How to Calculate Diving Weight

Calculating the proper weight to use while diving is as important as choosing the right size dive mask. If it is not enough weight, you will not be able to submerge. If it is too much, you will sink quickly which in some instances can be life threatening. If you have selected the ideal weight, you can maintain neutral buoyancy in the water while submerged.

Things You'll Need

  • Bathroom scale
  • Dive weights
  • Weight belt or weight-integrated buoyancy compensator (BC)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh yourself. It is vital that you accurately record your own weight.

    • 2

      Calculate the "mean" weight. You should use 6 to 8 percent of your body weight for your dive weights if you are diving in fresh water. If you are diving in salt water, you should use 8 to 10 percent of your body weight. For example, for salt water, multiply .08 to .10 times your body weight. A 150-lb. person diving in salt water, then, should use 12 to 15 lbs. of weights.

    • 3

      Weigh your equipment. Most aluminum tanks are positively buoyant, as is an inflated BC and your wet suit (if you are wearing one). To determine the the dive weight of the equipment, multiply it by .08.

    • 4

      Add the two amounts of weights you calculated in steps 2 and 3. This is the amount of weights you will need to add to your weight belt or weight-integrated BC.

    • 5

      Check your buoyancy upon entering the water. If you have the proper amount of weight, you should gradually descend as you let air out of your BC. If the descent seems too rapid, immediately refill the BC with air, surface, and offload some weight. If the descent is too slow, or you don't sink at all, add more weight.