Formula used
Weight = rectangular volume × entered density
Worked steel weight example
Steel Weight Calculator example: 7.2 ft × 2.2 ft × (4 in ÷ 12) = 5.28 ft³. At the entered 490 lb/ft³, estimated weight is 2,587 lb (1.29 short tons).
Use the weight for planning
Use pounds and short tons for budgeting and handling checks, then reconcile the takeoff with the steel supplier's shape weights.
Steel shapes need net section area
This page treats the dimensions as a solid rectangular volume and multiplies by the entered steel density. Beams, channels, angles, tubes, deck, and perforated products should use published mass per length or net cross-sectional area. Alloy differences are usually smaller than geometry errors, but the project specification still controls density.
Why scale or supplier weight may differ
Grade has a small density effect, while holes, copes, hollow sections, scale, coatings, and mill tolerances can change fabricated weight.
Questions specific to this calculation
Which density belongs in a steel weight estimate?
Enter the solid steel dimensions and an appropriate density; standard beams, channels, angles, tubes, and bars are better estimated from published weight-per-length tables.