Metal Weight Calculator
Use this metal weight calculator for plate, sheet metal, bar, pipe, and tube stock. Choose steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, titanium, or custom density.
Results
This calculator estimates material weight only. It does not calculate load capacity, beam strength, pipe pressure rating, freight class, or code requirements. Actual weight can vary by alloy, grade, and mill tolerance.
How to use this calculator
- 01Choose the metal material and stock shape.
- 02Enter the dimensions for the selected shape.
- 03Enter quantity and waste percentage.
- 04Open the cost section if you want material cost from price per pound or kilogram.
- 05Read weight per piece, total weight, weight with waste, weight per foot or meter, volume, and density used.
Understanding the math
Metal weight is volume times density. The calculator finds volume from the selected stock shape, applies the material density, multiplies by quantity, then adds waste. Pipe and tube shapes use outside size and wall thickness so the hollow center is not counted as metal.
Metal weight = volume x density Plate volume = length x width x thickness Round bar volume = pi x (diameter / 2)^2 x length Pipe volume = pi x (OD^2 - ID^2) / 4 x length Tube volume = (outer area - inner area) x length With waste = total weight x (1 + waste percent / 100)
Example: a 96 in x 48 in x 0.25 in mild steel plate has 1152 in3 of volume. At 0.283 lb/in3, the raw plate weight is about 326 lb. With 5% waste, the order weight is about 342 lb. For steel-only estimates, use the Steel Weight Calculator.
Metal weight quick reference
Use these density values as a starting point. If your supplier lists a grade-specific density, choose Custom density in the calculator.
| Item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon / mild steel density | 0.283 lb/in3 | Common steel stock default |
| Stainless steel density | 0.289 lb/in3 | Use for stainless stock |
| Aluminum density | 0.0975 lb/in3 | Common aluminum estimate |
| Copper density | 0.323 lb/in3 | Common copper estimate |
| Brass density | 0.307 lb/in3 | Brass alloys vary by mix |
| Bronze density | 0.318 lb/in3 | Bronze alloys vary by mix |
| Titanium density | 0.163 lb/in3 | Common titanium estimate |
| Ton conversion | 2000 lb | Short ton in imperial, metric tonne in metric |
| Formula | weight = volume x density | Volume comes from the selected shape |
Frequently asked questions
How to calculate metal weight?
Find the metal volume from the shape dimensions, then multiply by material density. This calculator does that for common plate, bar, pipe, and tube shapes.
How to calculate metal plate weight?
Use length x width x thickness to get plate volume, then multiply by the selected metal density.
How to calculate sheet metal weight?
Use the sheet length, width, thickness, and material density. Thin sheet still uses the same volume times density formula.
What density should I use for metal?
Density depends on the material. Steel is about 7850 kg/m3, aluminum is about 2700 kg/m3, and copper is about 8960 kg/m3. Use custom density when your supplier lists a grade-specific value.
Can I use this calculator with metric measurements?
Yes. Use the Imperial / Metric toggle. Inputs, results, examples, and the reference table follow the active unit system where applicable.
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