Size to Weight Calculator
Estimate how much something weighs from its size. Pick a box or cylinder shape, enter the dimensions in inches, feet, or yards, choose a material (or type your own density in lb/ft³), and get the total weight in pounds and tons, the volume in cubic feet, weight per item, and cost — with a weight-by-material comparison and a downloadable PDF.
| Material | Density | Weight | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter a size to compare materials | |||
| Items | Total weight | Tons | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter a size to compare | |||
Size to Weight Calculator — Complete Guide for 2026
How much does that concrete slab weigh? Will a truck bed handle a load of gravel? Can two people lift a steel plate, or do you need equipment? Before you lift, haul, ship, or design for a load, you need a weight — and when there is no scale handy, you can estimate it from size and material. Every object’s weight is simply its volume multiplied by its density.
Our free Size to Weight Calculator handles five shapes — rectangular box, cylinder, pipe or tube, sphere, and cone — with a separate inch, foot, or yard unit for each dimension. Choose from 15 materials, from pine at 30 lb/ft³ to copper at 559 lb/ft³, or type a custom density. It returns total weight in pounds, short tons, kilograms, and metric tonnes, the volume, weight per item, and an optional cost, with a weight-by-material table, a table by number of items, a chart, and a downloadable PDF.
How to Use the Size to Weight Calculator in 4 Steps
A complete estimate takes under a minute. Pick a shape, enter its dimensions as measured, choose a material or density, and download a PDF for a delivery, lift plan, or quote.
Choose a Shape & Enter Its Size
Select Rectangular box (slabs, blocks, boards, plates), Cylinder (rods, piers, tanks), Pipe / tube (outer diameter, wall thickness, length), Sphere (diameter), or Cone (piles and funnels). The fields relabel for each shape. Enter each dimension in inches, feet, or yards, and set the number of items.
Pick a Material or Density
Choose from 15 materials — concrete, water, gravel, sand, topsoil, asphalt, brick, limestone, steel, aluminum, copper, pine, oak, glass, and ice. The density field fills in automatically in lb/ft³. For anything else, type a density from a spec sheet; the selector switches to Custom.
Add a Price (Optional)
Enter a price and choose per ton or per pound. Bulk materials like gravel, sand, and asphalt are usually priced per short ton (2,000 lb); metals and packaged goods are often priced per pound. Leave the price at 0 to skip the cost estimate.
Review & Download the Report
The hero result shows total weight in pounds. Cards add volume, weight per item, and short tons; the summary adds kilograms, metric tonnes, and cost. The weight-by-material table and chart show what the same size weighs in 11 materials, and the items table scales from 1 to 10 items. Click Download report for a branded PDF.
Weight = Volume × Density — and the Five Shape Formulas
Density is how much a material weighs per unit of volume. In US construction and shipping it is usually given in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³). Water is the familiar benchmark at about 62.4 lb/ft³; normal concrete is roughly 2.4 times as heavy at about 150 lb/ft³; steel is nearly 8 times as heavy at about 490 lb/ft³; and pine floats at around 30 lb/ft³. Once you know an object’s volume in cubic feet, multiplying by its density gives its weight in pounds.
Volume depends on the shape, and every dimension must be in the same unit first — the calculator converts inches (÷ 12) and yards (× 3) to feet automatically. It then uses the standard formula for each shape:
- Rectangular box: length × width × height. Slabs, blocks, boards, plates, and beams.
- Cylinder: π ÷ 4 × diameter² × height. Solid rods, round piers, columns, and tanks full of liquid.
- Pipe / tube: π ÷ 4 × (outer diameter² − inner diameter²) × length, where inner diameter = outer diameter − 2 × wall thickness. Only the wall has weight.
- Sphere: π ÷ 6 × diameter³. Balls, round stones, and spherical tanks.
- Cone: π ÷ 12 × diameter² × height — exactly one third of the matching cylinder. A good model for a stockpile of gravel, sand, or mulch.
