If you have a bundle or cable with multiple conductors.
Must be at least 1.
Current market spot price or scrap value per pound.
Total Copper Weight
31.4 lbs
Estimated Value
$120.89
Cross-Section Area
5.26 mm²
Weight per 1000ft
31.4 lbs
Calculation based on pure copper density (~8.96 g/cm³) and standard AWG diameter tables.
Visualizing Weight vs. Length
AWG Reference Table
Gauge (AWG)
Diameter (mm)
Weight (lb/1000ft)
Max Amps (Approx)
Comparison of selected wire gauge with common alternatives.
Complete Guide: Copper Wire Length to Weight Calculator
Whether you are an electrician estimating material transport, a scrap metal recycler calculating the potential value of a haul, or an engineer planning structural loads, knowing the precise weight of copper cabling is crucial. This copper wire length to weight calculator provides instant, accurate conversions from linear feet or meters to pounds or kilograms.
What is a Copper Wire Length to Weight Calculator?
A copper wire length to weight calculator is a specialized estimation tool used to determine the mass of copper conductors based on their physical dimensions. Unlike generic volume calculators, this tool specifically accounts for the standard sizing system (American Wire Gauge or AWG) used in electrical engineering and the specific density of copper.
This tool is essential for:
Scrap Metal Recyclers: Quickly estimating the dollar value of insulated or bare wire piles without a scale.
Electricians & Contractors: Estimating shipping weights and structural load requirements for cable trays.
Logistics Managers: Planning freight for large spools of cabling.
Note: This calculator assumes solid copper. Stranded wire may have slight variations due to air gaps (voids) between strands, though the copper mass remains consistent based on the effective cross-sectional area.
Copper Wire Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The math behind the copper wire length to weight calculator is rooted in physics and geometry. To find the weight, we must first calculate the volume of the copper and then multiply it by the density of copper.
1. Determine the Diameter
For AWG sizes, the diameter is calculated using the formula:
Diameter (mm) = 0.127 × 92(36 – AWG) / 39
2. Calculate Cross-Sectional Area
Once we have the diameter ($d$), we find the area ($A$) of the circle:
Area = π × (d / 2)²
3. Calculate Volume and Weight
Finally, we multiply the area by the length ($L$) and the density of copper ($\rho$).
Weight = Area × Length × Density
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Standard Unit
Typical Value
$AWG$
American Wire Gauge
Index Number
10, 12, 14
$\rho$ (Rho)
Density of Copper
lbs/in³ or g/cm³
0.324 lb/in³
$L$
Length of Wire
Feet / Meters
100ft – 10000ft
Key mathematical variables used in copper wire calculations.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Scrap Recycle Run
Scenario: A contractor has removed old wiring from a renovation. They have approximately 2,500 feet of 12 AWG wire and want to know if it's worth the trip to the scrap yard.
Input Gauge: 12 AWG
Input Length: 2,500 feet
Calculation: 12 AWG is approx 19.8 lbs per 1000 ft.
Result: ~49.5 lbs of copper.
Financial Impact: At $3.50/lb, this is roughly $173 in value.
Example 2: Warehouse Lighting Retrofit
Scenario: An electrician needs to order 4/0 (0000) feeder cable for a 500-foot run. They need to know the total weight to ensure the truck can handle the load.
Input Gauge: 4/0 AWG
Input Length: 500 feet
Calculation: 4/0 copper weighs approx 640 lbs per 1000 ft.
Result: 320 lbs.
Decision: A standard work truck can easily handle this load.
How to Use This Copper Wire Calculator
Select Wire Gauge: Use the dropdown to choose the AWG size printed on the cable jacket.
Enter Length: Input the total length. You can switch between feet and meters using the unit selector.
Set Quantity: If you have multiple spools or a multi-conductor cable (like 12/3 Romex), enter the number of conductors.
Input Price: (Optional) Enter the current price of copper per pound to see an estimated value.
Analyze Results: View the total weight in the main results box and check the chart to see how weight accumulates over distance.
Key Factors That Affect Copper Wire Weight Results
While the theoretical math is precise, real-world results using a copper wire length to weight calculator can vary due to several factors:
1. Insulation Weight
Most wire is sold by "gross weight" (copper + plastic). This calculator computes the net copper weight. If you are weighing insulated wire on a scale, it will be 10-20% heavier than the calculated copper weight due to PVC or THHN insulation.
2. Stranded vs. Solid Core
Stranded wire has small air gaps between strands. While the amount of copper is legally required to meet the cross-sectional area for conductivity, the overall diameter of stranded wire is slightly larger than solid wire to achieve the same copper mass.
3. Copper Purity
Standard electrical wire is Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) copper, which is 99.9% pure. Lower grade alloys or copper-clad aluminum (CCA) will weigh significantly less (aluminum is ~30% the weight of copper). This calculator assumes 99.9% pure copper.
4. Manufacturing Tolerances
Wire manufacturers have slight tolerances. A "10 AWG" wire might vary slightly in diameter within ASTM standards, affecting the total weight by a fraction of a percent over long distances.
5. Temperature Expansion
While negligible for weight, temperature affects length. Copper expands when hot. Measuring 10,000 feet of wire in extreme heat might yield a slightly different length measurement than in freezing cold, though the mass remains constant.
6. Coating and Plating
Some marine or high-end cables are tinned (coated in tin) to prevent corrosion. Tin is slightly lighter than copper, but the layer is so thin it usually has a negligible impact on the total weight for general estimation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does this calculator include the weight of the insulation?
No, this tool calculates the bare copper weight. This is often referred to as "copper recovery" in the recycling industry. For scrap purposes, assume the copper is roughly 60-80% of the total insulated wire weight depending on the wire type.
2. What is the difference between AWG and MCM?
AWG (American Wire Gauge) is used for smaller wires (up to 4/0). For cables larger than 4/0, the industry uses kcmil or MCM (Thousand Circular Mils). 250 MCM is thicker than 4/0 AWG.
3. How accurate is the scrap value estimation?
The value shown is a raw material estimate based on the spot price you enter. Scrap yards will pay less than the spot price (often 50-80%) to account for their processing costs and profit margins.
4. Can I calculate Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) wire?
No. CCA wire is mostly aluminum with a thin copper skin. Using this copper wire length to weight calculator for CCA will drastically overestimate the weight, as aluminum is much lighter than copper.
5. Why is the resistance relevant to weight?
There is a direct correlation: thicker wire has less resistance and more weight. Engineers often balance the cost of heavier copper (weight) against the energy savings from lower resistance.
6. How do I convert kcmil to weight?
The formula differs slightly. 1 kcmil represents a specific area. Since this calculator focuses on AWG, you would need to convert kcmil to equivalent cross-sectional area to estimate weight.
7. What is the density of copper used here?
We use the standard engineering density for annealed copper: 8.96 g/cm³ or approximately 0.324 lbs/in³.
8. Why do I get different results for stranded wire elsewhere?
Some calculators estimate the "outer diameter" volume including air gaps. Our tool calculates the "net copper volume" to give you the true metal weight, which is the metric that matters for cost and conductivity.
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