Weight of the handle or knob attached to the door.
Weight cannot be negative.
Calculated Power Factor
0
Used for selecting Hafele Free Lift Systems
Total Door Weight
0 kg
Panel Only Weight
0 kg
Panel Volume
0 m³
Calculation Details
Parameter
Value
What is a Hafele Weight Calculator?
A Hafele weight calculator is an essential tool for carpenters, kitchen designers, and DIY enthusiasts planning to install cabinet hardware. Specifically, it is used to determine the total weight of a cabinet door (front panel) and calculate the "Power Factor," a critical metric used by Hafele to size their lift systems, such as the Free Flap, Free Fold, and Free Swing families.
Choosing the correct hardware depends entirely on the weight of the door and its height. If the hardware is too weak, the door will not stay open; if it is too strong, the door may spring open too aggressively or be difficult to close. This calculator eliminates the guesswork by using material density and dimensions to provide precise weight data.
Hafele Weight Calculator Formula and Explanation
The calculation relies on physics principles regarding volume and density to find the mass of the panel, and then adds the handle weight to find the total system weight. The Power Factor is then derived from these figures.
Core Formula: Panel Weight (kg) = Height (m) × Width (m) × Thickness (m) × Density (kg/m³) Total Weight (kg) = Panel Weight + Handle Weight Power Factor = Cabinet Height (mm) × Total Weight (kg)
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Height (H)
Vertical dimension of the door
Millimeters (mm)
300mm – 1200mm
Density (ρ)
Mass per unit volume of material
kg/m³
600 – 2700 kg/m³
Handle Weight
Weight of attached hardware
Kilograms (kg)
0.1kg – 1.0kg
Power Factor
Torque metric for lift systems
Arbitrary Unit
500 – 15,000+
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Standard MDF Kitchen Overhead
A user is installing a Hafele Free Flap 1.7 lift system for an overhead kitchen cabinet.
Material: MDF (750 kg/m³)
Dimensions: 400mm (H) x 800mm (W) x 18mm (T)
Handle: 0.2 kg bar handle
Calculation:
Volume = 0.4m × 0.8m × 0.018m = 0.00576 m³
Panel Weight = 0.00576 × 750 = 4.32 kg
Total Weight = 4.32 kg + 0.2 kg = 4.52 kg
Power Factor = 400 (mm) × 4.52 (kg) = 1,808
Result: The user needs a lift mechanism compatible with a Power Factor of ~1,800.
Example 2: Heavy Glass Display Cabinet
A designer is creating a display unit with a glass front.
Material: Glass (2500 kg/m³)
Dimensions: 600mm (H) x 500mm (W) x 6mm (T)
Handle: 0.1 kg knob
Calculation:
Volume = 0.6m × 0.5m × 0.006m = 0.0018 m³
Panel Weight = 0.0018 × 2500 = 4.5 kg
Total Weight = 4.5 kg + 0.1 kg = 4.6 kg
Power Factor = 600 (mm) × 4.6 (kg) = 2,760
How to Use This Hafele Weight Calculator
Select Material: Choose your panel material from the dropdown. Common options like Chipboard and MDF are pre-loaded. If you have a unique material, select "Custom" and enter the density.
Enter Dimensions: Input the Height, Width, and Thickness in millimeters (mm). These are standard units for cabinetry.
Add Handle Weight: Weigh your handle or check the manufacturer's spec sheet. Enter this in kilograms (kg). Even a small handle adds leverage.
Review Results:
Power Factor: Use this number to cross-reference the Hafele catalog for lift systems.
Total Weight: Use this to ensure your hinges can support the load.
Key Factors That Affect Hafele Weight Calculator Results
Understanding what drives the weight calculation helps in optimizing cabinet design.
Material Density: This is the biggest variable. MDF is denser than chipboard, and glass is nearly three times heavier than wood. Switching materials can drastically change your hardware requirements.
Panel Thickness: Increasing thickness from 16mm to 22mm increases weight by nearly 40%. Ensure your design actually requires the extra thickness before committing.
Handle Leverage: While the handle weight seems small, its position at the bottom of a flap door creates maximum leverage (moment arm), significantly affecting the effort required by the lift mechanism.
Dimensions: Weight scales linearly with area. A wider door is heavier, but a taller door increases both weight AND the leverage arm, causing the Power Factor to skyrocket.
Finishes and Laminates: The calculator assumes raw or standard laminated density. Heavy veneers, mirrors, or back-painted glass added to a substrate will increase the effective density.
Hardware Tolerances: Hafele fittings have specific ranges. Being at the very top of a range (e.g., Power Factor 2900 on a 1500-3000 fitting) might result in a "heavy" feeling door. It is often better to step up to the next strength category if you are near the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Power Factor in Hafele systems?
The Power Factor is a calculation (Cabinet Height in mm × Door Weight in kg) used to categorize the strength of lift mechanisms. It ensures the spring or hydraulic force matches the door's torque.
Does handle weight really matter?
Yes. Because the handle is usually placed at the furthest point from the hinge, it exerts the most leverage. Omitting handle weight can lead to a door that won't stay closed or drifts down.
What is the density of standard chipboard?
Standard particle board or chipboard typically has a density between 650 kg/m³ and 700 kg/m³. High-density moisture-resistant varieties may be heavier.
Can I use this for sliding doors?
Yes, for sliding doors (like Hafele Slido), the "Total Weight" result is the most important metric. You must ensure the total door weight is below the maximum capacity per door of the sliding track system.
Why is my calculated weight different from the actual weight?
Variations occur due to glue density, moisture content in wood, and thickness tolerances. This calculator provides a theoretical estimate which is usually accurate enough for hardware selection.
How do I calculate weight for an aluminum frame door?
Select "Aluminum" for the frame volume, but you must calculate the glass insert separately and add them, or use a weighted average density. For simple estimation, calculating as solid glass is often a safe "worst-case" scenario.
What if my Power Factor falls between two lift models?
It is generally recommended to choose the stronger model if you are on the borderline, as most lift systems are adjustable and can be tuned down, but a weak system cannot be tuned up beyond its max.
Does this work for Blum or Hettich fittings?
Yes, the physics of weight and Power Factor (Height × Weight) are industry standards used by Blum (AVENTOS) and Hettich as well, though their specific model ranges will differ.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore more tools to assist with your furniture and cabinetry projects:
Cabinet Hinge Calculator – Determine the number of hinges required based on door height and weight.
MDF Weight Calculator – Specific calculator for MDF sheets of various sizes and thicknesses.