The 2-3/8" × 3-5/8" top plate is one of the most common light duty caster patterns in North America. Used on office equipment, tool carts, display fixtures, and institutional furniture, this plate supports up to 350 lbs per caster with wheel diameters from 2" to 5". If you're replacing casters and measure a plate roughly 2-3/8" wide by 3-5/8" long, this is almost certainly your size.
Load capacity on this plate size typically ranges from 75 lbs to 350 lbs per caster depending on wheel material, diameter, and bearing type. A four-caster cart spreads load across all four, so a set of 350-lb casters carries up to 1,400 lbs total. For heavier equipment, step up to the 3-1/8" × 4-1/8" or 4" × 4-1/2" plate pattern.
The ÷3 formula (instead of ÷4) accounts for the reality that on uneven surfaces one caster temporarily lifts, redistributing its load across the remaining three.
This plate is the standard mount for medical carts, mailroom carts, housekeeping carts, retail display fixtures, mobile workstations, AV equipment, and light institutional furniture. It's the most widely stocked light-duty plate pattern because OEMs have used it on carts and fixtures for decades.
On smooth floors (vinyl tile, sealed concrete, hardwood) choose non-marking thermoplastic rubber or polyurethane for quiet rolling and floor protection. On carpet, use hard rubber or hard plastic for easier rolling. Around fluids or chemicals, specify polyurethane. For high-temperature applications (ovens, bakeries), specify phenolic.
The 3-1/8" × 4-1/8" plate is the next step up. Both share the 350 lb rating, but 3-1/8" × 4-1/8" gives you a larger mounting footprint and more bolt-hole clearance. If you're designing new equipment or need extra stability, choose the larger plate. If you're replacing existing casters on an older cart, measure the existing plate first — most light institutional carts use 2-3/8" × 3-5/8".
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wheel Diameter | 2" – 5" |
| Load Capacity | Up to 350 lbs/caster |
| Wheel Materials | Rubber, Polyurethane, TPR, Nylon |
| Tread Width | 3/4" – 1-1/4" |
| Mount Types | Top Plate, Stem, Grip Ring, Expanding |
| Plate Sizes | 2-3/8"x3-5/8" & 3-1/8"x4-1/8" |
| Bearing Type | Plain, Ball, Precision Ball |
| Brake Options | Side Lock, Total Lock, Top Lock |
| Feature | Light Duty | Medium Heavy Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Load Range | ★ Up to 350 lbs | 350–1,200 lbs |
| Wheel Materials | ★ Rubber, Poly, TPR, Nylon | Polyurethane, Phenolic, Steel |
| Floor Protection | ★ Excellent (soft tread) | Good (harder wheels) |
| Noise Level | ★ Very Quiet | Moderate |
| Mount Options | ★ Plate, Stem, Grip Ring, Expanding | Plate, Stem |
| Best For | ★ Office, furniture, retail, healthcare | Carts, dollies, light industrial |
These calculators apply to any caster application—even if you’re browsing a different category. Use them to estimate load rating per caster, select wheel material, and estimate push/pull force. Expand any tool for full analysis + a share-ready spec line.
Engineering Tools Hub
All tools + dedicated pages (best for sharing and EEAT). Open hub
Load Calculator (dedicated)
Share this page when discussing load rating per caster. Open load tool
Wheel Diameter Calculator
Publish the dedicated page, then replace this link. Find in hub
Failure Diagnosis Tool
Publish the dedicated page, then replace this link. Find in hub
Trusted by 100,000+ Industrial and Commercial Buyers | 98.7% on-time shipment rate
Designed for engineers, manufacturers, and material handling professionals
