Sling Capacity Chart
Working load limits for chain, webbing and wire rope slings at all standard hitch types and angles from 90° down to 30°.
Grade 80 Chain Sling WLL (tonnes)
Per EN 818-2 / ASME B30.9. Multi-leg values assume equal leg loading at the marked angle from horizontal.
| CHAIN | 1 LEG 90° | 2 LEGS 0–45° | 3–4 LEGS 0–45° |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6mm | 1.12 t | 1.57 t | 2.35 t |
| 8mm | 2.00 t | 2.80 t | 4.20 t |
| 10mm | 3.15 t | 4.41 t | 6.62 t |
| 13mm | 5.30 t | 7.42 t | 11.13 t |
| 16mm | 8.00 t | 11.20 t | 16.80 t |
| 18mm | 11.20 t | 15.68 t | 23.52 t |
| 20mm | 15.00 t | 21.00 t | 31.50 t |
| 23mm | 21.20 t | 29.68 t | 44.52 t |
| 26mm | 31.50 t | 44.10 t | 66.15 t |
Flat Webbing Sling WLL (tonnes, EN 1492-1)
Straight lift = 1.0 × WLL; choker hitch = 0.8 × WLL; basket hitch = 2.0 × WLL. Angled legs multiply by sin(angle).
| COLOUR | WLL | STRAIGHT | CHOKER (×0.8) | BASKET (×2.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violet | 1.0 t | 1.0 t | 0.8 t | 2.0 t |
| Green | 2.0 t | 2.0 t | 1.6 t | 4.0 t |
| Yellow | 3.0 t | 3.0 t | 2.4 t | 6.0 t |
| Grey | 4.0 t | 4.0 t | 3.2 t | 8.0 t |
| Red | 5.0 t | 5.0 t | 4.0 t | 10.0 t |
| Brown | 6.0 t | 6.0 t | 4.8 t | 12.0 t |
| Blue | 8.0 t | 8.0 t | 6.4 t | 16.0 t |
| Orange | 10.0 t | 10.0 t | 8.0 t | 20.0 t |
Enter total load, number of legs, and sling angle. Get load per leg, tension factor, horizontal squeeze force, and a recommended chain sling size — instantly.
Sling Angle Calculator →Sling Capacity FAQ
What is the sling tension factor?
The tension factor is 1/sin(angle), where the angle is measured from horizontal. At 90° (vertical) the factor is 1.0; at 60° it is 1.155; at 45° it is 1.414; at 30° it is 2.0. Multiplying the vertical load share per leg by this factor gives the actual tension in the leg.
Why does sling tension increase at lower angles?
Only the vertical component of sling tension (T × sin θ) supports the load; the horizontal component squeezes the load. As the angle drops, total tension must grow to hold the same weight. At 30°, each leg carries twice its vertical share.
What is the minimum safe sling angle?
ASME B30.9 recommends sling angles never fall below 30° from horizontal. Below that, tension exceeds twice the vertical share. If hook height forces a shallow angle, use a spreader beam to bring legs back toward vertical.
Is load always shared equally between sling legs?
Only when legs are the same length, attach at the same height, and the load's center of gravity is centered. Unequal lengths or an off-center CG require a qualified person to evaluate the rig per ASME B30.9.
What is a spreader beam and when should I use one?
A spreader beam keeps sling legs parallel (near vertical) by pushing the attachment points apart. Use one when: the load is too wide to rig directly, the lifting points cannot handle horizontal squeeze, or the natural sling angle would fall below 45°. A balanced spreader beam eliminates horizontal compression entirely.
What is horizontal compression force and why does it matter?
When sling legs angle inward, they produce a horizontal compressive force on the load's lift points. Formula: H = (load ÷ legs) ÷ tan(angle). At 45° with a 2-leg, 10-tonne lift, each leg imposes 5 t of inward squeeze. Verify lift points and packaging can withstand this load.
At what sling angle does a sling operate at full rated WLL?
At exactly 90° (perfectly vertical), the tension factor is 1.0 and each leg operates at its full rated WLL. At 60°, effective capacity drops to 86.6%; at 45° to 70.7%; at 30° to only 50%. This is why rigging at higher angles is always preferred.
How do I choose between chain sling, wire rope sling, and web sling?
Chain slings are most durable, heat-resistant, and adjustable — use for abrasive or sharp-edged loads, high temperatures, or where length adjustment is needed. Wire rope slings offer high strength with some flexibility — general rigging, outdoor use. Web (flat) slings are lightweight and won't mar soft or painted surfaces — use for finished goods and delicate loads.
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