Solid materials versus bulk piles
A cubic foot of solid limestone weighs about 165 lb, but a cubic foot of loose gravel weighs only about 105 lb, because a pile is part air. That is why the calculator lists gravel as “loose” and sand as “dry”: bulk densities depend on particle size, moisture, and compaction. Wet material is heavier; compacted material packs more mass into the same space. For loads that matter, a supplier’s scale ticket or a spec-sheet density is always better than a typical value.
What the Size to Weight Calculator Calculates
Every output comes from the same shape, dimensions, item count, and density, so pounds, tons, kilograms, volume, and cost always agree with each other and with the tables and chart.
Total Weight in Pounds (Hero Result)
Total volume × density, rounded to the nearest pound. At the default inputs — a 4 ft × 3 ft × 6 in concrete slab at 150 lb/ft³ — the result is 900 lb. The hero line also summarizes the material, dimensions, volume, and tons.
Volume & Weight per Item
Volume per item and total volume in cubic feet, plus the weight of a single item — useful when you know one piece has to be lifted by hand while the full order goes on a truck. Defaults: 6.00 ft³ and 900 lb per item.
Short Tons, Kilograms & Metric Tonnes
Short tons (lb ÷ 2,000) for trucking, quarries, and scrap; kilograms (lb × 0.45359237) and metric tonnes (kg ÷ 1,000) for international specs and equipment ratings. Defaults: 0.45 short tons, 408 kg, 0.41 t.
Estimated Cost
Total pounds × price per pound, or total pounds ÷ 2,000 × price per ton. For example, 5 short tons of gravel at $40 per ton is $200, and 327 lb of steel plate at $1 per pound is $327. Cost is optional and shows a dash when the price is 0.
Material & Items Tables + Chart
The weight-by-material table shows what your exact size would weigh in 11 materials — concrete, gravel, sand, topsoil, brick, limestone, steel, aluminum, pine, oak, and water — with density and tons. The items table shows total weight, tons, and cost for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 items, and the bar chart compares weight by material.
PDF Report
The PDF includes a branded header, the total weight, a shape-and-results table, the weight-by-material table, the items table, and a safety note — ready to attach to a delivery order, lift plan, shipping quote, or project file.
Size to Weight Chart — Common Items
Weights below use the calculator’s typical densities. Highlighted rows mark common construction items. Real weights vary with grade, moisture, and manufacturing, so treat these as estimates.
| Item & Size | Material | Volume | Weight | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick, 7⅝ × 3⅝ × 2¼ in (solid) | Brick, 120 lb/ft³ | 0.036 ft³ | 4.3 lb | 2.0 kg |
| 2×4 stud, 1½ × 3½ in × 8 ft | Pine, 30 lb/ft³ | 0.29 ft³ | 8.8 lb | 4.0 kg |
| Oak board, 1 × 6 in × 8 ft | Oak, 45 lb/ft³ | 0.33 ft³ | 15.0 lb | 6.8 kg |
| Aluminum sheet, 4 × 8 ft × ⅛ in | Aluminum, 169 lb/ft³ | 0.33 ft³ | 56.3 lb | 25.6 kg |
| 1 cubic foot of water | Water, 62.4 lb/ft³ | 1.00 ft³ | 62.4 lb | 28.3 kg |
| Steel pipe, 4.5 in OD × 0.237 in wall × 20 ft | Steel, 490 lb/ft³ | 0.44 ft³ | 216 lb | 98 kg |
| Steel plate, 4 × 8 ft × ¼ in | Steel, 490 lb/ft³ | 0.67 ft³ | 327 lb | 148 kg |
| Round pier, 12 in dia × 4 ft | Concrete, 150 lb/ft³ | 3.14 ft³ | 471 lb | 214 kg |
| Slab, 4 × 3 ft × 6 in | Concrete, 150 lb/ft³ | 6.00 ft³ | 900 lb | 408 kg |
| Block, 2 × 2 × 2 ft | Limestone, 165 lb/ft³ | 8.00 ft³ | 1,320 lb | 599 kg |
| Water tank, 3 ft dia × 5 ft (full) | Water, 62.4 lb/ft³ | 35.3 ft³ | 2,205 lb | 1,000 kg |
| Patio slab, 10 × 10 ft × 4 in | Concrete, 150 lb/ft³ | 33.3 ft³ | 5,000 lb | 2,268 kg |
| Gravel pile (cone), 10 ft dia × 4 ft high | Gravel, 105 lb/ft³ | 104.7 ft³ | 10,996 lb | 4,988 kg |
Estimates only. Hollow, cored, or reinforced products, lumber moisture content, and bulk compaction all change real weights. Confirm with a scale or manufacturer data before lifting or loading.
