Wire rope, is one of the high-strength load-bearing elements used in many sectors such as construction, crane systems, maritime, mining, and industry. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How many tons does a wire rope carry?“. The answer to this question varies depending on the rope's diameter, construction, number of steel wires used, and application area.
In this guide, we will examine in detail the load capacities, rope types, and applications of wire ropes with different diameters.
- What Is Steel Wire Rope?
Wire rope is formed by winding a large number of steel wires in a specific pattern. These wires are gathered into groups called “strands” and twisted around a core to gain a durable structure.
Rope Construction:
- 6×19: 6 strands, each containing 19 wires.
- 6×36: 6 strands, each containing 36 wires (more flexible).
- 8×19, 7×7, 1×19 There are also other variations like this.
- Core: Can be steel (IWRC) or fiber.
- How Much Load Does a Wire Rope Carry?
Every wire rope has a certain breaking load value depending on its diameter and construction. In the table below, you can find the (average) load capacities according to the most commonly used wire rope diameters.
Load Capacities of Wire Ropes from 3.0 mm to 40 mm
| Diameter (mm) |
Rope Construction |
Average Breaking Load (kgf) |
In Tons |
| 3 mm |
6×19 IWRC |
700 kgf |
0.7 ton |
| 4 mm |
6×19 IWRC |
1,200 kgf |
1.2 ton |
| 5 mm |
6×19 IWRC |
1,900 kgf |
1.9 ton |
| 6 mm |
6×19 IWRC |
2,700 kgf |
2.7 ton |
| 8 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
4,600 kgf |
4.6 ton |
| 10 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
7,200 kgf |
7.2 ton |
| 12 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
10,500 kgf |
10.5 ton |
| 14 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
14,200 kgf |
14.2 ton |
| 16 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
18,500 kgf |
18.5 ton |
| 18 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
23,500 kgf |
23.5 ton |
| 20 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
28,800 kgf |
28.8 ton |
| 24 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
41,400 kgf |
41.4 ton |
| 28 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
56,200 kgf |
56.2 ton |
| 32 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
73,000 kgf |
73 ton |
| 36 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
92,000 kgf |
92 ton |
| 40 mm |
6×36 IWRC |
113,000 kgf |
113 ton |
📝 Note: The values above are average breaking loads. The safe working load (SWL) is generally %20-25 of this value. For example, the safe load limit of a 10 mm wire rope is approximately 1.5 – 2 ton .
- Wire Rope Types and Applications
3.1. Galvanized Wire Rope
- Resistant to corrosion, ideal for outdoor use.
- Telecommunications, cranes, tent installations.
3.2. Stainless Steel Wire Rope
- Common in the maritime, food, and chemical industries .
- Resistant to salty and acidic environments.
3.3. PVC-Coated Wire Rope
- Preferred for decorative purposes or to prevent hand injuries .
- Gyms, playgrounds, safety barriers.
3.4. Fiber-Core Ropes
- More flexible , but with lower load capacity.
- Can be preferred in elevator systems.
3.5. Steel-Core Ropes (IWRC)
- These ropes have the highest load capacity.
- Preferred in crane, tower crane, towing, and lifting applications.
- What to Consider When Choosing Wire Rope
- Application: Fixed or moving? Will it be used outdoors?
- Load Amount: What is the maximum load to be carried?
- Safety Factor: A minimum safety factor of 5 is recommended.
- Flexibility vs. Strength: The 6×19 construction is stiff, while 6×36 is more flexible.
- Corrosion Risk: Galvanized or stainless should be preferred outdoors.
- Most Commonly Preferred Wire Rope Diameters
- 3 mm – 6 mm: Awnings, billboards, small lifting jobs.
- 8 mm – 12 mm: Cranes, elevators, rescue systems.
- 14 mm – 24 mm: Industrial cranes, construction site equipment.
- 28 mm – 40 mm: Port cranes, heavy industry machinery.
- Frequently Asked Questions
✅ How many tons does a 10 mm wire rope carry?
The average breaking load is around 7.2 tons. The safe working load is approximately 1.4 – 2 tons.
✅ How many kilograms does a 16 mm wire rope carry?
It has a load capacity of approximately 18,500 kgf, i.e., 18.5 tons.
✅ How can the risk of rope breakage be reduced?
- A rope of the correct diameter and construction should be chosen.
- Rope ends should be press-fitted (swaged).
- Wear and rust should be inspected regularly.
- Below its lifting capacity the rope should be used.
How Many Tons Does a Wire Rope Carry? Detailed Load Capacities by Diameter
How many tons does a 3 mm wire rope carry?
3 mm diameter wire ropes are generally manufactured in a 6×19 construction and can carry an average load of 700 kg . This is approximately 0.7 ton . Ideal for light-duty jobs.
How many tons does a 4 mm wire rope carry?
A 4 mm wire rope has an average load capacity of 1.2 ton . It is used in light applications such as advertising, small crane systems, and tent installation.
How many tons does a 5 mm wire rope carry?
5 mm ropes have an approximate tensile strength of 1.9 ton . Preferred for lifting and securing small machines.
How many tons does a 6 mm wire rope carry?
A 6 mm wire rope offers an average load capacity of 2.7 ton . Widely used in cranes and safety nets.
How many tons does an 8 mm wire rope carry?
