Is press brake tonnage calculated per foot?
Most air-bending charts start with tons per foot, then multiply by bend length in feet to estimate total required tonnage.
Press brake
Press Brake Tonnage Calculator
Estimate air-bending tons per foot and total machine tonnage from thickness, V-die opening, bend length, and material.
mild steel16 ga0.0598 in1.519 mm
Static reference
Common V-die and tonnage combinations
| Gauge | Thickness | Recommended V | Inside radius estimate | 48 in bend tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ga | 0.0359 in / 0.912 mm | 0.2154 in | 0.0345 in | 13.76 tons |
| 16 ga | 0.0598 in / 1.519 mm | 0.3588 in | 0.0574 in | 22.92 tons |
| 12 ga | 0.1046 in / 2.657 mm | 0.6276 in | 0.1004 in | 40.1 tons |
| 10 ga | 0.1345 in / 3.416 mm | 1.076 in | 0.1722 in | 38.67 tons |
Interactive calculator
Press Brake Tonnage Calculator
Tons per foot5.73 tons/ft
Total tonnage22.92 tons
Material multiplier1x
FAQ
Specific checks for this calculator
Why is stainless tonnage higher than mild steel?
Stainless typically has higher tensile strength and work hardening behavior, so the calculator applies higher material multipliers.