drive traction checks.
Worked example
Verified against the live calculator
A 1500 kg vehicle with 55% static front weight, 520 mm CG height and 2700 mm wheelbase transfers about 260 kg of axle load during a 0.9 g braking event.
Frequently asked questions
What causes weight transfer?
Longitudinal acceleration creates a moment through the center of gravity height, shifting axle load forward under braking and rearward under acceleration.
Is this the same as actual weight moving?
No. It is load transfer between axles; the vehicle mass distribution is not physically moving by that amount.
Does suspension geometry change the result?
The basic total load transfer is set by acceleration, mass, CG height and wheelbase, but suspension geometry changes how forces pass through springs, links and tires.
Why use this with brake bias?
Brake bias should be compared with dynamic axle loads, not only static weight distribution.
Method & assumptions
- Uses total longitudinal load transfer from CG height and wheelbase.
- Aero load, grade, anti-dive, anti-squat, roll coupling and tire load sensitivity are outside this screen.