The Plate Load Test is a field test used to determine the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of soils and subgrades for foundation design. In this test, a rigid steel plate is placed on the ground, and a gradually increasing load is applied through a hydraulic jack, while the settlement of the plate is measured at each load increment. The results are used to estimate the bearing capacity of the soil and the likely settlement under structural loads. This test is especially useful for shallow foundations, road pavements, and embankments. One of its main advantages is that it provides direct information on soil behavior under actual loading conditions, making it reliable for design purposes. However, it is limited to the area directly under the plate and may not account for deeper soil layers, requiring additional tests for comprehensive site analysis.