Soil Bearing Capacity Calculator

Calculate ultimate and allowable bearing capacity with 4 classical methods

Terzaghi / MeyerhofHansen / VesicGroundwater CorrectionTransparent Steps

Note: This tool calculates per ACI/DPT standards but does not replace review by the design engineer.

Define foundation shape, width B, length L, and embedment depth Df

Foundation Shape

Width B (m)

Length L (m)

Embedment Depth Df (m)

Cohesion c (undrained or drained) and friction angle φ from field/lab tests; γ = total unit weight

Cohesion c (kPa)

Friction Angle φ (°)

Unit Weight γ above (kN/m³)

Unit Weight γ below (kN/m³)

Depth of water table below ground surface. Set a large value (e.g. 50 m) if absent.

Water Table Depth (m)

Applied pressure (kPa) for FOS check. Leave 0 to skip. Inclination and eccentricity are optional.

Applied Pressure q (kPa)

Load Inclination α (°)

Eccentricity eB (m)

Eccentricity eL (m)

Required FOS (typical 2.5–3.0)

Select one or more classical bearing capacity theories to compare

Terzaghi (1943)Meyerhof (1963)Hansen (1970)Vesic (1973)

Fill in the form on the left and click Calculate to see results