# Steel Weight Calculator

Calculate steel weight from dimensions for plates, round bars, pipes, and angle iron. Get weight in pounds and kilograms using standard steel density.

## What this calculates

Knowing the weight of steel components is essential for structural engineering, shipping estimates, and material ordering. This calculator computes the weight of common steel shapes (plates, round bars, pipes, and angle iron) from their dimensions using the standard mild steel density of 490 lb/ft³.

## Inputs

- **Steel Shape** — options: Plate / Flat Bar, Round Bar / Rod, Pipe / Tube, Angle Iron — Select the cross-section shape of the steel piece
- **Length** (in) — min 0 — Length of the steel piece
- **Width / Outer Diameter** (in) — min 0 — Width for plates, outer diameter for round bars and pipes
- **Thickness / Wall Thickness** (in) — min 0 — Material thickness (plate thickness or pipe wall thickness)
- **Height (Angle Iron)** (in) — min 0 — Second leg height for angle iron (leave 0 for equal-leg)

## Outputs

- **Weight** (lbs) — Total weight in pounds
- **Volume** (in³) — Total material volume
- **Weight per Foot** (lbs/ft) — Linear weight per foot of length

## Details

The weight of any steel piece is calculated as Weight = Volume x Density. For mild/carbon steel, the standard density is 490 pounds per cubic foot (0.2836 lb/in³ or 7,850 kg/m³). Stainless steel is slightly heavier at about 500-510 lb/ft³.

Each shape has its own volume formula: plates use length x width x thickness, round bars use the cylinder formula πr²L, pipes subtract the inner cylinder from the outer, and angle iron combines two rectangular legs minus the corner overlap.

The calculator also provides weight per linear foot, which is useful for comparing sizes and estimating material costs. Steel suppliers often list products by their per-foot weight, so this value helps verify you're ordering the correct size.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What density does this calculator use for steel?**

A: This calculator uses 490 pounds per cubic foot (7,850 kg/m³), which is the standard density for mild/carbon steel (A36, 1018, 1045, etc.). Stainless steel is about 2-4% heavier, and aluminum is about one-third the weight.

**Q: How do I measure pipe wall thickness?**

A: Pipe wall thickness is the difference between the outer radius and inner radius. For standard pipes, look up the schedule (SCH 40, SCH 80, etc.) to find the wall thickness. For example, a 2-inch SCH 40 pipe has a wall thickness of 0.154 inches.

**Q: Why does my calculated weight differ from the supplier's listed weight?**

A: Mill tolerances allow slight variations in dimensions. Actual plate thickness can vary by +/- 0.01 inches, and pipe wall thickness can vary by +12.5% / -10%. For critical applications, use the actual measured dimensions rather than nominal sizes.

**Q: How do I calculate weight for other metals?**

A: Multiply the steel weight by a density ratio. Aluminum: multiply by 0.35. Copper: multiply by 1.14. Brass: multiply by 1.09. Stainless 304: multiply by 1.02. Titanium: multiply by 0.58.

**Q: What is equal-leg vs. unequal-leg angle iron?**

A: Equal-leg angle has both sides the same width (e.g., 2x2 inch). Unequal-leg has different widths (e.g., 3x2 inch). For equal-leg, leave the height field at 0 and the calculator will use the width for both legs.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/construction/steel-weight
Category: Construction
Last updated: 2026-04-21