1. What is Carrying Capacity?

Carrying capacity represents the maximum weight a character can carry without being encumbered in Dungeons & Dragons. It's directly proportional to the character's Strength score.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Strength — The character's Strength ability score (typically 1-20, but can be higher)
• 15 — The multiplier representing pounds per point of Strength

Explanation: Each point of Strength allows a character to carry 15 pounds of equipment without penalty.

3. Importance of Carrying Capacity

Details: Tracking carrying capacity is essential for game balance, preventing characters from carrying unrealistic amounts of equipment. It affects movement speed and may impose penalties when exceeded.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter your character's Strength score to calculate their base carrying capacity. Remember this doesn't account for special abilities or magic items that might modify capacity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does race affect carrying capacity?
A: Some races like Goliaths have special abilities that double their carrying capacity. This calculator shows the base value before racial modifiers.

Q2: What about encumbrance rules?
A: Optional encumbrance rules may impose penalties at certain thresholds (like 5x or 10x Strength score). This calculator shows the maximum unencumbered capacity.

Q3: How does this relate to push/drag/lift limits?
A: Characters can typically push, drag, or lift up to twice their carrying capacity (Strength × 30).

Q4: Do small creatures have different rules?
A: Small creatures use the same calculation but may have Strength penalties. Some DMs halve capacity for Tiny creatures.

Q5: What about bags of holding?
A: Magic items like bags of holding provide extra storage capacity that doesn't count against this total until retrieved.