Copper (Red)
Copper (Bare Bright)
Aluminum (Alloy)
Aluminum (Cast)
Brass
Steel
Stainless Steel
Lead
Zinc
Iron
Select the type of scrap metal you have.
Enter the total weight of the scrap metal.
Kilograms (kg)
Pounds (lbs)
Tonnes
Tons (US)
Choose the unit for your weight measurement.
Enter the current market price for 1 kg of this metal type.
Your Estimated Value
Total Value:–.–
Weight in KG:–.–
Metal Type:—
Price per KG Used:–.–
Formula: Total Value = (Weight in KG) * (Market Price per KG)
Scrap Metal Market Trends
Metal Value (Est.)Processing Cost (Est.)
Sample Scrap Metal Prices and Estimated Values
Metal Type
Current Price (per kg)
Estimated Value (for 10kg)
Processing Cost (per kg)
Net Value (per kg)
Copper (Red)
4.50
45.00
0.50
4.00
Aluminum (Alloy)
1.20
12.00
0.30
0.90
Brass
3.00
30.00
0.40
2.60
Steel
0.30
3.00
0.15
0.15
Lead
1.00
10.00
0.35
0.65
What is a Scrap Metal Calculator?
A scrap metal calculator is an essential online tool designed to help individuals and businesses estimate the monetary value of their scrap metal. Whether you're a homeowner clearing out a garage, a contractor with leftover materials, or a professional recycler, this calculator provides a quick and convenient way to understand the potential earnings from selling your scrap. It simplifies the complex process of valuing different types of metals by using current market prices and user-provided weights.
Who should use it:
Individuals: Those looking to make some extra cash from discarded appliances, old car parts, or household items containing metal.
Contractors & Tradespeople: Plumbers, electricians, construction workers, and demolition crews who frequently deal with scrap metal waste.
Scrap Metal Dealers: To quickly estimate bulk purchases or offer competitive prices to sellers.
Businesses: Companies undertaking renovations, machinery upgrades, or facility cleanouts.
Common Misconceptions:
"All scrap metal is the same price." This is false. Different metals (copper, aluminum, steel, brass, etc.) have vastly different market values, often varying by purity and type (e.g., insulated wire vs. bare copper).
"The calculator guarantees my selling price." The calculator provides an *estimate* based on current market prices. Actual prices can fluctuate and may be affected by negotiations, the condition of the metal, buyer fees, and local market dynamics.
"All weights are standardized." While the calculator converts to kilograms, scrap metal can be weighed in pounds, tons, or tonnes. Accurate measurement is key.
Scrap Metal Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of the scrap metal calculator relies on a straightforward multiplication formula to determine the estimated value. It takes the weight of the metal, converts it to a standard unit (kilograms), and multiplies it by the current market price per kilogram for that specific metal type.
The Primary Formula:
Estimated Value = (Weight in KG) × (Market Price per KG)
Variable Explanations:
Scrap Metal Calculator Variables
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Weight in KG
The total weight of the scrap metal being valued, converted to kilograms.
Kilograms (kg)
0.1 kg – 10,000+ kg (or more for industrial scales)
Market Price per KG
The current price a scrap yard or buyer is offering for one kilogram of a specific type of metal. This fluctuates based on global commodity markets.
Currency per Kilogram (e.g., $/kg, €/kg)
$0.10 – $10.00+ (highly variable by metal type)
Estimated Value
The calculated potential earnings from selling the scrap metal.
Currency (e.g., $, €)
Calculated based on inputs.
Processing Cost (Optional)
An estimated cost associated with sorting, cleaning, or transporting the metal, often deducted by buyers.
Currency per Kilogram (e.g., $/kg)
$0.10 – $1.00+
Net Value (Optional)
Estimated Value – Processing Costs. Represents a more realistic take-home amount after deductions.
Currency (e.g., $, €)
Calculated.
