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Calculate the weight and cost of metal plates for various materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass. Get accurate weight per square foot and total weight in pounds or kilograms.
The plate weight calculator helps you determine the weight and cost of metal plates based on their dimensions, thickness, and material type. Metal plates are flat-rolled products widely used in fabrication, construction, and manufacturing applications where structural strength and durability are required.
This calculator supports various materials including carbon steel, stainless steel (304 and 316), aluminum, copper, and brass. Each material has different densities and properties, which affect the final weight, cost, and suitability for specific applications.
Understanding plate weight is crucial for structural engineering, cost estimation, shipping calculations, load-bearing assessments, and material procurement. Accurate weight calculations ensure proper support structures, transportation planning, and budget accuracy for fabrication projects.
Volume = Length × Width × Thickness
Weight = Volume × Density × Quantity
Where all dimensions are in inches and density is in lb/in³
| Material | Density (lb/in³) | Weight per sq ft (1/4" thick) |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 0.284 | 10.2 lbs/sq ft |
| Stainless 304 | 0.289 | 10.4 lbs/sq ft |
| Stainless 316 | 0.289 | 10.4 lbs/sq ft |
| Aluminum | 0.098 | 3.5 lbs/sq ft |
| Copper | 0.324 | 11.7 lbs/sq ft |
| Brass | 0.308 | 11.1 lbs/sq ft |
Standard steel plate thicknesses and their corresponding weights per square foot. These are common industry standard sizes available from steel suppliers.
| Thickness | Decimal (in) | Steel (lbs/sq ft) | Aluminum (lbs/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | 0.125 | 5.1 | 1.8 |
| 3/16" | 0.1875 | 7.7 | 2.6 |
| 1/4" | 0.250 | 10.2 | 3.5 |
| 3/8" | 0.375 | 15.3 | 5.3 |
| 1/2" | 0.500 | 20.4 | 7.1 |
| 5/8" | 0.625 | 25.5 | 8.8 |
| 3/4" | 0.750 | 30.6 | 10.6 |
| 1" | 1.000 | 40.8 | 14.1 |
Common steel plate grades include A36 (general structural), A572 Grade 50 (high-strength low-alloy), A516 (pressure vessel quality), and AR400/AR500 (abrasion-resistant). A36 is the most widely used for general fabrication, while high-strength grades are used where weight reduction or higher load capacity is needed.
Calculate steel plate cost by determining the weight (length × width × thickness × density) and multiplying by the price per pound. Steel prices fluctuate based on market conditions, grade, and quantity. Typical prices range from $0.40 to $1.50 per pound depending on grade, thickness, and market conditions.
Plate is generally defined as steel 3/16" (0.1875") or thicker, while sheet metal is thinner than 3/16". Plate is used for structural applications requiring higher strength, while sheet metal is used for lighter applications like panels, enclosures, and ductwork. Plate is typically cut by plasma or oxy-fuel, while sheet can be sheared.
Yes, most steel plates can be welded using various processes including SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux-core), and SAW (submerged arc). Thicker plates may require preheating and multiple weld passes. Proper edge preparation, weld procedure, and qualified welders are essential for structural welds.
Steel plates can be cut using plasma cutting (most common for up to 2" thick), oxy-fuel cutting (for thick plates), laser cutting (precision cuts, thinner plates), and waterjet (no heat-affected zone). The choice depends on thickness, edge quality requirements, and production volume.
Steel plates are sold by weight (pounds or tons) and measured by thickness, width, and length. Standard sizes include 4'×8', 4'×10', 5'×10', and 6'×20' sheets, but plates can be cut to custom sizes. Mills produce plates in various standard thicknesses from 3/16" up to several inches thick.
Hot-rolled plate is processed at high temperatures, resulting in a scaled surface and less precise dimensions, but is more economical and suitable for structural applications. Cold-rolled has a smoother finish, tighter tolerances, and higher strength, but is typically only available in thinner gauges and costs more.
Base plate thickness depends on column size, load magnitude, and bolt pattern. Engineers use calculations based on bending stress and bearing pressure. Common thicknesses range from 3/4" to 2" for typical building columns, but heavy industrial applications may require thicker plates. The plate must distribute column loads to anchor bolts and concrete.
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