Winch Size Calculator

Your details

Simple mode uses the industry rule-of-thumb: winch rating = GVW x 1.5. Full mode adds terrain, slope, damaged wheels, and rigging.
Gross Vehicle Weight: your vehicle's maximum operating weight including passengers, cargo and accessories. Check the sticker on the driver door jamb.
lb
The surface type determines rolling resistance. Mud and soft clay are the hardest to pull through; pavement and gravel are the easiest.
The angle of the slope the vehicle must be pulled up. 0 = flat, 15 = moderate hill, 30 = steep hill, 45 = extreme. This adds significant load.
deg
Total number of wheels on the vehicle.
Wheels that cannot roll freely (flat tyres, seized brakes, locked differentials). Each adds extra drag equal to its share of GVW.
wheels
A snatch block doubles the mechanical advantage, halving the load on the winch. Two snatch blocks give 3x advantage.
Required line pullATV / light duty
1,120

Minimum winch line-pull capacity you need at the drum (after rigging)

Recommended winch rating1,288
Rolling resistance1,120
Gradient resistance0
Damaged-wheel drag0
Mechanical advantage1
Rolling1,120
Gradient0
Damaged wheels0
Required pull1,120

You need a winch rated at least 1288 lb.

  • Your minimum required winch line pull is 1120 lb. Look for a winch rated at least 1288 lb to keep a comfortable safety margin.
  • Mud and bogged conditions create suction that can far exceed the simple 1.5x rule. Always verify your recovery rating is well above the calculated pull, and consider two snatch blocks for a 3x mechanical advantage.
  • Winch rated capacity is measured at the first layer of rope on the drum. Each additional layer reduces effective pull by roughly 10-15 %, so spool line out before the recovery if possible.

Next stepOnce you know the required capacity, match it to a winch product rated at or above the recommended figure in your chosen rope type (synthetic or steel).

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