How Much Does the Average School Bag Weigh?

With back to school season rapidly approaching, we understand the panic to ensure that children are well prepared with everything they need. However, the total carrying weight of these items may not be taken into account, nor are the risks of children carrying heavy loads.

What is in the average school bag?

To calculate how much the average school bag weighs, we researched the weight of everyday items that most schoolchildren are expected to take to school on a day-to-day basis. The weight of each item was taken from the Amazon listing for the product. 

To estimate the weight of reading books and textbooks, we calculated the average weight of the top ten bestselling books in each category on Amazon (as of 11/8/25). 

Is it safe for children to carry this much?

Children are not recommended to carry any more than 10% to 15% of their body weight, especially as their spines are still developing. Carrying a backpack or bag that is too heavy can have numerous adverse health effects, including:

• Changes in posture, which can lead to long-term spinal deformities.
• Carrying too much weight can make children lean forward, affecting the natural curvature of their spine.
• An overloaded bag can cause muscle strain, especially around the neck and shoulders.
• Too much weight can impact balance and movement, which increases the risk of injuries.
• Carrying heavy loads often during developmental or growth periods can result in lasting musculoskeletal or spinal issues.

Using the average weight of a child at each age between 4 and 18 years, the maximum safe amount that can be carried is listed below. Each age’s carrying capacity has been colour-coded to show if it would be safe for them to carry the estimated 5.42kg that a school bag weighs:

However, the weight of the average school bag does not take into account the additional weight of a full water bottle or lunchbox, meaning it could be heavier than estimated.

What to do if you think your child’s bag is too heavy:

Make sure it is the right bag for your child.

Your child should only be carrying a backpack that is the appropriate size for them, and this should be one designed for a child, not an adult. A backpack that is the correct size should sit around two inches above the hips. Even though some children may want to use a crossbody or shoulder bag for their school items, these can be even more likely than backpacks to cause health issues.

Check they are only taking the essentials.

It is unlikely that your child will need to carry every single item with them to and from school every day. Check through their timetable to see which books or equipment they need that day, and then remove anything else that is unnecessary. 

At least once a week, aim to have a clear out of the bag so that your child is not carrying about items that they do not need or use anymore. On days when your child needs to bring their PE kit or similar bulky items, try to encourage them to utilise a locker if they have access to one at school. 

Use a supportive backpack.

The best backpack for your child to use is one that has wide straps and a padded back. Bags with tight, thin straps can dig into their shoulders and interfere with their nerves and circulation, causing tingling or numbness in their arms and hands. 

Some backpacks may include a strap that goes across the chest, and then another around the waist, providing additional support when carrying a heavy load. A bag with two straps will always be better than one, as they are better at distributing the load being carried evenly. 

Distribute the weight properly.

Another way to balance out the weight that your child is carrying is by moving around the contents of their bag. Larger, heavier items should be carried closer to the body to avoid affecting their balance, and bags with multiple compartments are better at distributing weight evenly.