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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 calculator for structural engineers, architects, and building designers. Calculate velocity pressure, MWFRS wall and roof pressures, and net uplift for enclosed and partially enclosed buildings up to 60 feet. Includes exposure coefficients (B, C, D), ground elevation factor, topographic factor, and internal pressure coefficients. Supports flat, gable, and hip roofs.

Pro Tip: In ASCE 7-22, the basic wind speed maps already incorporate risk category , unlike older editions (ASCE 7-10 and earlier) where you applied a separate importance factor (Iw). Make sure you're using the correct map for your risk category. Component and cladding (C&C) pressures are typically 2-3× higher than MWFRS pressures in corner and edge zones.

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Wind Load Calculator (ASCE 7)
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How It Works

  1. Enter Wind Speed and Exposure

    Enter the basic wind speed (mph) for your risk category from ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps. Select the exposure category: B (suburban), C (open terrain), or D (flat/coastal).

  2. Define Building Geometry

    Enter building height, length (parallel to wind), and width (perpendicular to wind). Select roof type and slope.

  3. Set Enclosure and Factors

    Choose enclosure classification (enclosed or partially enclosed). Set ground elevation, topographic factor Kzt, and risk category.

  4. Review Wind Pressures

    The calculator shows velocity pressure at roof height, MWFRS pressures on all wall and roof surfaces, net lateral force, and net uplift. All values in psf.

Built For

  • Structural engineers calculating wind loads for building permit applications
  • Architects verifying preliminary structural sizes against wind load requirements
  • Building officials reviewing wind load calculations submitted with permit applications
  • Metal building designers determining design pressures for wall and roof panels
  • Roofing contractors checking uplift pressures for fastener spacing and attachment requirements

References

  • ASCE 7-22 , Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, Chapters 26-30
  • IBC 2021 (International Building Code) , Section 1609: Wind Loads
  • 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)

Frequently Asked Questions

MWFRS (Main Wind Force Resisting System) pressures are used to design the structural frame , columns, beams, diaphragms, and bracing that resist the overall wind force on the building. C&C (Components and Cladding) pressures are used to design individual elements like windows, doors, siding, and roof sheathing. C&C pressures are higher because local pressure concentrations at corners and edges can be much more intense than the average pressure on the whole building face.
The biggest change was in ASCE 7-16: wind speed maps changed from fastest-mile (old) to 3-second gust (new), and the maps now show risk-targeted wind speeds with separate maps for each risk category. The importance factor (Iw) was eliminated , it's built into the wind speed maps. ASCE 7-22 added the ground elevation factor Ke, which reduces velocity pressure at higher elevations where air is less dense.
Exposure B is for urban and suburban areas with closely spaced buildings or trees that provide shielding. Exposure C is for open terrain with scattered obstructions less than 30 feet tall , farmland, grassland, airports. Exposure D is for flat, unobstructed coastal areas directly exposed to large bodies of water. When in doubt, use C , it's the conservative default for most non-urban areas. The exposure must be evaluated for each wind direction.
Disclaimer: This calculator implements the simplified directional procedure for enclosed and partially enclosed low-rise buildings (≤60 feet, regular shape) per ASCE 7-22. It does not cover open buildings, monoslope roofs, flexible or dynamically sensitive structures, free-standing walls, rooftop equipment, buildings with unusual geometry, or tornado loads. Results must be verified by a licensed structural engineer.

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