Question 1

How do I calculate the weight of a metal bar?

Accepted Answer

Weight = volume × density. The volume is the cross-sectional area times the length. For a round bar of diameter d and length L, area = π/4 × d², so weight = (π/4 × d²) × L × density. Using millimetres, divide the volume in mm³ by 1000 to get cm³, then multiply by the density in g/cm³ to get grams.

Question 2

What density should I use for steel and aluminum?

Accepted Answer

Common values in g/cm³ are: carbon and alloy steel 7.85, stainless steel 8.0, aluminum 2.70, copper 8.96, brass 8.5, titanium 4.51 and cast iron 7.2. These are representative figures; specific alloys vary slightly, so use a custom density when accuracy is critical.

Question 3

How do I find the weight of a tube or pipe?

Accepted Answer

A tube's cross-section is the outer area minus the inner (bore) area. For a round tube with outer diameter D and wall thickness t, area = π/4 × (D² − (D − 2t)²). Multiply by length and density as usual. Enter the outer diameter and wall thickness and the calculator does this for you.

Question 4

What is the weight of a steel plate?

Accepted Answer

For a flat plate the volume is simply length × width × thickness. Weight = length × width × thickness × density. For example a 1000 × 500 × 10 mm steel plate is 5,000,000 mm³ = 5000 cm³ × 7.85 g/cm³ ≈ 39.25 kg.

Question 5

Does this calculator handle hex bar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For hexagonal bar the cross-sectional area from the width across flats (AF) is √3/2 × AF² ≈ 0.866 × AF². Enter the across-flats size and length and the tool returns the weight, volume and area.

Metal WeightCalculator

Metal Weight
Calculator