For example, w = 200 plf (lower case w) means that each linear foot of the beam has a load of 200 pounds. For a beam length (L) of 12-feet, the total load on the beam is therefore 2,400 pounds, with supports at each end carrying 1,200 pounds.
W (capital W) refers to the total load: W = w times L (beam length)
( Pounds = pounds per linear foot times length in feet )
For snow load calculations, W is half the building width plus the eave overhang.
