Sheet Metal Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight of a sheet metal blank by entering its length, width, and thickness (or gauge), then selecting the material. The formula is Weight = Length x Width x Thickness x Density. Results are shown in kilograms and pounds. This is useful for material procurement, shipping weight estimates, and press brake capacity checks.
Sheet metal weight formula
Weight (kg) = (L/1000) x (W/1000) x (T/1000) x rho
Weight per m^2 (kg/m^2) = (T/1000) x rho
Where L = length (mm), W = width (mm), T = thickness (mm), rho = density (kg/m^3).
Common gauge to thickness reference (carbon steel, MSG)
- 7 gauge: 4.572 mm
- 10 gauge: 3.416 mm
- 12 gauge: 2.657 mm
- 14 gauge: 1.897 mm
- 16 gauge: 1.519 mm
- 18 gauge: 1.214 mm
- 20 gauge: 0.912 mm
- 22 gauge: 0.759 mm
Source: ASTM A480/A480M Table S1.1 (US Standard / Manufacturers Standard Gauge).
Sheet metal weight: frequently asked questions
How is sheet metal weight calculated?
Weight (kg) = Length (m) x Width (m) x Thickness (m) x Density (kg/m^3). Thickness can be entered directly in mm or looked up from the gauge number using the appropriate gauge standard.
What gauge standard should I use?
For steel sheet in the US, use the Manufacturers Standard Gauge (MSG) also known as US Standard Gauge. For stainless steel, use the same MSG table. For aluminum, the Brown and Sharpe (B&S) gauge applies. This calculator uses the ASTM-referenced thickness values.
What is the standard gauge to mm conversion for common gauges?
For carbon steel (MSG): 16 gauge = 1.519 mm, 14 gauge = 1.897 mm, 12 gauge = 2.657 mm, 10 gauge = 3.416 mm, 7 gauge = 4.572 mm. These are per ASTM A480/A480M.
Why does the material choice matter for sheet weight?
Density varies significantly between metals. Steel (7,850 kg/m^3) is about 2.9 times denser than aluminum (2,700 kg/m^3). A steel sheet and an aluminum sheet of identical dimensions will differ in weight by that factor.
How do I convert the weight result to pounds per square foot?
Weight per sq ft (lb/ft^2) = thickness (inches) x density (lb/in^3). For steel (0.2836 lb/in^3): a 0.060-inch sheet weighs 0.060 x 0.2836 = 0.0170 lb/in^2 = 2.45 lb/ft^2. Alternatively, multiply the kg/m^2 result by 0.2048.
Official sources
- ASTM International: ASTM A480/A480M General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip.
- ASM International: ASM Metals Handbook, Desk Edition.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.