How to Calculate the Weight of a Metal Piece
The weight of any metal piece comes from volume × density. Work out the cross-sectional area of the shape, multiply by the length to get the volume, then multiply by the density of the metal. This calculator holds the area formula for each shape — plate, round bar, square bar, tube and angle — and the density of seven common metals, so you only enter the dimensions.
Density is what makes the same shape weigh very differently from one metal to another: aluminum is about 2,700 kg/m³ while copper is 8,960 kg/m³, so a copper piece weighs more than three times an identical aluminum one. Carbon steel sits at 7,850 kg/m³, and a 1 m × 1 m × 10 mm steel plate weighs 78.5 kg.
Questions people ask
How do I calculate the weight of a metal piece?
Cross-sectional area × length × the metal's density. The calculator holds the area formula for each shape and the density of each metal, so you just enter the dimensions.
What is the density of aluminum, copper and steel?
Roughly 2,700 kg/m³ for aluminum, 8,960 kg/m³ for copper and 7,850 kg/m³ for carbon steel. So identical pieces weigh very differently by material.
How much does a steel plate weigh?
About 7.85 kg per square metre per millimetre of thickness. A 1 m × 1 m × 10 mm carbon-steel plate weighs 78.5 kg.
Does it work for stainless, brass, bronze and titanium?
Yes. Pick the metal from the selector and the calculator uses its density: stainless ~7,930, brass ~8,500, bronze ~8,800 and titanium ~4,500 kg/m³.
Densities are nominal averages; real weight varies with the alloy, corner radii and mill tolerances. For purchasing weights, use the supplier's table.