Calculator
Formula used
1) Area of round wire: A = π·(d/2)²
2) Volume: V = A·L
3) Mass (weight): m = ρ·V
4) Total with quantity and scrap: mtotal = m·qty·(1 + scrap/100)
Optional temperature adjustment: density is reduced using volumetric expansion, approximately ρ(T)=ρ(20°C)/(1+3·α·(T−20°C)).
How to use this calculator
- Pick an input method: diameter or AWG.
- Enter wire diameter (or select an AWG size).
- Enter length and choose the correct unit.
- Add quantity and scrap allowance if needed.
- Keep density as default, or set your material value.
- Enable temperature correction only for hot conditions.
- Click Calculate to see results above the form.
- Use the CSV/PDF buttons to export the output.
Example data table
| Diameter (mm) | Length (m) | Quantity | Scrap (%) | Estimated weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 100 | 1 | 0 | 0.703 |
| 2.00 | 50 | 1 | 0 | 1.408 |
| 4.00 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1.126 |
| AWG 12 (≈2.053 mm) | 30 | 2 | 3 | 1.832 |
| AWG 20 (≈0.812 mm) | 200 | 1 | 5 | 0.974 |
Examples assume density 8.96 g/cm³ near 20°C and round solid wire.
Notes
- Stranded conductors may have air gaps; real weight can be slightly lower.
- Coatings, tinning, or oxidation are not included in this estimate.
- For high precision, measure diameter with a caliper and use your vendor’s density spec.
Bare copper wire weight guide
1) Why wire weight matters
Copper is heavy for its size, so weight planning helps with shipping quotes, reel handling, and structural support. A small change in diameter causes a big change in mass because area scales with the square of diameter. Knowing expected weight also helps verify supplier specs and reduce scrap.
2) Inputs that control the result
This calculator uses wire diameter or AWG, total length, quantity, and an optional scrap allowance. Length can be entered in meters, centimeters, millimeters, feet, or inches. Quantity multiplies the mass for repeated cuts, and scrap adds a percentage buffer for trimming, lugs, and offcuts.
3) Copper density data
Typical density for pure copper near 20°C is about 8.96 g/cm³ (which equals 8960 kg/m³). If your conductor is alloyed, tinned, or specified by a manufacturer with a different density, enter that value. A few percent change in density creates the same percent change in weight.
4) Diameter versus AWG selection
Diameter is the most direct input when you can measure the bare conductor with a caliper. AWG is convenient when you only know the gauge. The built‑in AWG option converts gauge to an equivalent solid diameter, then uses the same area and volume calculations for the final weight estimate.
5) Example weights per meter
Using 8.96 g/cm³ at 20°C for solid round copper, approximate weights are: 1.00 mm ≈ 0.00704 kg/m, 2.00 mm ≈ 0.02815 kg/m, and 4.00 mm ≈ 0.11259 kg/m. For gauges: AWG 12 (≈2.053 mm) ≈ 0.02966 kg/m, and AWG 20 (≈0.8128 mm) ≈ 0.00465 kg/m.
6) Scrap allowance and planning
Real installations rarely use the exact theoretical cut length. Add a small allowance for routing, bend radius, terminations, and mistakes. For panel wiring, 2–5% is common; for field pulls with uncertainty, 5–10% may be safer. The calculator applies scrap after quantity so the buffer scales correctly.
7) Temperature correction notes
As temperature rises, copper expands slightly, increasing volume and reducing density for the same mass. The temperature option applies a simple volumetric expansion model using a linear expansion coefficient (often 16–17 µm/m/°C). The change is usually small, but it can matter for long lengths or tight tolerances.
8) Tips for better accuracy
Measure the conductor where it is round and free of nicks. For stranded wire, consider using the manufacturer’s cross‑sectional area or a measured overall diameter if the strand packing is tight. If you weigh a short sample, you can calibrate density or confirm your input diameter before estimating a full reel.
FAQs
1) Does this include insulation or jacket weight?
No. This tool estimates bare conductor mass only. If you need total cable weight, add the insulation/jacket mass from the cable datasheet or weigh a known length and scale it to your required length.
2) Can I use it for stranded copper wire?
Yes, as an estimate. Stranded conductors may contain air gaps, so true weight can be slightly lower than a solid‑equivalent diameter. For best results, use the manufacturer’s stated conductor area or measured mass per length.
3) Which input is more accurate, diameter or AWG?
Diameter is usually more accurate when measured on the actual conductor. AWG is great when you only know the gauge, but real products can vary slightly due to stranding, tolerances, or plating.
4) Why can I change the density value?
Not all “copper” conductors are identical. Alloying, purity, or plating can change effective density. If your datasheet lists a different density, entering it here makes the weight estimate match that specification.
5) When should I enable temperature correction?
Enable it for long runs exposed to high heat, or when comparing weights across different operating temperatures. For typical room‑temperature planning, the default density at 20°C is usually sufficient.
6) What scrap percentage should I use?
Use 0% for lab or exact cut lengths. Use 2–5% for shop builds and panel wiring, and 5–10% for site work or uncertain routing. Increase it if you expect multiple terminations or rework.
7) Can this help estimate cost?
Yes. Once you have total weight, multiply by your supplier’s price per kilogram or pound. If pricing is per meter, compare the calculated kg/m to convert between cost per length and cost per mass.