An 8 mm rope is generally in a 6×36 construction and can carry approximately 4.6 ton . Used in construction, elevator systems, and industrial machinery.
How many tons does a 10 mm wire rope carry?
The average load capacity of a 10 mm wire rope is around 7.2 ton . Safely preferred in cranes, construction site equipment, and load-lifting systems.
How many tons does a 12 mm wire rope carry?
12 mm ropes have an approximate tensile strength of 10.5 ton . Used in industrial cranes, container handling, and port applications.
How many tons does a 14 mm wire rope carry?
A 14 mm wire rope can carry an average load of 14.2 ton . Suitable for heavy construction machinery and industrial cranes.
How many tons does a 16 mm wire rope carry?
The load capacity of a 16 mm rope is around 18.5 ton . Frequently preferred in lifting systems requiring high safety.
How many tons does an 18 mm wire rope carry?
An 18 mm rope can carry approximately 23.5 ton . Ideal for construction projects and large crane systems.
How many tons does a 20 mm wire rope carry?
The average load capacity of a 20 mm wire rope is 28.8 ton. Used in ports, heavy industry, and mines.
How many tons does a 24 mm wire rope carry?
Ropes with a 24 mm diameter can carry approximately 41.4 ton . Used in large ship cranes and offshore platforms.
How many tons does a 28 mm wire rope carry?
A 28 mm wire rope has an average load capacity of 56.2 ton . Suitable for high-tonnage handling and towing systems.
How many tons does a 32 mm wire rope carry?
32 mm ropes can carry approximately 73 ton . Preferred in large crane systems and dam construction.
How many tons does a 36 mm wire rope carry?
The load capacity of a 36 mm rope reaches up to 92 ton. Used in the heaviest lifting jobs.
How many tons does a 40 mm wire rope carry?
The average load capacity of a 40 mm wire rope is 113 ton. This diameter is used in high-safety and massive load-handling operations.
How Many Tons Does a Galvanized Wire Rope Carry? | Detailed Load Capacities by Size
📞 Contact Us for Orders and Information
Galvanized wire ropeis formed by coating steel wires with zinc using the hot-dip or electrolytic method. This coating protects the steel against moisture, rust, and chemical effects from the outside environment, extending its service life. It is widely used in maritime, façade applications, elevator systems, and cranes.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: “How many tons does a galvanized wire rope carry?”. The answer to this question varies depending on the rope's diameter, construction, and core type.
Galvanized Wire Rope Load Capacity (by Diameter)
The table below shows the average breaking loads of galvanized wire ropes . Breaking load refers to the maximum load the rope can carry without breaking. The safe working load (SWL) is approximately %20-25of this.
| Diameter (mm) |
Construction (Typical) |
Average Breaking Load (kgf) |
In Tons |
Safe Load (approximate) |
| 4 mm |
6×19+FC |
1.100 kgf |
1.1 ton |
220-275 kg |
| 6 mm |
6×19+FC |
2.300 kgf |
2.3 ton |
460-575 kg |
| 8 mm |
6×19+IWRC |
4.500 kgf |
4.5 ton |
900-1.125 kg |
| 10 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
7.000 kgf |
7 ton |
1.400-1.750 kg |
| 12 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
10.200 kgf |
10.2 ton |
2.000-2.500 kg |
| 14 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
13.800 kgf |
13.8 ton |
2.800-3.400 kg |
| 16 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
17.500 kgf |
17.5 ton |
3.500-4.400 kg |
| 18 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
22.000 kgf |
22 ton |
4.400-5.500 kg |
| 20 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
26.500 kgf |
26.5 ton |
5.300-6.600 kg |
| 24 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
38.000 kgf |
38 ton |
7.600-9.500 kg |
| 28 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
52.000 kgf |
52 ton |
10.400-13.000 kg |
| 32 mm |
6×36+IWRC |
68.000 kgf |
68 ton |
13.600-17.000 kg |
📝 Note: The values given are averages and may vary depending on the manufacturer, material quality, and winding method.
Why Is Galvanized Wire Rope Preferred?
✅ Resistant to Corrosion
Shows high resistance to rain, snow, humidity, and seawater.
✅ Longer Service Life
Thanks to the coating, oxidation of the inner steel wires is delayed, reducing maintenance costs.
✅ Cost-Effective
Offers a more economical solution compared to stainless ropes.
✅ Wide Range of Applications
Used safely in many areas such as crane systems, animal enclosures, suspended awnings, and façade lifting systems.
Where Is Galvanized Wire Rope Used?
- 🚢 MarineMaritime: On boats and dock connections
- 🏗️ Construction: Façade scaffolding, load lifting, crane systems
- 🚧 Road Safety: In barrier systems
- 🏠 Architectural Applications: Tension systems, decorative lines
- 🐄 Animal Husbandry: Enclosure systems, feeding rails
- 🧗 Sports Facilities: Zip lines, climbing courses
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilograms does a 10 mm galvanized wire rope carry?
Approximately 7.000 kgf (7 tons) load capacity. The safe load limit is in the 1.4 – 1.7 ton range.
Does galvanized rope rust?
Slight surface oxidation may occur over time, but the galvanized coating significantly delays the rusting of the rope.
Galvanized or stainless?
For long-term use outdoors and by the sea, stainless should be preferred. However, if cost and usage frequency are low, galvanized rope is also sufficient.
