Scrap Weight Calculator: How to Estimate Steel, Aluminium and Rebar Weight
Measure the length, width and thickness of a plate, or the diameter and length of a bar or pipe, then multiply by the density of the metal. Steel is about 7,850 kg per cubic metre, aluminium about 2,700, copper about 8,960 and lead about 11,340. The buyer will always confirm the final weight on a scale, but a good estimate helps you plan trucks, check quotes and know what your scrap is worth.
Before you call a scrap buyer, it helps to know roughly how much you have. A contractor with 100 rebar bars needs to know if that is one ton or five. A workshop with aluminium sheets wants to know if the pile is 50 kg or 500 kg. A factory owner comparing quotes per ton needs a sensible tonnage. This guide gives you the formulas, quick tables and worked examples you need, so you can make a fast, honest estimate for steel, aluminium, copper, brass and other metals. It is written for people in Dammam and the Eastern Province who deal with plates, bars, pipes, sheets, containers and equipment.
The Basic Formula
Weight (kg) = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³)
Volume is the amount of space the metal takes up. Density is how heavy the metal is for its size. Use metres for all lengths so the result comes out in kilograms.
Density of common scrap metals
| Metal | Density (kg per cubic metre) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | about 2,700 | Light |
| Cast iron | about 7,200 | Varies by type |
| Steel (mild) | about 7,850 | Most common scrap |
| Stainless steel | about 8,000 | Slightly heavier than mild steel |
| Brass | about 8,400 to 8,700 | Depends on alloy |
| Copper | about 8,960 | Heavy |
| Lead | about 11,340 | Very heavy |
These are standard values used for estimates. Real items can be a little different because of alloys, hollow sections and wear.
How to Estimate Common Shapes
1. Flat plate or sheet
Weight = length (m) × width (m) × thickness (m) × density
Example: a steel plate 2 m long, 1 m wide and 10 mm thick. Thickness is 0.01 m. Volume is 2 × 1 × 0.01 = 0.02 m³. Weight is 0.02 × 7,850 = 157 kg.
Example: an aluminium sheet 3 m × 1.2 m × 2 mm. Volume is 3 × 1.2 × 0.002 = 0.0072 m³. Weight is 0.0072 × 2,700 = about 19.4 kg.
2. Round bar (solid)
Steel weight per metre (kg) = diameter in mm × diameter in mm ÷ 162
Example: a solid steel bar 30 mm in diameter. 30 × 30 = 900. 900 ÷ 162 = about 5.6 kg per metre. A 6 m bar weighs about 33 kg.
3. Rebar (reinforcing bar)
Rebar is round-ribbed steel bar, so the same formula works. Here is a quick table:
| Rebar diameter | Weight per metre (approx.) | Weight of a 12 m bar (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mm | 0.62 kg | 7.4 kg |
| 12 mm | 0.89 kg | 10.7 kg |
| 16 mm | 1.58 kg | 19 kg |
| 20 mm | 2.47 kg | 29.6 kg |
| 25 mm | 3.85 kg | 46.2 kg |
| 32 mm | 6.31 kg | 75.7 kg |
Example: 100 bars of 16 mm rebar, each 12 m long. Each bar is about 19 kg. 100 × 19 = 1,900 kg, which is about 1.9 tons. See our page on rebar scrap price for how rebar is valued.
4. Steel pipe or tube
Steel pipe weight per metre (kg) = 0.02466 × wall thickness (mm) × (outside diameter (mm) − wall thickness (mm))
Example: a pipe with an outside diameter of 60 mm and a wall of 3.5 mm. 60 − 3.5 = 56.5. 0.02466 × 3.5 × 56.5 = about 4.9 kg per metre. A 6 m length weighs about 29 kg.
For other metals, multiply the steel result by the ratio of densities. For aluminium, multiply by about 0.34. For copper, multiply by about 1.14.