Size to Weight — Material Densities and Unit Conversions
The table on the left lists the calculator’s preset densities in the three units you’re most likely to see: pounds per cubic foot, pounds per cubic yard (how bulk materials are often sold), and kilograms per cubic meter (metric spec sheets). The table on the right collects the conversion factors for density and weight.
| Material | lb/ft³ · lb/yd³ | kg/m³ |
|---|---|---|
| Pine / softwood | 30 · 810 | 481 |
| Oak / hardwood | 45 · 1,215 | 721 |
| Ice | 57 · 1,539 | 913 |
| Water | 62.4 · 1,685 | 1,000 |
| Topsoil | 80 · 2,160 | 1,281 |
| Sand (dry) | 100 · 2,700 | 1,602 |
| Gravel (loose) | 105 · 2,835 | 1,682 |
| Brick | 120 · 3,240 | 1,922 |
| Asphalt | 145 · 3,915 | 2,323 |
| Concrete | 150 · 4,050 | 2,403 |
| Glass | 160 · 4,320 | 2,563 |
| Limestone | 165 · 4,455 | 2,643 |
| Aluminum | 169 · 4,563 | 2,707 |
| Steel | 490 · 13,230 | 7,849 |
| Copper | 559 · 15,093 | 8,954 |
| From | To | Multiply by |
|---|---|---|
| lb/ft³ | lb/yd³ | 27 |
| lb/ft³ | kg/m³ | 16.018 |
| lb/ft³ | g/cm³ | ÷ 62.43 |
| lb/in³ | lb/ft³ | 1,728 |
| lb | kg | 0.45359237 |
| lb | short tons | ÷ 2,000 |
| kg | metric tonnes | ÷ 1,000 |
| short ton | metric tonne | 0.9072 |
| ft³ of water | US gallons | 7.48 |
Size to Weight — Key Numbers
The Size to Weight Calculator Is Built For You If…
Whether you’re moving an old concrete slab, ordering steel, planning a delivery, or checking what a tank or stockpile weighs, this calculator turns dimensions into a weight estimate in seconds.
Homeowners & DIY Builders
Hauling, demolition & moving heavy itemsBefore you break up an old patio, haul stone in a pickup, or set a water tank on a deck, you need to know the weight. A 10 × 10 ft patio slab at 4 inches is about 5,000 lb of concrete — several trips for most trucks. A full 264-gallon water tank weighs over a ton.
- Compare total weight against your vehicle’s rated payload
- Use weight per item to decide whether a piece can be lifted by hand
- Use the cone shape to estimate a delivered pile of gravel or soil
- Check that decks and floors can support full tanks or planters
Contractors, Fabricators & Estimators
Steel, concrete, lifts & quotesMaterial weight drives crane and forklift selection, delivery planning, and pricing for materials sold by the pound or ton. A fabricator can weigh a 4 × 8 ft steel plate or a run of pipe; a concrete contractor can estimate the weight of precast pieces before a lift. The items table scales one piece to a full order.
- Use a spec-sheet density for specific alloys, mixes, and grades
- Use the pipe shape for hollow tube, not a solid cylinder
- Price metals per pound and bulk aggregates per ton
- Attach the PDF to lift plans, delivery orders, and quotes
Shippers, Landscapers & Property Managers
Freight, stockpiles & loadsFreight quotes, truck loads, and equipment ratings all depend on weight. Landscapers can estimate a stockpile of gravel, sand, or topsoil from its size; shippers can estimate crated stone or metal; property managers can check the load of a rooftop tank or planter before approving it.
