Metal Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight of metal shapes including plate, bar, tube, pipe, angle, and I-beam in various materials. See also our Steel Weight Calculator, Aluminum Weight Calculator, and Pipe Weight Calculator.
Shape & Material
Dimensions
How to Use the Metal Weight Calculator
Select the metal shape (plate, round bar, square bar, tube, pipe, angle, channel, or I-beam), choose the material, enter the length, and provide the relevant cross-section dimensions. The calculator computes the weight per linear foot, total weight for the specified length, and total volume. This is essential for estimating shipping costs, crane capacity requirements, and structural load calculations.
Formula
Weight = Volume × Density
Plate: Volume = Width × Thickness × Length
Round Bar: Volume = π × (D/2)² × Length
Tube: Volume = π × ((OD/2)² - (ID/2)²) × Length
Steel Density = 0.2836 lbs/in³ (490 lbs/ft³)
Aluminum Density = 0.0975 lbs/in³ (169 lbs/ft³)
Example Calculation
Steel Plate: 12" wide × 0.25" thick × 48" long
Volume = 12 × 0.25 × 48 = 144 in³
Weight = 144 × 0.2836 = 40.84 lbs
Weight per foot = 12 × 0.25 × 0.2836 × 12 = 10.21 lbs/ft
Reference Table — Metal Densities
| Material | Density (lbs/in³) | Density (lbs/ft³) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | 0.2836 | 490 | 7.85 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 0.289 | 499 | 8.00 |
| Stainless Steel 316 | 0.289 | 499 | 8.00 |
| Aluminum 6061 | 0.0975 | 169 | 2.70 |
| Copper | 0.3231 | 558 | 8.94 |
| Brass | 0.3058 | 528 | 8.47 |
| Titanium | 0.163 | 282 | 4.51 |
| Cast Iron | 0.260 | 449 | 7.20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the weight of a steel plate?
Multiply width × thickness × length (all in inches) to get volume in cubic inches, then multiply by the steel density of 0.2836 lbs/in³. For example, a 1/4" thick plate that is 4 ft × 8 ft weighs about 327 lbs.
What is the density of steel?
Carbon steel has a density of 0.2836 lbs/in³ (490 lbs/ft³ or 7.85 g/cm³). Stainless steel is slightly heavier at 0.289 lbs/in³. These values are consistent across most common steel grades (A36, A992, 1018, 4140).
How much lighter is aluminum than steel?
Aluminum is approximately 65% lighter than steel. Aluminum 6061 has a density of 0.0975 lbs/in³ compared to steel's 0.2836 lbs/in³. This makes aluminum ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as aerospace and transportation.
What is the difference between OD and ID for pipes?
OD is the outside diameter and ID is the inside diameter. The wall thickness equals (OD - ID) / 2. Standard pipe sizes are specified by Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) which doesn't directly correspond to either OD or ID — you need a pipe schedule table to find actual dimensions.
How do I convert weight to shipping cost?
Freight carriers charge by the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight. For metal, actual weight almost always governs. LTL freight rates for steel typically range from $0.15-$0.50 per pound depending on distance and quantity. Always add 10% for packaging weight.
Why does the calculator show weight per foot?
Weight per linear foot is the standard way metals are specified and priced in the industry. Steel service centers quote prices per pound or per foot. Knowing the weight per foot helps you quickly estimate costs for different lengths and compare different shapes and sizes.