Metal Density and Weight Chart for Machining and Stamping
Density and reference weight
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Weight of 100 x 100 x 10 mm (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel | 7.85 | 785 |
| Stainless steel 304 | 7.93 | 793 |
| Stainless steel 316 | 7.98 | 798 |
| Aluminium 6061 | 2.70 | 270 |
| Aluminium 7075 | 2.81 | 281 |
| Brass | 8.50 | 850 |
| Phosphor bronze | 8.80 | 880 |
| Copper | 8.96 | 896 |
| Zinc | 7.14 | 714 |
| Titanium | 4.51 | 451 |
Weight formula
Weight (g) = volume (cm³) x density (g/cm³). For a rectangular blank, volume = length x width x thickness in centimetres.
| Blank (mm) | Volume (cm³) | Steel weight (g) | Aluminium weight (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 x 100 x 5 | 50 | 393 | 135 |
| 100 x 100 x 10 | 100 | 785 | 270 |
| 100 x 100 x 20 | 200 | 1570 | 540 |
| 50 x 50 x 5 | 12.5 | 98 | 34 |
| 200 x 200 x 3 | 120 | 942 | 324 |
Notes
- Sheet and plate are usually sold by weight, so a lighter aluminium part cuts material cost as well as shipping weight.
- For machined parts, subtract the removed volume to get the finished weight, and remember the blank is what you pay for.
- Stamped parts are quoted by the area of the blank and the scrap rate of the strip layout.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the weight of a metal part?
Work out the volume in cubic centimetres and multiply by the material density. For example a 100 x 100 x 10 mm steel block is 100 cm³ x 7.85 = 785 g.
How much does aluminium weigh compared to steel?
Aluminium 6061 has a density of 2.70 g/cm³ against 7.85 for carbon steel, so an aluminium part of the same size is about one third the weight.
Does blank weight affect the price?
Yes. Material is usually the largest single cost in a machined or stamped part, and it is charged on the blank weight, not the finished weight.
Can you advise on a lighter material for a part?
Yes. Send the drawing and the load case and we will suggest alternatives, for example swapping steel for aluminium or a thinner high-strength grade where the design allows.
Talk to an engineer
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