Press Brake Tonnage Calculator

Accurately calculate the force required for metal sheet bending

Material:

Please select a material

Bending Length:

m

Enter a number between 0 and 50000

Sheet Thickness (S):

mm

Enter a number between 0 and 150

Die Opening (V):

mm

Enter a number between 0 and 200

Required Bending Force

0.00

tons

Enter parameters and calculate

Current Parameters:

Material: Not selected

Length: - m

Thickness: - mm

Die Opening: - mm

V-Die Opening Selection Guide

v = 6S, S: 0.5-2.6mm
v = 8S, S: 3.0-8.0mm
v = 10S, S: 9.0-10.0mm
v = 12S, S: above 12mm

This calculator estimates the force required for 90° air bending.

PRESS BRAKE TONNAGE CALCULATION GUIDE

How Is Press Brake Tonnage Calculated?

For mild steel air bending, the required force can be estimated using
P = 650 × S² × L / V, where
P is in tons,
S is sheet thickness in millimeters,
L is bending length in meters,
V is the die opening in millimeters.
Use the press brake tonnage calculator above for a quick estimate, or read our complete calculation guide to learn how the formula works, how to read a press brake tonnage chart, and how to calculate bending tonnage for different sheet metal materials.

Learn How to Calculate Tonnage →

Inside the Guide

Press Brake Tonnage Formula

Step-by-step formula and variables explained.

How to Read a Press Brake Tonnage Chart

Understand bending force charts for different sheet thicknesses and V-die openings.

Sheet Metal Material Adjustment

See how carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum affect the required bending tonnage.

V-Die Opening Selection

Choose the correct V-die opening for accurate tonnage calculation.

Press Brake Tonnage Calculation Examples

See real bending force examples for different materials, thicknesses and bending lengths.

How to Select a Press Brake After Calculating Tonnage

The calculated bending force represents the tonnage required for one specific workpiece and bending length. Use it as a starting point to identify the minimum machine capacity. If you produce multiple workpieces or bend parts with different lengths, thicknesses or materials, calculate each case separately and select the machine based on the highest required tonnage and longest bending length.

View Press Brake Models

Calculated Force	Suggested Machine Range
Up to 25 tons	30-ton model
25–35 tons	40-ton model
35–52 tons	60-ton model
52–70 tons	80-ton model
70–95 tons	110-ton model
95–150 tons	170-ton model

If one press brake will be used for several workpieces, calculate each workpiece separately. Select the machine according to the highest required tonnage and the longest bending length, rather than adding the tonnage values together.

Find the Right Press Brake for Your Required Tonnage

Choose the right press brake based not only on calculated tonnage, but also on your maximum bending length, workpiece range, production volume, accuracy requirements and preferred drive system.