The calculator first needs to standardize the weight. If the user enters weight in pounds (lbs), tonnes, or tons (US), it's converted to kilograms using these conversion factors:
1 lb ≈ 0.453592 kg
1 tonne = 1000 kg
1 ton (US) ≈ 907.185 kg
Once the weight is in kilograms, it's multiplied by the price per kg entered by the user. The calculator uses predefined or user-inputted prices. The chart and table showcase estimated market prices and potential net values after factoring in common processing costs.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Homeowner with Old Copper Pipes
Sarah is renovating her kitchen and has removed about 15 kilograms of old copper piping. She checks online and finds that bare bright copper is currently selling for approximately $4.50 per kilogram.
Metal Type: Copper (Bare Bright)
Weight: 15 kg
Unit: kg
Market Price per KG: $4.50
Calculation:
Estimated Value = 15 kg * $4.50/kg = $67.50
Interpretation: Sarah can estimate earning around $67.50 for her scrap copper. She might also consider that the scrap yard may deduct a small amount for processing, potentially reducing her net earnings slightly. This information helps her decide if it's worth taking the pipes to the local scrap yard.
Example 2: Contractor with Steel Beams
A small construction company has salvaged several steel beams from a demolition project. They estimate the total weight to be around 2.5 tonnes. The current market price for heavy melting steel (HMS) is about $0.30 per kilogram.
Metal Type: Steel
Weight: 2.5 tonnes
Unit: tonnes
Market Price per KG: $0.30
Calculation:
Convert weight to KG: 2.5 tonnes * 1000 kg/tonne = 2500 kg
Calculate Value: 2500 kg * $0.30/kg = $750.00
Interpretation: The company can expect to earn approximately $750.00 for the steel. Given the larger volume, they might also factor in transportation costs to the scrap yard. Understanding this value helps them accurately account for material salvage in their project budgets. This example highlights the importance of using the scrap metal calculator for bulk material valuation.
How to Use This Scrap Metal Calculator
Using our scrap metal calculator is designed to be intuitive and quick. Follow these simple steps to get an accurate estimate of your scrap metal's value:
Select Metal Type: Choose the specific type of scrap metal from the dropdown menu (e.g., Copper, Aluminum, Steel). This is crucial as prices vary significantly between metals.
Enter Weight: Input the total weight of your scrap metal. Be as accurate as possible. If you don't know the exact weight, try to estimate it based on known items (e.g., a typical washing machine weighs X kg).
Choose Unit: Select the unit of measurement you used for the weight (Kilograms, Pounds, Tonnes, or Tons). The calculator will automatically convert it to kilograms for the calculation.
Input Market Price: Enter the current market price per kilogram for the selected metal type. You can often find this information from local scrap yards, online commodity price trackers, or by calling buyers directly. Ensure the price you enter corresponds to the unit (per KG).
Calculate Value: Click the "Calculate Value" button.
Reading the Results:
Total Value: This is the primary highlighted result, showing the estimated total amount you could receive for your scrap metal based on your inputs.
Weight in KG: Displays the converted weight of your metal in kilograms.
Metal Type: Confirms the metal type you selected.
Price per KG Used: Shows the exact market price per kilogram you entered for the calculation.
Decision-Making Guidance:
The estimated value is a strong starting point for your decision. Consider the following:
Proximity and Convenience: Is the nearest scrap yard easily accessible? Factor in travel time and fuel costs.
Buyer Requirements: Some buyers have minimum weight requirements or specific sorting needs.
Market Volatility: Metal prices can change daily. If the current price is low, you might consider holding onto your scrap if storage is feasible, especially for higher-value metals like copper.
Processing Fees: Be aware that many scrap buyers deduct fees for handling, sorting, or shredding. The 'Net Value' in the table provides an example of this adjustment. Always confirm fees with the buyer.
Use the price table and market trends chart to compare your metal's value against others and understand potential fluctuations.
Key Factors That Affect Scrap Metal Value
Several factors influence the price you'll get for your scrap metal, going beyond simple weight and type. Understanding these can help you maximize your earnings and make informed decisions.
Metal Type and Purity: This is the most significant factor. Precious metals like gold and silver (though not typically handled by standard scrap yards) command the highest prices. Among common metals, copper is highly valuable, followed by brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and then steel/iron. Purity is critical; for example, "bare bright" copper wire fetches a higher price than "oxide" or "insulated" copper. Buyers often pay premiums for cleaner, sorted materials.
