How to use the sheet metal weight calculator
Upload a 3D file for the weight of the finished part, holes and cut-outs included. No file? Enter the dimensions for the weight of the blank.
Upload a file or enter dimensions
Drop a STEP, STP or SLDPRT file for the weight of the finished part. Or enter length, width and thickness in mm, inches or steel gauge for the weight of the blank.
Choose material and quantity
Pick amaterial grade, listed under ASTM and GB/JIS designations. For CNC turned parts, switch the list to CNC Turning and upload the 3D file; dimension entry is for flat sheet only.
Calculate
PressCalculate weightfor the total and unit weight in kg and lb, with the volume and density used. To price the part, go straight to an instant quote.
Why part weight matters in sheet metal fabrication
Weight targets
Upload the 3D file to check a finished part against its weight budget, or switch the material grade to see how a change from steel to aluminum or stainless moves the weight, without remodeling the part.
Material cost
Weight multiplied by the raw material price per kilogram or pound gives the material-cost floor of a part, and shows quickly whether a thinner gauge or a change of alloy moves the price.
Freight
Carriers charge on actual weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater. You need the actual weight to know which applies. Boda'spackaging calculatorworks out the volumetric side.
How sheet metal weight is calculated
Weight is volume multiplied by the density of the material. For sheet and plate, the volume is length × width × thickness.
| Gauge (steel) | Inches | mm |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ga | 0.0359 | 0.91 |
| 18 ga | 0.0478 | 1.21 |
| 16 ga | 0.0598 | 1.52 |
| 14 ga | 0.0747 | 1.90 |
| 12 ga | 0.1046 | 2.66 |
| 11 ga | 0.1196 | 3.04 |
| 10 ga | 0.1345 | 3.42 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the weight of a steel plate?
Multiply length × width × thickness to get the volume, then multiply by the density of the steel grade. The calculator above does both steps, shows the density it used, and gives the result in kg and lb.
Does the calculator account for holes, cut-outs and bends?
It depends on how you enter the part. With dimensions, it calculates the solid blank, so holes, slots and cut-outs are not subtracted. With a 3D file, it reads the volume of the finished part, so they are. Bends don't change weight either way.
What's the difference between sheet and plate?
It's a thickness convention, not a different formula. Sheet is generally material under about 6 mm; plate is thicker. The calculator treats both the same way. Bodalaser cuts sheet and plate up to 20 mm thick.
How accurate is the result?
The calculator uses nominal density values. The real part varies slightly with mill composition and the thickness tolerance of the raw sheet (Boda:±0.05 mm on 0.5–2.0 mm material).