Construction Calculator - Materials and Specs

Metal Weight Calculator

Estimate metal weight from length, width, thickness, and density.

Reviewed: August 26, 2026

Calculate Metal Weight

For the Metal Weight Calculator, enter length, width, thickness, material density, and price per pound. It multiplies rectangular volume by the entered material density and reports pounds, short tons, and optional cost per pound.

Construction measuring tools arranged beside a residential building project

Formula used

Weight = rectangular volume × entered density

Metal Weight Calculator measurement plan showing Length feet, Width feet, Thickness inches

Worked metal weight example

Metal Weight Calculator example: 12.7 ft × 2.2 ft × (4 in ÷ 12) = 9.31 ft³. At the entered 490 lb/ft³, estimated weight is 4,564 lb (2.28 short tons).

Use the weight for planning

Use the result for preliminary freight, handling, and price-per-pound comparisons, then confirm from the supplier's section table or certified weight.

Use net geometry for fabricated metal

The entered dimensions describe a solid rectangular piece. Channels, angles, I-shapes, expanded metal, perforated sheet, and hollow sections should use manufacturer weight-per-length data or a calculation based on net cross-sectional area. Density must match the alloy rather than a generic metal label.

Why scale or supplier weight may differ

Alloy, hollow shape, mill tolerance, corrosion allowance, coatings, perforations, and cutouts affect finished weight.

Questions specific to this calculation

Which density belongs in a metal weight estimate?

Select or enter a density that matches the metal and use actual solid dimensions. For a nonrectangular profile, calculate sectional area separately.