What this calculator does
The metal weight calculator estimates the weight of a bar, plate, or pipe made from common metals, based on its shape, dimensions, and material density.
The formula
The calculator first finds the volume for the chosen shape — for a round bar it’s the cross-sectional circle area times length, for a square or rectangular bar it’s width times height times length, and for pipe it’s the outer circle area minus the inner circle area, times length. Volume is then multiplied by the material’s density (pounds per cubic inch) to get weight. Densities used are standard reference values: steel 0.2836, stainless steel 0.29, aluminum 0.0975, brass 0.3048, copper 0.323, and cast iron 0.26 lb/in³.
This is a general estimate for planning and shipping purposes. Actual alloy composition can shift density slightly from these reference values.