Theoretical values for estimating only. Confirm against the mill certificate or a stamped calculation before ordering or fabricating.
Buyers comparing a stainless bracket against an aluminium one, or a copper busbar against a brass one, need the weight before they need the price. Pick the metal and the shape and the mass follows.
Densities used
Carbon steel 7.85, stainless 304 7.93, stainless 316 7.98, aluminium 2.70, copper 8.96, brass 8.50 and titanium 4.51 t/m³. These are nominal values; cast or clad material can differ by a few percent.
Choosing the right shape
Plate and square bar are entered by side dimension, round bar and pipe by outside diameter. For pipe the second dimension is wall thickness, so the bore is derived automatically.
When weight decides the material
On any structure that has to be lifted, shipped or mounted on a wall, the weight difference between steel and aluminium is often worth more than the price difference. This is the first number to check.
Frequently asked questions
What is the density of stainless steel?
7.93 t/m³ for grade 304 and 7.98 t/m³ for grade 316. Carbon steel is 7.85, so stainless is roughly 1% heavier for the same dimensions.
How much lighter is aluminium than steel?
Aluminium at 2.70 t/m³ is about 66% lighter than carbon steel at 7.85 t/m³ — the same part weighs roughly one third as much.
Can I use this for pipe weight?
Yes. Choose the pipe shape and enter outside diameter and wall thickness; the calculator derives the bore and gives weight per metre and per piece.
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