Calculate Weight of Cage
Precision Weight Estimator for Manufacturing, Shipping, and Material Costing
Cage Specification Inputs
External length of the cage structure.
Please enter a valid positive number.
External width (depth) of the cage.
External height of the cage.
Steel (Mild) – Density ~7.85 g/cm³
Aluminum – Density ~2.70 g/cm³
Stainless Steel (304) – Density ~7.90 g/cm³
Density affects the overall weight significantly.
No Frame (Mesh Only)
Square Tube 20x20x1.6mm
Square Tube 25x25x2.0mm
Square Tube 40x40x3.0mm
Angle Iron 25x25x3mm
Angle Iron 40x40x3mm
Round Bar 10mm
Round Bar 12mm
Select the structural profile used for edges.
No Mesh (Frame Only)
Light Mesh (Chicken Wire/Hex)
Welded Mesh 50x50mm (2.5mm wire)
Welded Mesh 50x50mm (4mm wire)
Heavy Duty Mesh (5mm wire, tight grid)
Expanded Metal (Heavy)
Solid Sheet 1mm
Select the infill material for the faces.
6 Faces (Fully Enclosed Box)
5 Faces (Open Top or Bottom)
4 Faces (Open Top & Bottom)
1 Face (Panel Only)
How many sides have mesh/sheet attached?
Approximate weight of hinges, latches, wheels, or welds.
Total Estimated Weight
0.00 kg
(Approx. 0 lbs)
0.00 kg
0.00 kg
0.00 m²
Weight Distribution Breakdown
| Component | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Total Frame Length | 0 | meters |
| Frame Weight | 0 | kg |
| Total Mesh Area | 0 | m² |
| Mesh Weight | 0 | kg |
| Extras | 0 | kg |
| TOTAL | 0 | kg |
Frame
Mesh
Extras
What is Calculate Weight of Cage?
When planning logistics, shipping, or structural support for enclosures, the ability to accurately calculate weight of cage structures is essential. Whether you are fabricating a heavy-duty industrial storage cage, a shipping crate for livestock, or a security enclosure, knowing the total mass determines shipping costs, crane requirements, and floor load limits.
This calculation involves summing the mass of the structural skeleton (the frame) and the infill material (mesh, bars, or sheet metal). While simple in theory, the variety of materials—ranging from dense mild steel to lightweight aluminum—and the complexity of mesh geometries make precise estimation a critical step in the design process.
Calculate Weight of Cage Formula and Explanation
To calculate weight of cage manually, we use physics-based formulas that rely on volume and material density. The total weight ($W_{total}$) is derived from three main components:
W_total = W_frame + W_mesh + W_extras
1. Frame Weight Formula
The frame is usually composed of linear steel or aluminum profiles (tubes, angles, or bars).
W_frame = L_total × Area_cross × Density
- L_total: The sum of the lengths of all framing members (4 × (Length + Width + Height) for a standard box).
- Area_cross: The cross-sectional area of the profile (e.g., a 25x25x2mm tube has a specific area).
- Density: The mass per unit volume of the material (e.g., Steel ≈ 7850 kg/m³).
2. Mesh Weight Formula
Mesh weight is calculated based on the surface area covered.
W_mesh = Surface_Area × Weight_per_m²
- Surface_Area: The total area of the faces covered by mesh.
- Weight_per_m²: A standardized value provided by manufacturers for specific wire gauges and grid spacings.
Variables Reference Table
| Variable | Meaning | Typical Unit | Standard Value (Steel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $\rho$ (Rho) | Density | kg/m³ | 7850 |
| $L, W, H$ | Dimensions | mm / m | Varies |
| Gauge | Wire Thickness | mm | 2mm – 5mm |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Industrial Shipping Cage
A logistics company needs to build a steel cage to transport loose parts. The cage dimensions are 1200mm (L) x 800mm (W) x 1000mm (H).
- Frame: 40x40x3mm Angle Iron (Steel).
- Mesh: 50x50x4mm Welded Wire Mesh on 5 sides (top open).
- Extras: 4 heavy-duty castor wheels (4kg total).
Calculation: The total frame length is roughly 12m. The angle iron weighs approx 1.8 kg/m, totaling ~21.6kg. The mesh area is roughly 3.4m², weighing ~4.5 kg/m², totaling ~15.3kg. Adding wheels, the total weight to calculate weight of cage is approximately 41 kg.
