Crane Pick Radius Calculator for Construction Lifts

Calculator Inputs

Calculation Mode

Choose geometry inputs or plan view coordinates.

Center Offset (m)

Distance from rotation center to boom reference point.

Load Center Offset (m)

Extra offset from hook line to load center.

Boom Pivot Height (m)

Measured from grade to boom heel pivot.

Rigging Length (m)

Distance from boom tip or head sheave to load.

Load Weight (t)

Use gross lifted weight including rigging when possible.

Rated Capacity (t)

Pull this value from the applicable load chart.

Boom Length (m)

Main boom length used for the lift.

Boom Angle (deg)

Angle measured above the horizontal plane.

Jib Length (m)

Enter zero if no jib is installed.

Jib Angle (deg)

Approximate jib angle relative to horizontal.

Crane X Coordinate (m)

Plan view origin for the crane center.

Crane Y Coordinate (m)

Use a consistent site grid or baseline.

Load X Coordinate (m)

Target load center position in plan.

Load Y Coordinate (m)

Use the same site reference system.

Coordinate Mode Note

Keep boom and jib lengths filled for height estimation.

Example Data Table

These sample values show how radius grows as reach changes.

Lift Case	Boom (m)	Angle (°)	Jib (m)	Offset (m)	Pick Radius (m)	Hook Height (m)	Load (t)	Rated (t)
Tower foundation lift	22.00	62.00	0.00	1.10	11.90	17.40	5.50	9.00
Steel beam placement	28.00	50.00	4.00	1.30	20.80	22.60	7.20	10.00
HVAC rooftop pick	30.00	44.00	6.00	1.50	24.90	24.20	8.10	12.00
Precast wall panel	34.00	39.00	8.00	1.60	30.10	25.80	11.00	14.00

Formula Used

Pick Radius = Center Offset + Horizontal Reach + Load Center Offset
Horizontal Reach = (Boom Length × cos Boom Angle) + (Jib Length × cos Jib Angle)
Coordinate Plan Distance = √[(Load X − Crane X)² + (Load Y − Crane Y)²]
Coordinate Pick Radius = Coordinate Plan Distance + Load Center Offset
Boom Tip Height = Pivot Height + (Boom Length × sin Boom Angle) + (Jib Length × sin Jib Angle)
Hook Height = Boom Tip Height − Rigging Length
Load Utilization = (Load Weight ÷ Rated Capacity) × 100

This tool supports planning checks only. Final lifting decisions must follow the approved load chart, setup conditions, and engineered lift plan.

How to Use This Calculator

Select the calculation mode that fits your field data.
Enter center offset, load offset, pivot height, rigging length, and capacity values.
For boom mode, enter boom length, boom angle, and jib details.
For coordinate mode, enter the crane center and load coordinates.
Press calculate and review pick radius, hook height, and utilization.
Use the graph and exports for reports, toolbox talks, or lift reviews.
Cross-check the result with the crane load chart before lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is crane pick radius?

Crane pick radius is the horizontal distance from the crane’s center of rotation to the center of the lifted load. It strongly affects allowable capacity and lift planning.

2. Why does a larger radius reduce lifting capacity?

A larger radius increases overturning moment and structural demand on the crane. That is why load charts usually show lower permitted loads as operating radius increases.

3. When should I use the coordinate method?

Use the coordinate method when your site team already has plan view points, grid lines, or surveyed pickup locations. It helps compare crane placement with target load positions.

4. Does this calculator replace the crane load chart?

No. This calculator is a planning aid. The manufacturer chart, crane configuration, ground condition, counterweight setup, and lift engineer review remain the controlling documents.

5. What should I include in load weight?

Include the lifted item plus rigging, spreader bars, hooks, blocks, lifting beams, and any other suspended hardware. Using gross load gives a safer utilization check.

6. Why does hook height matter during radius checks?

Hook height helps verify clearance, boom geometry, and rigging fit. A lift may meet radius limits but still fail because the hook cannot reach the required elevation safely.

7. Can I use this tool for jib configurations?

Yes. Enter the jib length and its approximate angle. The calculator will add its horizontal and vertical contribution for a broader planning estimate.

8. What is a good utilization target?

Many planners prefer keeping lifts below full chart capacity for contingency. The acceptable target depends on company procedure, crane type, lift class, and engineering controls.