Metal Density Chart
Search Metal Density by Grade and Alloy
Search common metals and alloys by grade, category, or keyword. Switch between kg/m³, g/cm³ and lb/ft³, then click any row to copy the density for weight estimation, quotations and logistics planning.
| Material / Grade | Category | Selected Density | kg/m³ | g/cm³ | lb/ft³ |
|---|
- g/cm³ = kg/m³ ÷ 1000
- lb/ft³ ≈ kg/m³ × 0.06242796
- kg/m³ ≈ lb/ft³ ÷ 0.06242796
Metal Density: Quick Reference
Carbon steel is commonly estimated at about 7,850 kg/m³. Common austenitic stainless steels such as 304 and 316 are typically around 7,930–7,990 kg/m³.
Aluminum is much lighter at roughly 2,700 kg/m³, while copper is significantly heavier at approximately 8,960 kg/m³. Always use the specific alloy value when the exact grade is known.
Why Density Matters in Steel Purchasing, Logistics and Fabrication
Density connects a drawing or material specification to real-world weight and commercial cost. Once density is known, dimensions can be converted into estimated weight, freight loading, price-per-piece and material-handling requirements.
Freight & Container Loading
Better weight estimates help procurement teams plan container utilization and reduce the risk of unexpected overweight or handling issues.
Quotation & Budgeting
Convert dimensions into kilograms or metric tons so supplier quotations can be compared using consistent assumptions.
Processing Planning
Weight estimates help with coil length, slit-coil weight, cut-to-length planning and downstream handling.
Material Verification
Density can provide a rough plausibility check when comparing material families, although it should not be used as a substitute for grade identification or material certification.
How to Use This Metal Density Chart
- Search by grade, alloy or material name, such as 304, 316L, 2205, 6061 or Copper.
- Filter by material category if you only want stainless steel, aluminum, nickel alloys or another family.
- Switch units between kg/m³, g/cm³ and lb/ft³.
- Click a row to copy the selected density into a spreadsheet, calculator or quotation worksheet.
- Continue to weight calculation once you know dimensions and density.
Common Metal Densities at a Glance
Values below are typical planning references. Small variations can occur due to alloy chemistry, temperature and material specification.
Stainless Steel
- 201: ~7,700 kg/m³
- 304 / 304L: ~7,930 kg/m³
- 316 / 316L: ~7,990 kg/m³
- 321: ~7,920 kg/m³
- 310S: ~7,900 kg/m³
- 904L: ~8,000 kg/m³
- 410: ~7,750 kg/m³
- 420 / 430: ~7,700 kg/m³
- 17-4PH: ~7,750 kg/m³
Related: Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate and Stainless Steel Strip & Coil .
Other Common Metals
- Duplex 2205: ~7,800 kg/m³
- Super Duplex 2507: ~7,820 kg/m³
- Carbon steel: ~7,850 kg/m³
- Aluminum 6061 / 6063: ~2,700 kg/m³
- Copper: ~8,960 kg/m³
- Titanium Grade 2: ~4,510 kg/m³
- Inconel 625: ~8,440 kg/m³
- Tungsten: ~19,300 kg/m³
Browse more tools in the LYH Steel Calculators Hub .
Density Unit Conversions and Weight Formula
Metric Weight
Weight (kg)
= Density (kg/m³) × Volume (m³)
For rectangular sheet or plate:
Volume = Length × Width × Thickness
Convert millimeters to meters before using kg/m³ density values.
Density Conversions
- g/cm³ = kg/m³ ÷ 1000
- lb/ft³ ≈ kg/m³ × 0.06242796
- kg/m³ ≈ lb/ft³ ÷ 0.06242796
Common Metal Density Comparison
| Material | kg/m³ | g/cm³ | lb/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 304 | 7,930 | 7.930 | 495.1 |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 7,990 | 7.990 | 498.8 |
| Duplex 2205 | 7,800 | 7.800 | 486.9 |
| Carbon Steel | 7,850 | 7.850 | 490.1 |
| Aluminum 6061 | 2,700 | 2.700 | 168.6 |
| Copper | 8,960 | 8.960 | 559.4 |
| Titanium Grade 2 | 4,510 | 4.510 | 281.6 |
FAQs About Metal Density
Why does density vary between stainless steel grades?
Stainless grades contain different proportions of iron, chromium, nickel, molybdenum and other alloying elements. These chemistry differences change density slightly. Common austenitic grades such as 304 and 316 are generally around 7.9–8.0 g/cm³, while many ferritic and martensitic grades are closer to roughly 7.7–7.8 g/cm³.
Can metal density change with temperature?
Yes. Thermal expansion changes material volume, so density changes slightly with temperature. For normal purchasing and logistics calculations, room-temperature reference values are typically sufficient.
Which density should I use if the exact grade is unknown?
Use a clearly stated planning assumption—for example approximately 7,850 kg/m³ for carbon steel—then replace it with the specific alloy value when the actual grade is confirmed.
How do I calculate metal weight from density?
Calculate the material volume from its dimensions, then multiply volume by density. You can also use the LYH Steel Metal Weight Calculator to automate the calculation.
How do I go from metal density to price per piece?
First convert dimensions into volume, then multiply by density to calculate weight per piece. After that, apply the material's price-per-ton basis. Use the Ton to Piece Price Calculator to complete the commercial calculation.
Is density enough to identify an unknown metal grade?
No. Density can help distinguish very different material families, but many steel grades have similar densities. Grade identification should rely on the relevant material specification, traceability documents, chemistry testing or other appropriate verification methods.
Related LYH Steel Resources
More resources: Knowledge Center · News · Export News
From Density Calculation to Steel Procurement
LYH Steel supports international buyers with stainless steel sheet, plate, coil and strip sourcing together with processing, inspection and export support. Use the density chart for preliminary calculations, then send the final grade, dimensions, quantity, finish and destination when requesting a quotation.