Weighted Blanket Calculator
Find the ideal weighted blanket weight for your body.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Finding your ideal weighted blanket is straightforward:
- Enter your body weight. Choose pounds or kilograms and enter your current weight.
- Read your recommendation. The calculator shows the recommended weight (10% of body weight) and a comfortable range (8-12% of body weight).
The recommendation is based on the 10% rule used by occupational therapists. Most weighted blankets are available in 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 25 lb options. Choose the commercially available weight closest to your recommendation within the suggested range.
About Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets use deep pressure stimulation (DPS), a type of firm, gentle pressure that can help calm the nervous system. The 10% of body weight guideline was developed by occupational therapists working with sensory processing disorders and autism spectrum conditions, where DPS has shown benefits for anxiety and sleep. The principle has since been applied more broadly for general sleep improvement and anxiety reduction.
The 8-12% range accounts for individual preference. People who are hot sleepers or who feel claustrophobic under weight may prefer the lower end of the range. Those seeking maximum calming pressure may prefer the upper end. Children should never use adult-sized or extremely heavy blankets as they can be a suffocation risk for small children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do weighted blankets actually help with sleep?
Research on weighted blankets for sleep shows mixed but generally positive results. Several studies report reduced anxiety, improved sleep quality, and longer sleep duration among users with insomnia, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. The mechanism is believed to be deep pressure stimulation activating the parasympathetic nervous system. For the general population without specific conditions, evidence is more limited but anecdotal reports of improved sleep are common.
Can children use weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets can be used by children, but with important precautions. Children under 2 should not use weighted blankets due to suffocation risk. For older children, always use the 10% body weight guideline and choose a blanket specifically sized for children. A 50-pound child would use a 5-pound blanket. The child should always be able to remove the blanket independently. Consult a pediatric occupational therapist before using weighted blankets with children who have medical conditions.
What size weighted blanket should I buy?
Weighted blankets should cover the user's body but not hang significantly over the sides of the bed, as the hanging weight would pull the blanket off. For a twin bed, a 48x72 inch blanket is typical. For a full or queen bed, 60x80 inches works well for one person. Blankets sized to the person (not the bed) provide the most consistent pressure. Couples who want to share a weighted blanket typically need a blanket weighted for the lighter person to avoid being too heavy for one partner.
What are weighted blankets filled with?
Most weighted blankets use glass beads (smooth, quiet, and heavy for their volume) or plastic poly pellets (larger, sometimes audible). Glass beads are more common in quality blankets because they are denser (allowing thinner blankets), quieter, and more evenly distributed. Some blankets use steel shot beads, sand, or other fillers. The outer shell material affects breathability: cotton is most breathable, while minky or fleece shells are warmer but trap more heat.