Horse Weight Calculator
Use this horse weight calculator when there is no scale around: measure heart girth and body length, enter them and read the estimated weight with a range and a hay amount.
Example: Heart girth 75 cm / in · Body length 63 cm / in · Unit: Inches · Forage per day 2 % of body weight → Estimated weight: 488 kg (1,076 lb), range 464–512 kg. Source: Carroll CL, Huntington PJ (1988): Body condition scoring and weight estimation of horses. Equine Veterinary Journal (Gewicht = Umfang² × Länge ÷ 11 900). Updated: .
How it is calculated
A horse with a 190 cm (75 in) heart girth and 160 cm (63 in) body length weighs about 485 kg (1,070 lb) by the Carroll and Huntington formula. The calculator estimates weight from two tape measures when no horse scale is nearby.
How it is calculated
The formula comes from a 1988 study of 281 horses: weight in kilograms equals heart girth squared times body length, divided by 11,900, all in centimeters. Weight depends most on girth because it is squared. Two centimeters of tape error can easily mean ten kilos. That is why the calculator shows a range of ± 5 %.
Measuring tips
- Always measure on level ground with the horse standing square, ideally with a helper.
- Use the same tape and the same spot if you track changes over time.
- To see a weight trend, measure every two to four weeks.
More tools for animals: dog food, cat food and dog age. For conversions use the weight converter and the length converter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my horse’s weight?
Measure heart girth and body length in centimeters and use the formula: girth squared times length divided by 11,900. The calculator does that and shows kg and lb.
Where exactly do I measure the heart girth?
Around the body behind the withers and behind the elbow, tape snug, read after the horse breathes out.
How accurate is the formula?
It gives a usable estimate for adult horses of normal build. The error can be larger for young horses, ponies and extreme body shapes, so the calculator shows a range.
How much forage does a horse need per day?
It depends on the horse and its work. The calculator uses an adjustable percentage of body weight; details are for your veterinary practice or a feed adviser.
Sources and legal basis
As of: · Editorial policy
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