Scuba Weight Calculator
Calculate recommended scuba diving weights for proper buoyancy based on body weight and wetsuit thickness.
Reviewed October 7, 2026 Runs in your browser — inputs are never stored
Scuba Weight Calculator
Recommended Lead Weight
12 kg
Starting point — always verify in water
This tool provides general sports and fitness estimates for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice — consult a physician before starting or intensifying training, especially if you have a cardiovascular condition.
About the Scuba Weight Calculator
The scuba weight calculator estimates starting ballast from body weight (about 10%), wetsuit thickness, salt or fresh water and a steel tank. Thicker suits are more buoyant and salt water is denser, so both add weight. Always do a buoyancy check at the surface and adjust.
How to use it
- 1Enter your body weight.
- 2Choose your exposure suit.
- 3Choose salt or fresh water and read the estimated weight.
Worked example
an 80 kg diver in a 5 mm wetsuit in salt water starts at about 8 + 4 + 2 − 2 = 12 kg.
Common use cases
- Planning a first dive with new gear
- Switching between fresh and salt water
- Dive trip preparation
Frequently asked questions
A:A common starting point is 10% of body weight, adjusted for wetsuit and water type.
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated October 7, 2026
Formulas follow published sports-science literature and official league definitions (Karvonen heart rate reserve, Cooper and Bruce protocols, MET compendium values, and standard baseball, cricket, and basketball statistics).
CalcWisee Editorial Team
Calculator development and formula review
CalcWisee is an independent site founded by Ayman. Every calculator is built from a published formula or official definition, tested against hand-worked examples before it goes live, and corrected promptly when a reader reports an issue to ayman@calcwisee.com.
Expertise: Financial mathematics, Health and fitness formulas, Applied mathematics, Unit conversion standards
References & sources