Trim Calculator

Compute change of trim and draft variation using MCT 1 cm and LCF. Sign convention: +TM = trim by stern.

Common Geometry
Used to split trim into FP / AP drafts.
Known MCT 1 cm & Trimming Moment
Total trim t = TM / MCT
Derive MCT 1 cm from Δ & GML
MCT = 100 · Δ · GML / Lpp
Optional — Trimming Moment Builder

Enter weights (t) and longitudinal arms from midship (m, +aft). TM = Σ(w · x)

Trim Result

Total trim: m ( cm)

ΔT at AP: m

ΔT at FP: m

TA1: m   TF1: m

Trim by stern is positive. Draft change is proportional to distance from LCF: ΔT = t · x / Lpp.

Report: Trim Calculation

Trim Calculation in Naval Architecture

Trim describes the longitudinal inclination of a vessel, defined as the difference between the aft draft and forward draft. Accurate trim calculations are essential for assessing propeller immersion, resistance, maneuverability, and compliance with stability criteria.

This Trim Calculator evaluates the change in trim and resulting draft variations using standard naval architecture relationships based on Moment to Change Trim by 1 cm (MCT 1 cm) and the Longitudinal Centre of Flotation (LCF).

Sign Convention

  • Positive trimming moment (+TM) produces trim by stern
  • Trim by stern increases aft draft and reduces forward draft
  • LCF is measured from midship, positive aft

Method A — Known MCT 1 cm

When the vessel’s hydrostatic data is available, trim can be calculated directly using the known MCT 1 cm value.

Total trim:

t = TM / MCT

  • TM — Trimming Moment (t·m)
  • MCT — Moment to Change Trim by 1 cm (t·m/cm)
  • t — Total trim (m)

Method B — Derived MCT 1 cm

If MCT 1 cm is not directly known, it can be derived from displacement and longitudinal metacentric height.

MCT 1 cm formula:

MCT1cm = 100 · Δ · GML / Lpp

  • Δ — Displacement (t)
  • GML — Longitudinal metacentric height (m)
  • Lpp — Length between perpendiculars (m)

Draft Changes at FP and AP

Once the total trim is known, the change in draft at any longitudinal position is proportional to its distance from the LCF.

Draft variation:

ΔT(x) = t · x / Lpp

  • ΔTA — Draft change at aft perpendicular
  • ΔTF — Draft change at forward perpendicular

If initial drafts are provided, the calculator also reports the final forward and aft drafts after trimming.

Trimming Moment Builder

In practical loading scenarios, trimming moments are generated by moving weights longitudinally. The trimming moment builder allows summation of multiple weights using:

TM = Σ ( w · x )

where w is the weight (t) and x is the longitudinal arm from midship (m).

Engineering Applications

  • Loading and ballast planning
  • Trim optimization for fuel efficiency
  • Propeller immersion assessment
  • Dry dock and draft survey calculations
  • Stability booklet verification

Limitations

This calculator assumes small trim angles and linear hydrostatic behavior. For large trim changes or asymmetric hull forms, full hydrostatic recalculation is required.

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