Accurate Structural Steel Weight & Cost Estimation
75 x 40 (5.9 kg/m)
100 x 50 (10.2 kg/m)
125 x 65 (14.8 kg/m)
150 x 75 (17.9 kg/m)
180 x 75 (20.3 kg/m)
200 x 75 (23.4 kg/m)
230 x 75 (25.7 kg/m)
250 x 90 (35.5 kg/m)
300 x 90 (41.4 kg/m)
380 x 100 (54.0 kg/m)
Select the standard Parallel Flange Channel dimensions.
Standard stock lengths are typically 6m, 9m, or 12m.
Please enter a valid length greater than 0.
Total number of beams required.
Quantity must be at least 1.
Current market rate for structural steel.
Estimated tax, delivery, or processing markup.
Total Estimated Weight
61.20 kg
Weight per Beam:61.20 kg
Base Material Cost:$91.80
Tax & Overhead:$9.18
Total Estimated Cost:$100.98
Formula Used: Total Weight = (Unit Weight (kg/m) × Length × Quantity). Total Cost includes base material price plus the specified overhead percentage.
Cost Breakdown Analysis
Component
Value
% of Total
Figure 1: Distribution of costs between raw material and overheads.
Comprehensive Guide to the PFC Weight Calculator
What is a PFC Weight Calculator?
A pfc weight calculator is an essential tool for structural engineers, construction estimators, and steel fabricators. "PFC" stands for Parallel Flange Channel, a common structural steel shape characterized by its C-shaped cross-section with parallel flanges. Unlike tapered flange channels, PFCs provide easier connection capabilities and are widely used in modern construction for columns, lintels, and support beams.
The primary purpose of a pfc weight calculator is to determine the total mass of steel required for a project. This calculation is critical because structural steel is typically sold by weight (per ton or per kilogram). Accurate weight estimation ensures precise budgeting, correct transport logistics, and structural safety compliance. Whether you are designing a residential garage lintel or a massive industrial frame, knowing the exact weight of your PFC components is the first step in financial planning.
Common misconceptions often confuse PFCs with UPEs or standard American channels. While they look similar, their dimensional properties and weight-per-meter ratios differ. Using a dedicated pfc weight calculator ensures you are using the correct mass values for standard Parallel Flange Channels.
PFC Weight Calculator Formula and Math
The mathematics behind a pfc weight calculator are straightforward but require precision regarding the specific section properties. The core formula used to determine the total weight is:
Total Weight (W) = wunit × L × Q
Where:
wunit: The specific mass of the PFC section (kg/m). This is a standardized value derived from the cross-sectional area and the density of steel (~7850 kg/m³).
L: The length of the beam (meters).
Q: The quantity of beams required.
Variable Reference Table
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
wunit
Unit Weight
kg/m
5.9 – 54.0 kg/m
L
Length
Meters (m)
0.5m – 18m
Density
Material Density
kg/m³
7850 (Carbon Steel)
For example, a 100×50 PFC has a standard unit weight of approximately 10.2 kg/m. If you require a 6-meter length, the pfc weight calculator simply multiplies 10.2 by 6 to arrive at 61.2 kg.
Practical Examples of PFC Weight Calculation
To better understand how the pfc weight calculator aids in financial decision-making, consider these real-world scenarios.
Example 1: Residential Lintel Support
A builder needs to install a support beam for a garage door opening. The engineer specifies a 150×75 PFC. The opening is 5.5 meters wide, but the beam requires 250mm bearing on each side, making the total length 6.0 meters.
Input Size: 150×75 PFC (Unit weight: 17.9 kg/m)
Input Length: 6.0 meters
Calculation: 17.9 kg/m × 6.0m = 107.4 kg
Financial Impact: At $1.50/kg, the raw steel cost is $161.10.
Example 2: Industrial Mezzanine Floor
A warehouse manager is pricing a new mezzanine floor. The design calls for 20 beams of 200×75 PFC, each 8 meters long.
Input Size: 200×75 PFC (Unit weight: 23.4 kg/m)
Input Length: 8.0 meters
Quantity: 20 pieces
Single Beam Weight: 23.4 × 8 = 187.2 kg
Total Project Weight: 187.2 kg × 20 = 3,744 kg (3.74 tonnes)
Using the pfc weight calculator, the manager instantly knows they need to order nearly 4 tonnes of steel. This volume might qualify for a bulk discount, altering the unit price input in the calculator.
How to Use This PFC Weight Calculator
Maximize the utility of this tool by following these steps:
Select Designation: Choose the PFC size from the dropdown menu. The list includes standard sizes from 75×40 up to 380×100. The calculator automatically loads the correct kg/m value.
Enter Length: Input the length of a single beam in meters. Be sure to include extra length for bearings or connections.
Set Quantity: Enter the total number of identical beams required.
Input Financial Data: Enter the current steel price per kilogram and any applicable tax or overhead percentage.
Analyze Results: Review the Total Weight and Total Cost. Use the "Copy Results" button to paste the data directly into your quote or invoice software.
Key Factors That Affect PFC Weight Results
While the pfc weight calculator provides a theoretical mass, several real-world factors can influence the final weight and cost:
Rolling Tolerances: Steel mills have manufacturing tolerances. The actual weight of a beam can vary by ±2.5% from the theoretical table value.
Galvanization: If the PFC is hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance, the zinc coating adds approximately 5-7% to the total weight. This is a significant factor for transport limits.
Fabrication Additions: The calculator assumes a clean beam. Welded end plates, cleats, or stiffeners add extra weight that must be accounted for separately.
Scrap and Waste: If you need a 4.5m beam but stock comes in 6m lengths, you pay for the full 6m weight unless the supplier offers cutting services.
Steel Density Variations: While 7850 kg/m³ is standard, different alloys or stainless steel grades (approx 8000 kg/m³) will have slightly different weights.
Price Volatility: The "Cost" output is highly sensitive to the "Price per kg" input. Steel prices fluctuate weekly based on global supply chains and iron ore costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is PFC the same as a C-Channel?
PFC is a specific type of C-channel. "Parallel Flange Channel" has flanges with uniform thickness, whereas traditional channels (UPN) have tapered flanges. PFCs are generally easier to bolt and connect.
2. Does this pfc weight calculator include the weight of paint?
No. Paint weight is negligible for structural calculations (usually calculated by surface area, not mass). However, galvanizing can add significant weight.
3. Can I calculate the weight in pounds (lbs)?
This calculator uses metric units (kg/m). To convert the result to pounds, multiply the total kilograms by 2.20462.
4. Why is the weight important for cost estimation?
Steel is a commodity sold by mass. Even if you buy by the length, the price is derived from the weight. Accurate weight calculation prevents budget overruns.
5. What is the heaviest standard PFC size?
Commonly, the 380×100 PFC is the largest standard size readily available, weighing 54.0 kg/m. Larger loads usually require Universal Beams (UB) rather than channels.
6. How accurate is the pfc weight calculator?
The calculator uses industry-standard theoretical weights. For critical lifting plans or transport limits, always allow a safety margin of 5%.
7. Does the calculator account for cut losses?
No, it calculates the net weight of the finished length. You should adjust the "Length" input or add a waste percentage in the "Tax/Overhead" field to account for offcuts.
8. Where can I find the price per kg?
Contact local steel stockholders. Prices vary by region and quantity. Small orders often pay a premium over the bulk tonnage rate.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
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