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Vehicle CG Height Calculator

2026-09-27 6 min

Center-of-gravity height via the raised-axle method from wheelbase, weight and load shift.

CG Height
22.9 in
CG / Track (est.)
0.21
Using wheelbase as scale ref

Calculator

Wheelbase(in)
in
Total Weight(lb)
lb
Axle Raise Height(in) Help
in

One axle lifted this high

Load Shift to Low Axle(lb) Help
lb

Scale-measured gain

Results update live as you type

Live statistics

CG Height

22.9 in

CG / Track (est.)

0.21

Using wheelbase as scale ref

Results

Optimal

CG Height

22.9in

CG / Track (est.)

0.21

Using wheelbase as scale ref

Planning estimate from standard automotive formulas. Validate with dyno, timeslip or datalog data when precision matters.

Visualizations

Results overview

22.9CG Height
0.2CG / Track

CG Height vs. Wheelbase

CG Height

22.9in
040

Formula

Classic raised-axle test: lifting one end shifts weight downhill in proportion to CG height.

h = WB x deltaW / (W x tan(asin(raise / WB)))

Alternative Form

Raise one axle, measure the load shift — moment balance reveals CG height

Variables

SymbolNameUnitDescription
dWLoad shiftlbGained by the low axle
HRaiseinLift height of high axle

Explanation

Higher CGs shift more load when tilted — measuring the shift inverts the relationship to find height.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Follow each step to understand how the result is calculated from your inputs.

Step 1

Record the inputs.

Wheelbase:110 in
Total Weight:3500 lb
Axle Raise Height:12 in
Load Shift to Low Axle:80 lb
Result: 4 inputs ready
Step 2

Apply the formula.

h = WB x deltaW / (W x tan(asin(raise / WB)))
Result: Primary result = 22.9 in
Step 3

Read every derived output.

CG Height:22.9 in
CG / Track (est.):0.21
Result: CG Height = 22.9 in
Final Answer
22.9

Worked Examples

See how the calculator works with different scenarios.

Scenario

Garage CG measurement.

Inputs

WB:110 in
Weight:3,500 lb
Raise:12 in
Shift:80 lb

Calculation

theta = 6.26 deg; h = 110 x 80/(3,500 x 0.1097) = 22.9 in

Result

~23-in CG height.

Interpretation

Typical sedan; SUVs run 26-32+.

Understanding Your Result

Your Result: CG Height: 22.9 in

Typical range: Sports cars 16-19 in; sedans 20-24; SUVs/trucks 26-34+.

What This Means

How high the mass center sits — the rollover and transfer lever.

Why It Matters

CG height drives weight transfer, rollover threshold and setup decisions.

Professional Interpretation

Treat the primary result as a planning estimate, then validate on a dyno, at the track, or with logged sensor data. If measured numbers disagree by more than ~10%, re-check inputs (units are the usual culprit) before changing parts.

Recommendations

  • •Double-check units on every input before trusting the result
  • •Compare against the worked example below to sanity-check magnitude
  • •Validate with measured data (dyno, timeslip, datalog) when it matters

Learn — fuel economy, deeply

CG height is found by tilting the car and weighing the shift.

1 · Where the gallon goes (energy path)

Engine heat

60–70% lost

Coolant + exhaust carry most energy away. Hybrids recover some via Atkinson cycle + regen.

Driveline

5–15% lost

Transmission, differential, accessories. CVTs and 8–10 speed autos lose less.

Aero drag

∝ v²

Doubles from 55→78 mph. Roof boxes hurt more than trunks.

Rolling + brakes

10–20%

Tires, weight, stops. Regen braking (hybrid/EV) reclaims city braking energy.

4 · Measure like a pro (the 3-tank protocol)

  1. Fill to first click at the same pump, record the odometer (Tank 0).
  2. Drive normally for 2–3 tanks; always refill to first click at the same pump.
  3. MPG = total miles ÷ total gallons across all tanks — averaging kills pump-click noise.
  4. Cross-check with the trip computer; a persistent >10% gap means the computer needs calibration — or the car needs service.
  5. Log with an OBD-II dongle for per-trip MPG if you want to isolate commute vs. highway behavior.

Practical Tips

  • •Chock and stabilize before crawling under
  • •Measure with driver + half fuel
  • •Repeat 3x and average

Common Mistakes

Mixing units (inches with mm, psi with kPa)
Convert every input to the unit shown on its field before calculating.
Trusting a single output blindly
Cross-check with the worked example and, when it matters, a dyno or datalog.

Assumptions

This calculator makes the following assumptions to provide estimates:

Steady-state model: Formulas assume stabilized conditions; transients, heat soak and traction limits are excluded.
Standard factors: Empirical constants (BSFC, VE, drivetrain loss) use typical values — your combination may differ.

Limitations

Be aware of these limitations when using this calculator:

Estimate, not measurement: Predictions carry real-world scatter of roughly ±5–15% depending on the model.
No transient effects: Shift time, wheelspin, spool lag and heat soak are not modeled here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about this calculator.

How do I measure CG height at home?
Level scales under all wheels, record, raise one axle ~12 in on blocks, re-weigh — this calculator does the rest.
Why does CG height matter?
It levers every load transfer and sets the static rollover threshold (track/2h). Lower is better for everything dynamic.

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Related Guides

Deepen your understanding with these educational resources.

Glossary

Technical terms used in mortgage calculations explained in plain language.

MPG
Miles per gallon. Distance travelled per gallon of fuel; higher is better. US gallon = 3.785 L.
L/100 km
Litres consumed per 100 kilometres; lower is better. Standard metric efficiency unit.
MPGe
Miles per gallon-equivalent. EV metric: miles travelled on 33.7 kWh (energy of 1 gal of gasoline).
CAFE
Corporate Average Fuel Economy — US fleet-average efficiency standard enforced by NHTSA.
Rolling resistance
Energy lost deforming tires as they roll. Low-pressure or wide tires raise it.
Aerodynamic drag
Air resistance growing with the square of speed — why highway MPG falls fast above 60 mph.
Hypermiling
Driving techniques (coasting, steady speed, anticipation) that maximise real-world MPG.
OBD-II
On-board diagnostics port. Scanners and dongles read live MPG, fuel trim and fault codes.

Authoritative References

Trusted sources and standards referenced by this calculator.

Applicable Standards

EPA Fuel Economy Testing (40 CFR Part 600)CAFE — Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (NHTSA)WLTP — Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test ProcedureSAE J1321 / J1711 — Fuel consumption test proceduresISO 2575 — Road vehicles symbols & efficiency markings

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