How to Calculate Metal Weight
Every metal weight calculation comes down to one formula: weight = volume × density. Work out the volume of the part from its dimensions, then multiply by the density of the metal. This calculator does both steps for you, but here is how to check the math by hand.
Steel plate and sheet weight formula
Weight (lb) = length (in) × width (in) × thickness (in) × density (lb/in³). Carbon steel is about 0.2836 lb/in³. A 4 x 8 sheet of 1/4" steel is 48 × 96 × 0.25 × 0.2836 = 326.7 lb.
Round bar weight formula
Weight (lb) = 0.7854 × diameter² × length × density. For carbon steel that simplifies to 2.673 × D² pounds per foot, with D in inches. A 1" round steel bar weighs about 2.67 lb per foot.
Pipe and tube weight formula
Weight (lb) = 0.7854 × (OD² − ID²) × length × density, where ID = OD − 2 × wall thickness. For example, 2" Schedule 40 steel pipe (2.375" OD, 0.154" wall) weighs about 3.66 lb per foot. Use the Standard Pipe Size button on the pipe shape to fill in any NPS and schedule.
Aluminum vs. steel weight
Aluminum weighs about 34% as much as carbon steel. The same 4 x 8 x 1/4" sheet weighs 112.4 lb in 6061 aluminum and 330.0 lb in 304 stainless steel. Use the Compare Metals button to see any part in several materials at once.
Metal Density Chart
Densities used by this calculator, in US and metric units. To calculate the density of a metal yourself, divide its mass by its volume.
| Material | g/cm³ | lb/in³ | lb/ft³ |
|---|
| Stainless Steel 304 / 304L | 7.93 | 0.2865 | 495 |
| Stainless Steel 316 / 316L | 8.00 | 0.2890 | 499 |
| Stainless Steel 310 / 310S | 8.00 | 0.2890 | 499 |
| Stainless Steel 321 | 7.92 | 0.2861 | 494 |
| Stainless Steel 410 | 7.75 | 0.2800 | 484 |
| Stainless Steel 430 | 7.75 | 0.2800 | 484 |
| Stainless Steel 202 | 7.80 | 0.2818 | 487 |
| Duplex 2205 (F51) | 7.80 | 0.2818 | 487 |
| Carbon Steel / Mild Steel (ASTM A36) | 7.85 | 0.2836 | 490 |
| Cold Rolled Steel (AISI 1018) | 7.87 | 0.2843 | 491 |
| Medium Carbon Steel (AISI 1045) | 7.85 | 0.2836 | 490 |
| Galvanized Steel Sheet (G90) | 7.85 | 0.2836 | 490 |
| Corten / Weathering Steel (Cor-Ten A/B) | 7.85 | 0.2836 | 490 |
| Gray Cast Iron (ASTM A48 Class 35) | 7.20 | 0.2601 | 449 |
| Tool Steel D2 (High Cr / High C) | 7.75 | 0.2800 | 484 |
| Aluminum 6061-T6 (Structural) | 2.70 | 0.0975 | 169 |
| Aluminum 5052-H32 (Marine Grade) | 2.68 | 0.0968 | 167 |
| Aluminum 7075-T6 (Aerospace Grade) | 2.81 | 0.1015 | 175 |
| Aluminum 2024-T3 (Aircraft High Yield) | 2.78 | 0.1004 | 174 |
| Aluminum 1100 (99.0% Pure) | 2.71 | 0.0979 | 169 |
| Aluminum 6082-T6 (High Stress) | 2.70 | 0.0975 | 169 |
| Copper C110 (ETP Copper 99.9%) | 8.89 | 0.3212 | 555 |
| Brass C360 (Free Cutting Brass) | 8.50 | 0.3071 | 531 |
| Brass C260 (Cartridge Brass 70/30) | 8.53 | 0.3082 | 533 |
| Phosphor Bronze C510 | 8.86 | 0.3201 | 553 |
| Aluminum Bronze C954 | 7.45 | 0.2691 | 465 |
| Titanium Grade 2 (Pure CP) | 4.51 | 0.1629 | 282 |
| Titanium Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V) | 4.43 | 0.1600 | 277 |
| Inconel 625 (Nickel Alloy) | 8.44 | 0.3049 | 527 |
| Monel 400 (Nickel-Copper) | 8.80 | 0.3179 | 549 |
| Lead (Pure) | 11.34 | 0.4097 | 708 |
| Zinc Die-Cast Alloy (Zamak 3 / 5) | 6.60 | 0.2384 | 412 |
| Magnesium Alloy (AZ31B) | 1.78 | 0.0643 | 111 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the weight of steel?
Multiply the volume of the part by the density of steel. In US units, carbon steel weighs about 0.2836 lb per cubic inch, so a plate's weight in pounds is length × width × thickness (in inches) × 0.2836.
How much does a 4 x 8 sheet of 1/4 inch steel weigh?
A 48" × 96" × 1/4" carbon steel plate weighs about 326.7 lb. The same sheet in 304 stainless weighs about 330.0 lb, and in 6061 aluminum about 112.4 lb.
How much does steel plate weigh per square foot?
Carbon steel weighs about 40.84 lb per square foot for every inch of thickness. Multiply by the thickness in inches; for example, 1/4" plate is about 10.21 lb per square foot.
How much lighter is aluminum than steel?
Aluminum weighs about 34% as much as carbon steel for the same size part, or roughly one third of the weight.
How do you calculate the density of a metal?
Density equals mass divided by volume. Weigh the part, measure its volume (by its dimensions or by water displacement), and divide. For example, a 1 cubic inch block weighing 0.2836 lb has a density of 0.2836 lb/in³, which matches carbon steel.
Are the weights from this calculator exact?
No. The calculator gives theoretical weights from nominal dimensions and standard densities. Actual weights vary with mill tolerances, corner radii on tubing, coatings, and alloy chemistry, so allow a few percent for ordering and freight.
Need Parts Cut, Formed or Welded?
Engineered Welding, Inc. in Anamosa, Iowa has provided custom metal fabrication, robotic welding and CNC plasma cutting, plus hydraulic reservoir tank manufacturing, for OEMs since 2002. Add your parts to the takeoff above, print it, and send it with your drawings. Not sure what to include? Read our fabrication quote guide.
Request a Quote
