Building Code Glossary
Load Factor: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define load factor, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Load factor is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Structural Design. The code's own words are: “A factor that accounts for deviations of the actual load from the nominalload, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur simultaneously.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Structural Design (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Load Factor — IBC 2009, Structural Design:
A factor that accounts for deviations of the actual load from the nominalload, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur simultaneously.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Load Factor is defined once in this corpus, in the Structural Design chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
A factor that accounts for deviations of the actual load from the nominalload, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur simultaneously.
Where load factor is used in the code
The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Steel | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about load factor, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The occupant load factor (OLE) is not required to be less than 30 and shall not exceed 50.
Load Factor: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Structural Design | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Design Flood Elevation: Building Code Definition
- Loads: Building Code Definition
- Seismic Design Category: Building Code Definition
- Design Flood: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of load factor?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Structural Design as: “A factor that accounts for deviations of the actual load from the nominalload, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur simultaneously.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on load factor?
In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Structural Tests and Special Inspections in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the definition of load factor?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Structural Design: “A factor that accounts for deviations of the actual load from the nominalload, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur simultaneously.” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is the IBC occupancy load factor?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Structural Design: “A factor that accounts for deviations of the actual load from the nominalload, for uncertainties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the probability that more than one extreme load will occur simultaneously.” It is defined in IBC 2009. It is not the same as Occupancy, which the IMC 2009 defines separately as “The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied.” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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