Professional estimation for shipping, logistics, and structural loads
Sheet Specifications
mm
cm
m
inches
feet
Total length of the sheet.
Please enter a valid positive length.
mm
cm
m
inches
feet
Total width of the sheet.
Please enter a valid positive width.
mm
inches
Gauge or thickness of the polycarbonate.
Please enter a valid positive thickness.
Number of identical sheets.
Quantity must be at least 1.
$
Enter unit price to calculate total project value.
Total Calculated Weight
0.00kg
(0.00 lbs)
Total Surface Area
0.00 m²
Weight per Sheet
0.00 kg
Estimated Project Value
$0.00
Formula: Volume (cm³) × Density (1.20 g/cm³)
Material Comparison & Breakdown
Material Type
Density (kg/m³)
Weight per Sheet (kg)
Difference
Comparison assuming identical dimensions to your input.
Relative weight comparison of materials for the calculated volume.
Calculate Weight of Polycarbonate Sheet: A Complete Financial & Engineering Guide
Whether you are an architect designing a translucent roof, a logistics manager planning a shipment, or a DIY enthusiast building a greenhouse, knowing how to accurately calculate weight of polycarbonate sheet orders is critical. Incorrect weight estimates can lead to shipping overcharges, structural failures, or budgeting errors.
This guide provides a deep dive into the math behind polycarbonate density, how it compares to other materials like glass and acrylic, and the key financial factors that affect your project procurement.
What is "Calculate Weight of Polycarbonate Sheet"?
The process to calculate weight of polycarbonate sheet involves determining the total mass of the thermoplastic material based on its physical dimensions and specific gravity. Unlike wood or concrete, which can vary significantly in density, solid polycarbonate is a highly engineered material with a consistent density.
Who needs this calculation?
Structural Engineers: To ensure framing can support the dead load of the glazing.
Freight Forwarders: To calculate shipping costs based on total pallet weight.
Procurement Officers: To verify material quantity against delivery manifests.
A common misconception is that polycarbonate is "weightless" because it is plastic. While it is significantly lighter than glass, a large stack of 12mm sheets can easily weigh several tons, requiring specialized lifting equipment.
Polycarbonate Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
To calculate the weight, we use the volume of the sheet multiplied by the density of polycarbonate. The industry standard density for solid polycarbonate is approximately 1.20 g/cm³ (or 1200 kg/m³).
The Core Formula
The weight equation is derived from basic physics:
Weight = Length × Width × Thickness × Density
Variable Breakdown
Variable
Meaning
Standard Unit (Metric)
Typical Range
Length (L)
Long side of the sheet
Meters (m)
2m – 12m
Width (W)
Short side of the sheet
Meters (m)
1m – 2.1m
Thickness (T)
Gauge of the material
Millimeters (mm)
2mm – 20mm
Density (ρ)
Mass per unit volume
kg/m³
1200 kg/m³ (Fixed)
Key variables used in the calculation algorithm.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Greenhouse Glazing Project
Scenario: A commercial greenhouse requires 50 sheets of solid polycarbonate. Each sheet is 6 meters long, 2.1 meters wide, and 6mm thick.
Input Dimensions: 6m × 2.1m × 0.006m
Volume per Sheet: 0.0756 m³
Weight per Sheet: 0.0756 m³ × 1200 kg/m³ = 90.72 kg
Total Project Weight: 90.72 kg × 50 sheets = 4,536 kg
Financial Interpretation: At over 4.5 metric tons, this order requires a heavy-duty forklift for unloading and a dedicated flatbed truck, significantly impacting logistics costs compared to lighter multiwall options.
Example 2: Safety Shielding for Machinery
Scenario: A factory needs 10 small protective guards cut from 12mm thick polycarbonate. Size: 500mm × 500mm.
Input Dimensions: 0.5m × 0.5m × 0.012m
Weight per Sheet: 0.5 × 0.5 × 0.012 × 1200 = 3.6 kg
Total Weight: 36 kg
Analysis: This weight is manageable for manual handling (OSHA/HSE compliant), meaning no extra lifting equipment is needed in the budget.
How to Use This Polycarbonate Weight Calculator
Enter Dimensions: Input the length and width of your sheet. Select the correct unit (mm is standard for industry, but feet/inches are supported).
Specify Thickness: Enter the thickness in millimeters. Common sizes are 3mm, 6mm, 10mm, or 12mm.
Set Quantity: Input the total number of sheets required for the job.
Add Pricing (Optional): If you know the cost per sheet, enter it to see the total inventory value.
Review Results: The tool immediately displays the total weight in kg and lbs, along with a comparison chart against glass and acrylic.
Use the "Copy Results" button to paste the data directly into your procurement spreadsheets or emails to suppliers.
Key Factors That Affect Polycarbonate Weight Results
When you calculate weight of polycarbonate sheet projects, several external factors can influence the final logistics and financial outcome:
Tolerance Variance: Manufacturers have thickness tolerances (often ±5%). A "6mm" sheet might actually be 6.2mm, adding 3-4% to the total weight of a large order.
Protective Film: Sheets come with PE protective film on both sides. While light, on a 5-ton order, this film adds calculable weight (waste) that must be disposed of.
Solid vs. Multiwall: This calculator assumes solid polycarbonate. Multiwall (hollow) sheets rely on GSM (grams per square meter) rather than density and are 80-90% lighter.
Shipping Pallets: The calculated weight is net weight. Wooden pallets and packaging can add 20-30kg per pallet to the gross weight used for freight billing.
Structural Load Costs: Heavier sheets require stronger (more expensive) support structures (steel/aluminum). Accurately calculating weight allows for value engineering the frame.
Fuel Surcharges: Freight quotes often depend on weight brackets. A slight miscalculation pushing you over a weight tier can result in significant financial penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is polycarbonate heavier than glass?
No. Polycarbonate is roughly 50% lighter than glass. Glass has a density of ~2500 kg/m³, while polycarbonate is ~1200 kg/m³. This weight saving is a primary reason for its use in roofing.
Does the color of the sheet affect the weight?
No. Whether the sheet is clear, bronze, opal, or grey, the density remains effectively constant. The pigments used are negligible in terms of mass.
How do I calculate weight for multiwall sheets?
Multiwall sheets are sold by "GSM" (grams per square meter). You do not use the density formula. Instead, multiply the Area (m²) by the GSM provided by the manufacturer.
Why is my shipping weight higher than the calculated weight?
Shipping weight includes packaging, pallets, strapping, and the protective film. Always add a 5-10% buffer to the calculated net weight for logistics planning.
What is the density of acrylic vs polycarbonate?
They are very similar. Acrylic (PMMA) has a density of ~1190 kg/m³, which is almost identical to polycarbonate's 1200 kg/m³. For weight calculations, they are often interchangeable.
Does temperature affect the weight?
Technically, volume changes with temperature (thermal expansion), but mass remains constant. The weight you calculate does not change with the weather.
Can I use this for corrugated polycarbonate?
Only as an approximation. Corrugated sheets have a developed width greater than their covering width. It is better to use the manufacturer's linear weight specification for corrugated profiles.
Is this calculation valid for Lexan or Makrolon?
Yes. Lexan and Makrolon are brand names for polycarbonate. The physical density of 1.2 g/cm³ applies to all standard brands.
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