Copper Wire Weight Calculator

Copper Wire Weight

Estimating copper wire weight helps electricians, engineers, and buyers plan material needs. Weight depends on wire diameter (AWG gauge), length, and copper density.

Weight Formula

$$\text{Weight} = \rho \times A \times L$$

For round wire:

$$A = \pi \left(\frac{D}{2}\right)^2$$

where:

$\rho = 8.96\,\text{g/cm}^3$ — density of pure copper
$D$ — wire diameter from the AWG table
$L$ — wire length
$A$ — cross-sectional area

Example: 4/0 AWG copper (0.46 in diameter) weighs about 0.646 lb per foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 12 AWG copper wire weigh per foot?

About 0.020 lb/ft (9 g/ft). Domestic wiring commonly uses 12 or 14 AWG copper.

What is the density of copper used in this calculator?

Pure copper at 8.96 g/cm³. Alloyed wire may weigh slightly differently.

How do I find wire diameter from AWG?

AWG uses a standardized diameter table. Higher gauge numbers mean thinner wire; 4/0 (0000) is the thickest common building wire.

How much does 4/0 copper wire weigh per foot?

About 0.646 lb/ft (293 g/ft) for solid pure copper at standard AWG diameter.

Is copper heavier than aluminum wire?

Yes. Copper is denser than aluminum, so equal-length wire of the same gauge weighs more but carries more current.

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Copper Wire Weight Calculator