Market Demand and Commodity Prices: Scrap metal prices are directly tied to global commodity markets. Demand from manufacturers for recycled materials, global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and even the strength of the US dollar can cause prices to fluctuate significantly, sometimes daily. This is why using a current scrap metal calculator with up-to-date pricing is essential.
Weight and Volume: While the calculator uses weight, the sheer volume can sometimes influence price. Buyers may offer slightly better rates for larger quantities (e.g., full truckloads) as it reduces their per-unit handling costs. Conversely, very small amounts might not be worth the buyer's time unless aggregated.
Condition and Preparation: How you prepare your scrap can impact its value. Metals contaminated with other materials (like plastic on wires, or dirt on steel) will be worth less. Removing contaminants, sorting metals by type, and baling or compacting materials where appropriate can increase value and reduce deductions by the buyer.
Location and Transportation Costs: Scrap yards operate within specific geographic markets. Prices can vary between regions due to local demand, competition among buyers, and the cost of transporting the metal to processing facilities or end-users. If you have to travel a long distance, factor in fuel and vehicle wear.
Buyer's Policies and Fees: Different scrap yards have different pricing structures and may charge fees for processing, handling, weighing, or even cutting materials. It's wise to call a few local buyers to compare their rates and understand any deductions before committing to a sale. Some may offer better rates for metals they specifically need.
Economic Factors & Inflation: Broader economic trends affect industrial production and construction, which in turn impacts the demand for new materials and recycled scrap. High inflation can sometimes correlate with rising commodity prices, but it can also increase operational costs for scrap yards.
Regulations and Environmental Compliance: Increasingly, buyers must adhere to stricter regulations regarding the handling and processing of scrap metals. These compliance costs can sometimes be factored into the prices offered to sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often do scrap metal prices change?
Scrap metal prices can fluctuate daily, influenced by global commodity markets, supply and demand, and economic news. It's best to check prices shortly before selling.
Q2: What is the difference between 'kg', 'tonne', and 'ton'?
'kg' stands for kilogram, a standard metric unit of mass. A 'tonne' is a metric ton, equal to 1000 kg. A 'ton' (often referring to the US or short ton) is approximately 907.185 kg. Our scrap metal calculator handles these conversions for you.
Q3: Can I mix different types of metals together?
While you can bring mixed metals, scrap yards typically pay different rates for each type. You'll usually get a better price if you sort your metals (e.g., copper separate from aluminum, steel separate from brass) before bringing them in.
Q4: Do scrap yards buy insulated copper wire?
Yes, many scrap yards buy insulated copper wire, but they usually pay a lower price than for bare bright copper because the insulation adds weight but no value, and the buyer must incur costs to strip it.
Q5: What's the most valuable scrap metal?
Among commonly recycled metals, copper (especially bare bright) typically commands the highest price per pound or kilogram. Other valuable metals include brass, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and lead. Precious metals found in electronics (gold, silver, platinum) are extremely valuable but require specialized recycling.
Q6: How do scrap yards determine the price?
Scrap yards base their prices on the current wholesale market value of the refined metals. They then factor in their operational costs (labor, transportation, equipment maintenance) and desired profit margin. They may also adjust prices based on the purity and quantity of the scrap presented.
Q7: Is it worth scrapping small amounts of metal?
For very small amounts, the potential earnings might be minimal after accounting for travel time and costs. However, if you're already going to a scrap yard or have a significant accumulation over time, it can still be worthwhile. Use the scrap metal calculator to see if the estimated value justifies the effort.
Q8: What common household items yield the most valuable scrap metal?
Appliances like old refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners contain valuable steel and aluminum. Copper wiring from old electronics, plumbing pipes, and even aluminum cans (though lower value) can add up. Old radiators, brass fixtures, and car parts (alternators, starters) are also common sources.
Q9: How do processing fees affect my earnings?
Processing fees are deducted by the buyer to cover the costs of sorting, cleaning, shredding, or transporting the metal. These fees can range from a few cents to over a dollar per kilogram, depending on the metal type and the buyer's operations. Always clarify these fees upfront to get a clearer picture of your net earnings.