1. What is Weight per Square Foot?

Weight per square foot (PSF) is a measurement of pressure expressed in pounds of force per square foot of area. It's commonly used in construction, engineering, and materials science to describe load distribution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the PSF formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Total weight in pounds (lb)
• \( Area \) — Surface area in square feet (ft²)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much weight is distributed over each square foot of area.

3. Importance of PSF Calculation

Details: Calculating weight per square foot is essential for structural engineering, floor load capacity assessments, material selection, and ensuring safety standards in construction projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in pounds and area in square feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the weight distribution per square foot.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical PSF for residential floors?
A: Most residential floors are designed for 40-50 PSF live load, though local building codes may vary.

Q2: How does PSF differ from PSI?
A: PSF (pounds per square foot) is used for larger areas, while PSI (pounds per square inch) is for smaller, more concentrated pressures.

Q3: When is PSF calculation important?
A: Critical for designing floors, roofs, decks, and any structure where weight distribution affects safety and performance.

Q4: How do you convert PSF to kN/m²?
A: Multiply PSF by 0.04788 to convert to kN/m² (kilonewtons per square meter).

Q5: What's the PSF of common building materials?
A: Concrete is about 150 PSF (per inch thickness), wood flooring ~3-5 PSF, and steel decking ~2-3 PSF.