Metal Weight Calculator

The Metal Weight Calculator estimates mass from alloy density, shape, and dimensions. Choose steel, aluminum, copper, brass, lead, titanium, and other common metals, then enter plate, rod, tube, sphere, hexagonal, octagonal, or custom volume geometry. Results update instantly in pounds or kilograms.

Weight formula

Metal weight follows the standard mass equation:

$$\text{Weight} = \text{Volume} \times \text{Density} \times \text{Quantity}$$

For a rectangular plate, volume is length times width times thickness. A solid rod uses $\pi r^2 L$, and a tube subtracts the inner cylinder from the outer cylinder. Density is in kg/m³; structural steel is about 7,860 kg/m³ and aluminum averages 2,700 kg/m³.

Common metal densities

Alloy choice changes weight significantly. Steel and stainless steel are near 7,860 to 7,950 kg/m³. Copper and brass are denser at roughly 8,500 to 8,960 kg/m³. Lead exceeds 11,000 kg/m³, while magnesium is one of the lightest structural metals at about 1,780 kg/m³.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate metal weight from dimensions?

Multiply the volume of the metal piece by its density, then multiply by the number of pieces. Volume depends on shape: a plate uses length × width × thickness, while a rod uses πr² × length.

What is the density of steel?

Carbon steel is typically about 7,860 kg/m³ (491 lb/ft³). Stainless steel is slightly higher at roughly 7,950 kg/m³ depending on grade.

Why does alloy type matter for shipping weight?

Transport costs and load limits depend on total mass. A copper plate of the same size weighs more than an aluminum plate because copper has nearly three times the density.

How is tube weight different from solid rod weight?

Tube volume uses the annular cross-section: outer circle area minus inner circle area, times length. A hollow tube weighs less than a solid rod with the same outer diameter.

Can I use a custom metal density?

Yes. Select Custom density and enter the value in kg/m³ from your material datasheet. This is useful for specialty alloys not listed in the preset menu.

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Metal Weight Calculator