Copper Wire Weight Calculator
Accurately estimate the total weight of bare copper wire based on AWG gauge, diameter, and length.
Custom Diameter
4/0 (0000) AWG
3/0 (000) AWG
2/0 (00) AWG
1/0 (0) AWG
1 AWG
2 AWG
4 AWG
6 AWG
8 AWG
10 AWG
12 AWG
14 AWG
16 AWG
18 AWG
20 AWG
22 AWG
24 AWG
26 AWG
28 AWG
30 AWG
Select standard American Wire Gauge (AWG) size.
Please enter a valid positive diameter.
Meters (m)
Feet (ft)
Kilometers (km)
Please enter a valid positive length.
Enter the total run of wire.
Quantity must be at least 1.
Number of parallel wires or strands.
Total Copper Weight
0.00 kg
(0.00 lbs)
Wire Diameter:
–
Cross-Section Area:
–
Total Volume:
–
Formula Used:
W = Volume × Density (8.96 g/cm³)
Weight Comparison by Gauge (for 1000m)
Specification Summary
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|
*Note: Calculations assume pure bare copper density of 8.96 g/cm³. Insulation weight is not included.
What is a Copper Wire Weight Calculator?
A copper wire weight calculator is a specialized engineering tool designed to determine the total mass of pure copper in a wire based on its physical dimensions. This calculation is critical for electrical engineers, logistics planners, and scrap metal recyclers who need to estimate material costs, shipping loads, or scrap value.
Unlike generic metal calculators, a dedicated copper wire weight calculator accounts for the specific density of conductive copper (approximately 8.96 g/cm³) and standard wire gauges (AWG). Whether you are planning a large-scale electrical installation or estimating the return on recycled wire, understanding the exact weight of the copper content is essential for accurate budgeting and structural planning.
Common misconceptions include assuming the total weight of a cable is equal to the copper weight. In reality, insulation (PVC, rubber) and sheathing add significant mass but zero conductivity value. This tool focuses strictly on the bare copper component.
Copper Wire Weight Calculator Formula and Explanation
The calculation of copper wire weight relies on basic geometry and material physics. The core formula derives the volume of the cylindrical wire and multiplies it by the density of copper.
The Mathematical Steps
- Determine Diameter: Convert AWG to a metric diameter (mm) or use a measured diameter.
- Calculate Cross-Sectional Area (A):
A = π × (Diameter / 2)² - Calculate Volume (V):
V = Area × Length - Calculate Mass (M):
Weight = Volume × Density
| Variable | Meaning | Standard Unit | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| ρ (Rho) | Density of Copper | kg/m³ | 8,960 kg/m³ |
| L | Length of Wire | meters (m) | Variable |
| d | Diameter | millimeters (mm) | 0.05mm – 11.68mm |
| n | Quantity | count | Integer ≥ 1 |
Practical Examples of Copper Weight Calculation
Example 1: Residential Wiring (Romex)
An electrician has a remaining spool of 12 AWG wire. They estimate there are 150 meters left on the spool. They want to know the copper weight to check against scrap prices.
- Input: 12 AWG
- Diameter: ~2.05 mm
- Length: 150 meters
- Calculation:
- Area = π × (1.025)² ≈ 3.31 mm²
- Volume = 3.31 mm² × 150,000 mm = 496,500 mm³ = 496.5 cm³
- Weight = 496.5 cm³ × 8.96 g/cm³ ≈ 4.45 kg
Example 2: Industrial Feeder Cable
A contractor is installing a 3-phase feeder using 4/0 (0000) AWG copper cable. The run is 500 feet (152.4 meters) and there are 3 conductors.
- Input: 4/0 AWG, 500 ft, Qty 3
- Diameter: ~11.68 mm per strand
- Single Wire Weight: ~146 kg per 500 ft
- Total Weight: 146 kg × 3 ≈ 438 kg (965 lbs)
This substantial weight indicates that heavy machinery or a team of workers will be required to pull the cable, influencing labor costs.
