Wind Load Calculator (ASCE 7-22)
Design wind pressures for low-rise buildings per ASCE 7-22 Chapters 26-30 with MWFRS and roof pressures
Free wind load screening calculator for structural engineers, architects, and building designers. Review velocity pressure, MWFRS wall and roof pressure rows, and net uplift prompts for enclosed and partially enclosed buildings up to 60 feet. Includes exposure coefficients (B, C, D), ground elevation factor, user-entered topographic factor, internal pressure coefficients, and source warnings. Supports flat, gable, and hip roof prompts within the stated scope.
Check seismic base shear prompts for the same building
Seismic Base Shear Calculator →Check wood beam spans for the structure
Wood Beam Span Calculator →Check footing bearing for uplift review
Footing Bearing Pressure Calculator →Check pole barn snow-load prompts before structural review
Pole Barn Snow Load Calculator →How It Works
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Enter Wind Speed and Exposure
Enter the basic wind speed (mph) for your risk category from the adopted-code ASCE 7 wind speed map or AHJ source. Select the exposure category: B (suburban), C (open terrain), or D (flat/coastal).
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Define Building Geometry
Enter building height, length (parallel to wind), and width (perpendicular to wind). Select roof type and slope.
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Set Enclosure and Factors
Choose enclosure classification (enclosed or partially enclosed). Set ground elevation, topographic factor Kzt, and risk category.
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Review Wind Pressure Prompts
The calculator shows velocity pressure at roof height, simplified MWFRS pressure rows on wall and roof surfaces, net lateral force, and net uplift. All values are planning prompts in psf for qualified review.
Built For
- Structural engineers screening local wind inputs before full adopted-code design
- Architects framing preliminary structural questions before qualified review
- Building officials or reviewers spotting missing wind-design inputs during early conversations
- Metal building designers comparing preliminary MWFRS pressure prompts before manufacturer design
- Roofing contractors identifying uplift questions that require product data and C&C pressures
References
- ASCE 7-22 - Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, Chapters 26-30 (source pointer)
- IBC 2021 (International Building Code) - Section 1609: Wind Loads (adopted-code source pointer)
- ASCE 7 Hazard Tool - Basic Wind Speed Maps by Location and Risk Category
- ASCE 7-22 Commentary - Chapters C26-C30 (explanatory notes on wind load provisions)