Master ASCE 7-22 and ASCE 7-16 wind load calculations. From basic concepts to advanced Components & Cladding (C&C) and MWFRS analysis, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Try Wind Load CalculatorWind load is the force exerted by wind on a building or structure. When wind strikes a building, it creates pressure on surfaces facing the wind (windward) and suction on surfaces away from the wind (leeward). These forces must be calculated and accounted for in structural design to ensure buildings can safely resist wind pressures during storms, hurricanes, and high-wind events.
Wind loads are among the most critical loads that structural engineers must consider, particularly in coastal regions, hurricane zones, and areas prone to severe weather. Inadequate wind load design can result in structural failure, envelope breaches, and catastrophic damage during high-wind events.
Wind Pressure (p): Force per unit area, measured in pounds per square foot (psf)
Wind Force (F): Total force on a surface = Pressure × Area, measured in pounds (lb) or kips
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standard 7 titled "Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures" is the authoritative standard for determining wind loads in the United States. Most building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), reference ASCE 7 for wind load provisions.
The two most commonly used editions are:
| Feature | ASCE 7-16 | ASCE 7-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Publication Year | 2016 | 2022 |
| Referenced by IBC | IBC 2018, IBC 2021 | IBC 2024 |
| Wind Speed Maps | Updated from 7-10 | Further refinements |
| C&C Provisions | Chapter 30 | Enhanced Chapter 30 |
| MWFRS Provisions | Chapter 27, 28 | Chapters 27, 28 refined |
Always verify which edition your jurisdiction has adopted. States like Florida have adopted ASCE 7-22 through the Florida Building Code 8th Edition, while other jurisdictions may still reference ASCE 7-16.
The fundamental wind pressure equation in ASCE 7 is:
The velocity pressure (q) at height z is calculated as:
The basic wind speed is the 3-second gust wind speed at 33 feet (10 meters) above ground in Exposure Category C terrain. ASCE 7 provides wind speed maps for each Risk Category, with higher-risk buildings requiring design for higher wind speeds.
Lowest speeds
Agricultural, temporary
Standard speeds
Most buildings
Higher speeds
Assembly, schools
Highest speeds
Essential facilities
Wind speeds range from approximately 95 mph in sheltered inland areas to over 180 mph in coastal hurricane regions. The ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps and ASCE 7-16 wind speed maps provide location-specific design wind speeds.
Use our Wind Speed by Zip Code tool or the WindLoadCalc.com calculator to automatically determine design wind speeds for any U.S. address.
Exposure Category describes the terrain roughness around your building site and significantly affects wind pressures. Rougher terrain (more obstructions) slows wind near the ground, while smoother terrain (open water, flat land) allows higher wind speeds at lower heights.
| Exposure | Terrain Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| B | Urban, suburban, wooded areas | Residential neighborhoods, downtown areas with buildings |
| C | Open terrain with scattered obstructions | Flat farmland, grasslands, airports |
| D | Flat, unobstructed areas near water | Shorelines, coastal areas, large lakes |
Exposure D produces the highest wind pressures, while Exposure B produces the lowest. Proper exposure category selection is critical for accurate wind load calculations. Learn more in our Exposure Categories Guide.
Risk Category classifies buildings based on the consequences of failure and the risk to human life. Higher risk categories require design for higher wind speeds to provide additional safety margins.
| Risk Cat | Building Types | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| I | Agricultural facilities, minor storage, temporary structures | Low risk to life |
| II | Residential, commercial, industrial (most buildings) | Standard |
| III | Schools, assembly >300 people, daycare, jails, power stations | Substantial risk |
| IV | Hospitals, fire stations, emergency shelters, EOCs | Essential facilities |
See our detailed Risk Categories Guide for complete classification criteria per ASCE 7 Table 1.5-1.
ASCE 7 distinguishes between two types of wind load calculations, each serving a different purpose:
C&C calculations determine wind pressures for building envelope components: windows, doors, wall panels, roof panels, shutters, and their connections. C&C pressures are typically higher than MWFRS pressures because:
C&C calculations use effective wind area and zone-based pressure coefficients from ASCE 7 Chapter 30. Learn more in our Components & Cladding Guide.
MWFRS calculations determine wind forces on the structural frame: columns, beams, bracing, shear walls, and foundations. MWFRS pressures are averaged over larger areas because the structural system responds to overall building forces rather than localized pressures.
MWFRS calculations use ASCE 7 Chapters 27 and 28 depending on building type. See our MWFRS Guide for detailed procedures.
Use C&C: Selecting windows/doors, specifying cladding, designing connections for envelope components
Use MWFRS: Designing structural frame, foundations, lateral bracing systems
Wind speed increases as it flows over hills, ridges, and escarpments due to acceleration effects. The Kzt factor accounts for this wind speed-up at sites with significant topographic features.
Kzt is determined based on:
For flat terrain, Kzt = 1.0. For sites on or near topographic features, Kzt can exceed 1.5, significantly increasing design wind pressures. Learn more about Topographic Effects.
While ASCE 7 provides the technical procedures, individual states often adopt specific editions and add local amendments. Key variations include:
Visit our State Requirements page for wind load provisions in all 50 states.
Manual wind load calculations following ASCE 7 procedures involve numerous steps, lookups, and interpolations. Professional tools can automate this process while ensuring accuracy and code compliance.
WindLoadCalc.com automates ASCE 7-22 and ASCE 7-16 wind load calculations for any U.S. location. Get instant C&C and MWFRS pressures, state-specific compliance, and PE-ready reports.
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