Example 2: Aluminum Dog Crate
A custom pet crate builder is using aluminum to reduce weight for air travel. Dimensions: 900mm x 600mm x 700mm.
- Material: Aluminum (Density ~2700 kg/m³).
- Frame: 20x20mm Square Tube.
- Mesh: Light Aluminum Rods.
Result: Because aluminum is roughly 1/3 the weight of steel, the resulting cage might weigh only 12-15 kg, making it suitable for check-in luggage limits, whereas a steel version would exceed 35kg.
How to Use This Calculate Weight of Cage Tool
- Enter Dimensions: Input the external Length, Width, and Height in millimeters.
- Select Material: Choose between Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel. This adjusts the density factor automatically.
- Choose Profiles: Select your Frame Profile (e.g., Angle Iron or Tube) and Mesh Type. If you are using solid sheets, select the sheet option.
- Adjust Faces: If your cage is an open-top bin or a pallet cage (no bottom), change the "Number of Covered Faces" to ensure the mesh weight is accurate.
- Add Extras: Don't forget to account for hinges, locks, and wheels in the "Extras" field.
- Review Results: The calculator updates instantly. Use the "Copy Results" button to paste the data into your shipping manifest or cost estimation spreadsheet.
Key Factors That Affect Cage Weight Results
When you calculate weight of cage, several subtle factors can drastically alter the final number.
- Material Density: Steel is 2.9x heavier than Aluminum. Switching materials is the most effective way to reduce weight.
- Wire Gauge (Mesh Thickness): Increasing wire diameter from 3mm to 4mm nearly doubles the weight of the mesh per square meter.
- Grid Spacing: A 25x25mm grid has twice as much wire as a 50x50mm grid, effectively doubling the mesh weight.
- Tube Wall Thickness: For the frame, a 25x25mm tube comes in varying wall thicknesses (1.6mm vs 3mm). The thicker wall is significantly heavier and costlier.
- Galvanization & Coating: Hot-dip galvanization adds zinc to the surface, typically adding 3-5% to the total steel weight. This calculator estimates raw material weight.
- Weld Material: In very large heavy-duty cages, the weld material itself can add 1-2% to the total mass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does this calculator include the weight of welding rods?
No, this tool estimates the weight of the base materials (frame and mesh). For precise shipping weights, add a 2-5% safety margin for welds and manufacturing tolerances.
How do I calculate weight of cage if it is cylindrical?
For a cylindrical cage, calculate the circumference (π × Diameter) and multiply by height to get the mesh surface area. For the frame, sum the length of the top/bottom rings and vertical supports.
Why is the weight of the cage important for shipping?
Freight carriers often charge by "dim weight" (dimensional weight) or actual weight, whichever is higher. However, for heavy steel cages, the actual weight often exceeds the volumetric limit, resulting in heavy cargo surcharges.
What is the standard density of Mild Steel?
The standard density used in engineering is 7850 kg/m³ (7.85 g/cm³).
Is Stainless Steel heavier than Mild Steel?
Slightly. Stainless steel (Grade 304) has a density of approximately 7900 kg/m³, which is negligible for small cages but relevant for large industrial fabrication.
Does the calculator account for door overlaps?
No, it assumes a simple box shape. If your cage has complex doors with overlapping frames, consider increasing the "Length" slightly to account for the extra material or add it to "Extras".
Can I use this for rebar cages?
Yes, but rebar cages (for concrete reinforcement) typically use solid bars only. Select "No Mesh" and choose "Round Bar" for the frame profile, then manually calculate the total length of rebar if the "Frame" logic (12 edges) doesn't match your spiral design.
How accurate is the mesh weight estimation?
Mesh weight varies by manufacturer due to tolerance differences. Our calculator uses industry averages for standard welded wire mesh.
Related Tools and Resources
- Universal Metal Weight Calculator – Calculate weight for plates, bars, and custom shapes.
- Freight Class & Cost Estimator – Determine shipping costs based on your cage's weight and dimensions.
- Structural Steel Profile Charts – Look up specific properties of beams, channels, and angles.
- Material Density Database – Comprehensive list of densities for metals, plastics, and woods.
- Galvanization Weight Guide – How much weight does zinc coating add to steel?
- Fabrication & Welding Cost Calculator – Estimate labor and consumable costs for cage building.