Wire Rope Capacity Calculator
Breaking load, working load limit (WLL), and weight per meter for 6×19 IWRC, 6×36 IWRC, and 6×7 FC wire rope.
Wire Rope Capacity Calculator
ISO 2408Based on published standards data. Not a substitute for qualified rigger judgment. Always verify with manufacturer data.
Wire Rope Specification Tables
Complete breaking load and weight data for all standard diameters. ISO 2408 compliant, EIPS grade 1960 N/mm².
6×19 IWRC
Stiff, abrasion-resistant. General purpose rigging.
| Ø (MM) | BREAK (T) | KG/M |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2.4 | 0.13 |
| 8 | 4.2 | 0.23 |
| 10 | 6.5 | 0.36 |
| 12 | 9.3 | 0.52 |
| 14 | 12.6 | 0.71 |
| 16 | 16.4 | 0.93 |
| 18 | 20.7 | 1.17 |
| 20 | 25.5 | 1.45 |
| 22 | 30.8 | 1.76 |
| 24 | 36.6 | 2.10 |
| 26 | 42.9 | 2.47 |
| 28 | 49.7 | 2.87 |
| 32 | 64.8 | 3.74 |
| 36 | 81.9 | 4.73 |
| 40 | 101.0 | 5.84 |
6×36 IWRC
Flexible. Cranes, winches & sheave applications.
| Ø (MM) | BREAK (T) | KG/M |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3.9 | 0.22 |
| 10 | 6.0 | 0.35 |
| 12 | 8.6 | 0.50 |
| 14 | 11.7 | 0.68 |
| 16 | 15.2 | 0.89 |
| 18 | 19.2 | 1.13 |
| 20 | 23.7 | 1.39 |
| 22 | 28.6 | 1.68 |
| 24 | 34.0 | 2.01 |
| 26 | 39.9 | 2.36 |
| 28 | 46.2 | 2.74 |
| 32 | 60.3 | 3.58 |
| 36 | 76.2 | 4.53 |
| 40 | 94.0 | 5.60 |
6×7 FC
Very stiff. Static lines, guys & stays.
| Ø (MM) | BREAK (T) | KG/M |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1.1 | 0.06 |
| 5 | 1.7 | 0.09 |
| 6 | 2.4 | 0.13 |
| 8 | 4.3 | 0.23 |
| 10 | 6.7 | 0.36 |
| 12 | 9.6 | 0.52 |
| 14 | 13.0 | 0.71 |
| 16 | 17.0 | 0.93 |
Wire Rope Safety Factor Guide
WLL = Breaking Load ÷ Safety Factor. Choose based on your application and local regulations.
Specialized Equipment
Permitted for certain crane and winch applications under specific standards. Never assume 3.5:1 is acceptable — verify with the equipment manufacturer and applicable code.
General Lifting — ASME B30.9 Minimum
The standard minimum for wire rope used in lifting service. Applies to slings, hoist ropes, and rigging. When in doubt, use 5:1.
Critical Lifts & Personnel
Used where failure would be catastrophic, man-riding applications, or where shock loading is possible. Many offshore and nuclear applications require 10:1 or higher.
Wire Rope FAQ
What is the minimum safety factor for wire rope used in lifting?
ASME B30.9 recommends a minimum 5:1 safety factor for wire rope in lifting service. Some specialized equipment uses 3.5:1, and critical lifts may require 10:1.
What is the difference between breaking load and WLL?
Breaking load (minimum breaking strength) is the load at which the rope fails. WLL = breaking load ÷ safety factor. For a 20mm 6×19 IWRC rope with a 25.5 t breaking load at 5:1, WLL = 5.1 tonnes.
What is the difference between 6×19 and 6×36 wire rope?
6×19 has 19 wires per strand — stiffer, more abrasion-resistant, good for general rigging. 6×36 has 36 wires per strand — more flexible, better fatigue life over sheaves, ideal for crane hoist ropes.
When should I use 6×7 wire rope?
6×7 is the stiffest common construction. Use it for static lines, guy ropes, and stays where the rope won't bend over sheaves. Never use 6×7 in high-cycle bending applications.
What does IWRC mean?
IWRC stands for Independent Wire Rope Core. It is a small wire rope at the center of the main rope, replacing the fibre core (FC). IWRC provides approximately 7.5% higher breaking load, better crush resistance under load, and longer service life in dynamic lifting applications.
What does EIPS mean, and how does it differ from EEIPS?
EIPS (Extra Improved Plow Steel) refers to wire tensile strength of 1960 N/mm² — the standard grade for most lifting rope in ISO 2408 tables. EEIPS (Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel, 2160 N/mm²) gives slightly higher breaking loads at the same diameter, used where weight savings matter.
How do I inspect wire rope for removal from service?
ASME B30.9 requires removing wire rope if any of these are found: 10 or more broken wires in one rope lay length; 5 or more broken wires in one strand per lay; a visible kink, bird-cage, or crush; diameter reduction greater than 1/3 of original; corrosion pitting; or heat damage and excessive wear.
What is the WLL of a 16mm 6×19 IWRC wire rope at 5:1?
A 16mm 6×19 IWRC EIPS (1960 N/mm²) wire rope has a minimum breaking load of approximately 14.7 tonnes per ISO 2408. At a 5:1 safety factor, WLL = 14.7 ÷ 5 = 2.94 tonnes. Use the Wire Rope Capacity Calculator above for any diameter and construction.
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