5. Angle, channel and beam
Sections like angles, channels and I-beams have standard weights per metre. The size is often stamped on the beam. For example, “IPE 200” means a beam with a certain weight per metre. If you know the section name, look up the weight per metre and multiply by the length. If you do not know it, send a photo with a measurement, and we will help you estimate.
6. Wire and cable
The weight depends on the number of cores, the wire size and the insulation. A rough method is to weigh a known length. Cut a 1 m sample, weigh it, and multiply by the total length. To estimate the copper share, see our guide on cable scrap price in Dammam.
7. Containers, machines, ACs and vehicles
Do not calculate these by size. Use labels and nameplates instead:
- Shipping containers: the tare (empty) weight is marked on the door. See container scrap price.
- Machines and generators: check the nameplate or model number for weight.
- Air conditioners: the label or manual shows the unit weight. See AC scrap buyer.
- Vehicles: the registration or the model page shows the curb weight.
Quick Reference: Sheet Weight per Square Metre
| Thickness | Steel (kg per m²) | Aluminium (kg per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | 7.85 | 2.7 |
| 2 mm | 15.7 | 5.4 |
| 3 mm | 23.6 | 8.1 |
| 5 mm | 39.3 | 13.5 |
| 10 mm | 78.5 | 27 |
| 20 mm | 157 | 54 |
Convert to Tons
To convert kilograms to metric tons, divide by 1,000. If your rebar comes to 1,900 kg, that is 1.9 tons. This helps when you compare quotes per ton. Read our guide to scrap metal price per ton for how per-ton pricing works.
Why Your Estimate May Be Different From the Scale
- Hollow and thin parts. Real items may weigh less than solid formulas.
- Rust and wear. Old steel loses weight to rust.
- Concrete, dirt and water. These can add weight that is not metal. The buyer removes or accounts for it.
- Alloys. Some metals are slightly heavier or lighter than the standard density.
- Measurement error. Small mistakes in thickness make a big difference in plate weight.
- Mixed materials. Plastic, rubber and other parts are not part of the metal weight.
Use your estimate to plan, not to fix a final price. The buyer’s certified scale gives the final number.
How to Use Your Estimate When You Call
- List each metal and its estimated weight.
- Add photos showing the size and condition.
- Tell us the location and access.
- Ask for a quote per metal. You can compare it with your estimate.
- Ask to witness the weighing. Check the scale reading against your estimate.
Call or WhatsApp 0583593660 with your list. We work from the 2nd Industrial City (Tasliya) in Dammam and serve Khobar, Qatif, Jubail and nearby areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the weight of scrap metal?
Multiply the volume in cubic metres by the density of the metal. For example, steel is about 7,850 kg per cubic metre.
How much does a steel plate weigh?
A steel plate weighs about 7.85 kg per square metre for each millimetre of thickness. A 10 mm plate weighs about 78.5 kg per square metre.
How much does aluminium weigh?
Aluminium weighs about 2.7 kg per square metre for each millimetre of thickness, about one third of steel.
How much does rebar weigh?
16 mm rebar weighs about 1.58 kg per metre, so a 12 m bar weighs about 19 kg. See the table above for other sizes.
How many kg are in a ton?
One metric ton is 1,000 kilograms.
Is this estimate accurate enough to agree a price?
It is good for planning. The final price is based on the scale weight and the condition of the material.
How do I weigh cable?
Weigh a 1 m sample and multiply by the total length, or estimate from the cable size. Copper content depends on the cable type.
Do you weigh in front of me?
Yes. Loads are weighed on a certified scale and you can see the reading.
Do you buy small quantities?
Yes. Small amounts are quoted per kg. Larger loads are often quoted per ton.
Can you help me estimate the weight from photos?
Yes. Send photos with measurements or labels to 0583593660 and we will help you estimate.
Get a Quote Based on Your Estimate
Send your list of metals, your estimated weights and photos, and we will tell you how they are valued and how collection works.
Scrap Metal Buyer KSA
Phone / WhatsApp: 0583593660
Location: 2nd Industrial City (Tasliya), Dammam
See also: best scrap buyer in Dammam and iron and steel scrap buyer.