Round Bar / Rod
Square Bar
Flat Bar / Plate / Sheet
Hexagonal Bar
Pipe / Round Tube
Equal Angle
Select the cross-sectional profile.
Please enter a valid positive number.
Please enter a valid positive number.
Please enter a valid positive number.
Length of the item in meters.
Length must be greater than 0.
Number of items to calculate total weight.
Quantity must be at least 1.
Total Weight
0.00 kg
Weight Per Meter
0.00 kg/m
Cross-Section Area
0.00 mm²
Total Volume
0.00 cm³
Formula: Volume × Density. Calculating based on selected geometry.
Weight Scenarios
Length
Single Piece Weight
Total (Current Qty)
Material Comparison (for same dimensions)
What is a Meter Weight Calculator?
A meter weight calculator is an essential engineering and logistics tool used to determine the theoretical mass of materials based on their geometric shape, dimensions, and density. It is widely used in construction, metal fabrication, and supply chain management to estimate the weight of structural components like steel beams, rebar, pipes, and plates before they are physically weighed.
Knowing the weight per meter allows engineers to calculate load-bearing requirements, logistics managers to plan shipping capacities, and procurement officers to estimate costs, as metals are often sold by weight (e.g., price per kilogram or ton) rather than by length.
Meter Weight Calculator Formula and Explanation
The core principle behind any meter weight calculator is the relationship between volume and density. The general formula is:
Weight (kg) = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³)
To find the weight per meter, we calculate the cross-sectional area in square meters and multiply it by the material's density.
Select Material: Choose the specific metal (Steel, Aluminum, Copper, etc.) to set the correct density.
Select Shape: Choose the profile (Round, Square, Pipe, etc.) to adjust the input fields.
Enter Dimensions: Input the required dimensions in millimeters (mm). For pipes, you will need both diameter and wall thickness.
Enter Length & Quantity: Specify how long the item is in meters and how many pieces you have.
Review Results: The calculator instantly updates the total weight, weight per meter, and volume.
Key Factors That Affect Meter Weight Results
Material Density Variations: Not all "steel" is the same. Stainless steel (7900 kg/m³) is slightly heavier than mild steel (7850 kg/m³). Always verify the specific alloy grade.
Manufacturing Tolerances: Standard manufacturing processes have tolerances. A "12mm" bar might actually be 11.8mm or 12.2mm, affecting the actual weight by ±5%.
Corner Radius: Theoretical calculations often assume sharp corners (for squares/flats). Real-world bars often have rounded corners, slightly reducing the actual weight.
Surface Coatings: Galvanization, painting, or powder coating adds a small amount of weight not accounted for in pure density calculations.
Hollow Sections: For pipes and tubes, wall thickness consistency is critical. A small deviation in wall thickness significantly impacts weight over long distances.
Temperature: While negligible for general construction, thermal expansion can slightly alter volume, though mass remains constant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is the calculated weight different from the scale weight?
The calculator uses "theoretical weight" based on perfect dimensions and nominal density. Real-world materials have rolling tolerances, surface imperfections, and density variations that cause slight discrepancies.
2. Can I calculate weight for plastic or wood?
This specific calculator is pre-loaded with metal densities. However, if you know the density of your specific wood or plastic (in kg/m³), you could theoretically use a custom density value if the tool supported it, but this tool focuses on metals.
3. What is the standard density of steel?
The industry standard for mild steel is 7850 kg/m³ (7.85 g/cm³). This is the value used by most engineers and steel tables.
4. How do I convert mm to meters for the formula?
Divide your millimeter value by 1000. For example, 50mm becomes 0.05 meters.
5. Does this calculator account for the hollow center of a pipe?
Yes. When you select "Pipe/Tube," the formula subtracts the volume of the inner void from the total cylinder volume to give the accurate material weight.
6. Is the weight per meter the same for all lengths?
Yes, "weight per meter" is a linear constant. Whether you have 1 meter or 100 meters, the weight per single meter remains the same.
7. How accurate are these calculations for shipping?
They are generally accurate enough for estimating shipping costs and truck loads, but you should always add a safety margin (e.g., 5-10%) for packaging materials (pallets, straps) and manufacturing tolerances.
8. What is the difference between mass and weight?
Technically, this calculator estimates mass (kg). Weight is a force (Newtons). However, in commerce and trade, "weight" is colloquially used to refer to mass.