How to Use This Copper Wire Weight Calculator
Follow these simple steps to get an instant weight estimation:
- Select Wire Gauge: Choose the standard AWG size from the dropdown menu. If you have a non-standard wire, select "Custom Diameter" and enter the thickness in millimeters.
- Enter Length: Input the total length of the wire run. You can toggle between meters, feet, or kilometers using the unit selector.
- Set Quantity: If you have multiple strands (e.g., a bundle of 10 wires), enter the count to multiply the total weight.
- Review Results: The tool immediately updates the estimated weight in both Kilograms and Pounds.
- Analyze the Chart: Use the bar chart to see how your selected wire compares to thicker or thinner gauges.
Key Factors That Affect Copper Wire Weight Results
When using a copper wire weight calculator, consider these real-world variables that can alter your final figures:
- Insulation Weight: This calculator computes bare copper weight. Standard THHN or Romex wire includes plastic insulation that adds 10-20% to the total physical weight but does not contribute to the scrap copper value.
- Copper Purity: Standard electrical wire is Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) copper (99.9% pure). Lower grades or alloy wires (like brass or bronze) have different densities, affecting the weight.
- Stranding Factor: Stranded wire (made of many small strands twisted together) has air gaps. While the cross-sectional area of copper remains roughly the same as solid wire, the physical diameter of the bundle is larger.
- Temperature Expansion: While negligible for weight, temperature affects length. Copper expands in heat, which might slightly alter length measurements taken in extreme conditions.
- Tolerance Standards: Manufacturing tolerances allow wire diameter to vary slightly (usually ±1%). On kilometers of wire, this tiny variance can result in noticeable weight differences.
- Coating/Plating: Some copper wire is tinned (coated in tin) for corrosion resistance. Tin is lighter than copper (density ~7.3 g/cm³), which might slightly reduce the overall density compared to pure copper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How accurate is this copper wire weight calculator?
The calculator uses the standard physics density of copper (8.96 g/cm³) and precise geometric formulas. It is highly accurate for solid bare copper. For stranded wire, slight variations may occur due to the "packing factor" of strands, but the copper mass remains consistent with the gauge.
Does this calculator include the weight of the plastic insulation?
No. This tool calculates the weight of the copper conductor only. If you are calculating shipping weight for insulated spools, you should add approximately 15-20% to the result to account for PVC or rubber jacketing and the spool itself.
Why do I need to know the weight of the copper?
Knowing the weight is crucial for two main reasons: Logistics (ensuring cable trays and trucks can support the load) and Scrap Value (recyclers pay by the pound/kg of pure copper). Accurate weight helps in auditing quotes and preventing overpayment.
Can I use this for aluminum wire?
No. Aluminum has a much lower density (approx 2.70 g/cm³) than copper. Using this calculator for aluminum would result in a weight estimate that is roughly 3.3 times too high.
What is the density of copper used in the formula?
We use the standard value for commercially pure copper: 8.96 g/cm³ (or 8,960 kg/m³). This is the industry standard for electrical grade copper.
How do I convert AWG to millimeters?
The formula is d_mm = 0.127 × 92^((36-AWG)/39). Our calculator handles this complex conversion automatically when you select a gauge from the list.
What represents 0, 00, 000, and 0000 AWG?
These are "aught" sizes, often written as 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, and 4/0. They are larger than standard numbered gauges. 4/0 (0000) is the thickest standard gauge before entering MCM/kcmil sizing.
Is stranded wire heavier than solid wire of the same gauge?
Technically, no. The amount of copper is the same for a specific AWG regardless of whether it is solid or stranded. However, stranded wire has a larger overall diameter due to air gaps between strands.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
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Wire Resistance Calculator Current Scrap Copper Prices Voltage Drop Calculator Complete AWG Wire Size Chart Conduit Fill Percentage Calculator Aluminum vs Copper Wire Guide