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20 Feb , 2026
Anchor Bolt Load Capacity Chart
When selecting anchor bolts for industrial, HVAC, fire-fighting, or structural projects, load capacity is the most critical factor. Many failures happen not because of poor material — but because the wrong bolt size or incorrect load assumption was used.
In this guide, you’ll find:
This article is written for MEP contractors, civil engineers, fire system installers, and industrial buyers who need practical, real-world values.
Anchor bolt load capacity means how much force a bolt can safely carry after being fixed into concrete.
There are two main types of loads:
This is the vertical force trying to pull the bolt straight out of concrete.
Examples:
If pull-out strength is exceeded, the bolt comes out completely.
This is the horizontal force acting sideways on the bolt.
Examples:
Both values are equally important while designing any anchor system.
Below are approximate working load values for mechanical anchor bolts installed in non-cracked concrete with proper embedment and torque.
⚠️ These are safe working loads (not ultimate failure loads). Actual capacity depends on installation quality, embedment depth, and edge distance.
| Bolt Size | Pull-Out Strength (kN) | Shear Strength (kN) |
|---|---|---|
| M6 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
| M8 | 3.5 | 2.8 |
| M10 | 5.5 | 4.2 |
| M12 | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| M16 | 14.0 | 11.0 |
| Bolt Size | Pull-Out Strength (kN) | Shear Strength (kN) |
|---|---|---|
| M6 | 2.4 | 1.8 |
| M8 | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| M10 | 6.5 | 5.0 |
| M12 | 9.5 | 7.8 |
| M16 | 17.0 | 13.5 |
| Bolt Size | Pull-Out Strength (kN) | Shear Strength (kN) |
|---|---|---|
| M6 | 2.8 | 2.1 |
| M8 | 4.8 | 3.8 |
| M10 | 7.5 | 5.8 |
| M12 | 11.0 | 9.0 |
| M16 | 20.0 | 16.0 |
“M12 anchor bolt load capacity” is one of the highest searched keywords — because M12 is widely used in:
| Concrete Grade | Pull-Out | Shear |
|---|---|---|
| M20 | ~8 kN | ~6.5 kN |
| M25 | ~9.5 kN | ~7.8 kN |
| M30 | ~11 kN | ~9 kN |
In simple terms:
👉 One properly installed M12 anchor bolt in M25 concrete can safely hold around 950–1000 kg in tension (vertical) depending on site conditions.
Embedment depth means how deep the bolt goes inside concrete. Deeper embedment = higher holding power.
| Bolt Size | Minimum Embedment |
|---|---|
| M6 | 40 mm |
| M8 | 50 mm |
| M10 | 70 mm |
| M12 | 90 mm |
| M16 | 110 mm |
Never reduce embedment to save drilling time — it directly reduces load capacity.
Even the best anchor bolt will fail if these are ignored:
Stronger concrete = higher load capacity.
Oversized holes reduce grip dramatically.
Drilling dust must be blown out before installation.
Under-tightening = low expansion
Over-tightening = bolt damage
Always follow torque guidelines.
Bolts installed too close to concrete edges lose strength.
Cracked concrete has lower capacity than non-cracked concrete.
Fast installation
Medium load capacity
Used for HVAC, pipe supports, racks
Slower installation
Very high load capacity
Used for heavy machinery, structural steel, seismic zones
If your project needs maximum strength, chemical anchors are preferred.
These mistakes cause most failures:
❌ Hole not cleaned
❌ Wrong drill size
❌ Insufficient embedment
❌ Torque not applied
❌ Bolt installed near slab edge
❌ Load applied before full setting
Avoiding these increases safety and project life.
Anchor bolts are used across industries:
Each application requires different bolt size and capacity.
In M25 concrete, M10 typically holds around 650 kg vertically when installed correctly.
For light to medium machines — yes.
For heavy vibrating equipment — chemical anchors or M16 bolts are recommended.
Yes. Increased embedment directly improves pull-out capacity.
No. Once removed, mechanical anchors should never be reused.
Anchor bolt load capacity is not something to guess.
Always consider:
✔ Bolt diameter
✔ Concrete grade
✔ Embedment depth
✔ Installation method
✔ Type of load (shear or pull)
Choosing the right anchor bolt prevents structural failure, protects equipment, and improves long-term safety.
If you’re unsure about sizing, it’s always better to consult technical support instead of under-designing.
Contact us for technical guidance on:
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