To calculate the weight of a steel plate, you need to answer a number of questions. First, what kind of steel do you work with? One of the most important variables in any steel plate weight calculation is its density. When calculating the weight of a steel plate, you can generally group steel plates into three categories by their density:carbon steel plateInstainless steel, from 300-series to 400-series.
The density of different grades of steel sheet depends primarily on its chemical composition, which varies by sufficiently small percentages between grades that it does not affect the overall density. For example, if you are working with mild steel, you can safely assume a density of 490 pounds/cubic foot (imperial) or 7.85 tons/cubic meter (metric), whether you are working with A36 or A588.
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Second, you need to know the dimensions of the board, including length (L), width (W), and thickness (T). If you multiply the length, width and thickness of the plate, you arrive at the volume. If you're doing an imperial calculation, it would be cubic feet; with a metric calculation it would be cubic meters.
That is it! To calculate the weight of a steel plate, you only need four pieces of information:
- thickness
- length
- width
- thickness
It is important to note that any calculations you make using standard steel-to-metal calculators online, or do yourself using these numbers, should be considered estimates.They are calculated with nominal dimensions and standardized densities. In practice, the actual metal weight may differ significantly from the estimated weight due to variations in tolerance and composition observed during production.
Calculation of the weight of carbon steel plate
To calculate the weight ofcarbon steel plate, you need to know the thickness, width, length and quantity. The typical density for carbon steel plate is 0.284 pounds per cubic inch (490 pounds/cubic feet) (imperial) or 7.85 tons/cubic feet (metric).
Depending on the grade, Kloeckner Metals typically supplies steel sheet in widths of 48″, 60″, 72″, 84″, 96″ and lengths from 240″ to 480″ as the mill roll (any length can be supplied when the sheet is cut to length , rolled or hot rolled). Thickness is also very variable depending on grade, but Kloeckner, for example, offers A36 in thicknesses from 3/16″ all the way up to 12″!
So to calculate the weight of an A36 discrete rolled sheet that is 48" wide, 96" long, 3/8" or 0.1875" thick, you would calculate:
- Width * Length * Thickness * Density = Weight
- 48″ * 96″ * .1875″ * 0,284 lb/in3= 245 pond.
Note that it is always good practice to standardize units in any calculation. Kloeckner Metal also offers an easy onecalculator for carbon steel platesto make the calculation instantaneous.
Calculation of the weight of stainless steel plate (300 series)
To calculate the weight of the 300 series stainless steel plate, you also need to know the width, length, thickness and quantity. The density of 300 series stainless steel is 0.289 pounds per cubic inch (501 pounds/cubic inch) (imperial) or 7.85 grams per cubic inch. centimeter cubed (metric).
Kloeckner Metals supplies stainless steel in grades 304 and 304L in hot rolled, annealed and pickled finishes. 304 and 304 are the most commonly specified stainless steel grades in the manufacturing industry. They are versatile general purpose stainless steels due to their good corrosion resistance and formability.
Typical thicknesses of 304 and 304L stainless steel are 3/16″, typical widths 48″ and 60″, and typical lengths 96″ and 120″. So to calculate the weight of a 304L stainless steel sheet belt mill that is 48" wide, 96" long, and 3/16" or 0.1875" thick, you would calculate:
- Width * Length * Thickness * Density = Weight
- 48″ * 96″ * .1875″ * 0,289 lb/in3= 250 pond.
Kloeckner Metal also offers an easy onestainless steel plate (300 series) calculatorto make the calculation instantaneous.
Calculation of the weight of stainless steel plate (400 series)
The calculation for 400 series stainless steel plate is the same as the rest, only with a density of 0.28 pounds per cubic inch (484 pounds/cubic foot) (imperial) or 7.8 grams per cubic centimeter (metric).
Kloeckner Metals supplies the 409 stainless steel 400 series in the hot rolled, annealed and pickled finish. Compared with carbon steel, 409 stainless steel has good resistance to oxidation and corrosion. It is often found in automotive exhaust systems, but due to its good weldability, formability and corrosion resistance, it is used in a variety of applications.
Kloeckner Metal also offers an easy onestainless steel plate (400 series) calculatorto make the calculation instantaneous.
The effect of density on the weight of a steel plate
As you can see, other things being equal, density is the secret ingredient that determines the weight of a steel plate. Fortunately, the densities are so consistent that you can use one number for whole types of sheet metal. This simple calculation of length * width * thickness * density is all you need for accurate napkin backing calculations for your next project.
If you're looking for a partner in carbon and stainless steel plates, look no further than Kloeckner Metals, a nationwide supplier of high-quality plates routinely stocked in a variety of grades and sizes. We offer customized supply chain solutions, fast turnaround time and superior customer service. Contact us today for a quote.
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Kloeckner Metals is a complete steel supplier and service center. Kloeckner Metals combines a national footprint with the latest production and processing technologies and the most innovative customer service solutions.
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