- Model stockpiles as cones: diameter and height of the pile
- Report kilograms and metric tonnes for international freight
- Include packaging and pallets separately from material weight
- Use a scale ticket for billing-grade weights
7 Tips for Accurate Weight Estimates
The geometry is exact; the density and the shape you choose are where estimates go wrong. These tips help you get a realistic number — and use it safely.
Use the Actual Dimensions, Not the Nominal Size
A “2×4” is really about 1½ × 3½ inches, and many products have nominal sizes that differ from their true dimensions. Measure the real piece, or use the manufacturer’s actual dimensions, for an accurate volume.
Pick the Shape That Matches the Solid Material
Use Pipe / tube for anything hollow — a solid cylinder of the same size would overstate the weight many times over. For hollow or cored products like concrete block or cored brick, use a manufacturer weight or reduce the density to reflect the voids.
Use a Spec-Sheet Density When It Matters
Preset densities are typical values. Alloys, concrete mixes, stone types, and wood species vary. When a lift, a structural load, or billing depends on the number, type the density from the manufacturer’s data sheet into the density field.
Remember Moisture and Compaction
Wet sand, soil, and gravel weigh noticeably more than dry, and freshly cut or green lumber is much heavier than kiln-dried. Compacted material is heavier than loose. When in doubt, estimate on the high side for hauling and lifting.
Model Stockpiles as Cones
A delivered pile of gravel, sand, or mulch is close to a cone. Measure across the base for the diameter and estimate the height, then use the Cone shape. A cone holds exactly one third of a cylinder with the same base and height.
Check Payload and Lifting Limits With a Margin
Compare the total weight to your truck’s or trailer’s rated payload, and the single-item weight to what people or equipment can safely lift. Leave a safety margin — estimates can be off, and many injuries happen when a load is heavier than expected.
Keep Short Tons and Metric Tonnes Straight
A US short ton is 2,000 lb; a metric tonne is 1,000 kg, or about 2,205 lb — roughly 10% heavier. Quarry tickets and US trucking use short tons; international specs use tonnes. The calculator shows both so you can match whichever your supplier or carrier uses.
Size to Weight Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about estimating weight from size, common material densities, pipes and plates, water weight, and converting between units.
Multiply the volume by the material’s density: weight (lb) = volume (cubic feet) × density (lb per cubic foot). First convert every dimension to feet and find the volume with the right shape formula, such as length × width × height for a box.
For example, a concrete slab 4 ft × 3 ft × 6 in is 4 × 3 × 0.5 = 6 cubic feet, and 6 × 150 lb per cubic foot = 900 lb.
Normal-weight concrete is typically about 145 to 150 lb per cubic foot, and the calculator uses 150 lb per cubic foot. That is about 4,050 lb, or roughly 2 short tons, per cubic yard. A 10 ft × 10 ft slab 4 inches thick is 33.3 cubic feet and weighs about 5,000 lb.
Lightweight concrete mixes weigh less, so use a custom density if you know your mix.
Use the rectangular box shape with the plate’s length, width, and thickness, and steel at 490 lb per cubic foot. A 4 ft × 8 ft plate 1/4 inch thick is 4 × 8 × (0.25 ÷ 12) = 0.667 cubic feet, which weighs about 327 lb.
A handy rule: steel plate weighs about 40.8 lb per square foot for every inch of thickness.
Find the volume of the wall by subtracting the inner circle from the outer circle and multiplying by the length: volume = π ÷ 4 × (outer diameter² − inner diameter²) × length, where the inner diameter is the outer diameter minus twice the wall thickness. Then multiply by density.
A steel pipe with a 4.5 in outer diameter and 0.237 in wall weighs about 10.8 lb per foot, or about 216 lb for a 20 ft length. The calculator’s Pipe / tube shape does this for you.
Water weighs about 62.4 lb per cubic foot. A cubic foot holds about 7.48 US gallons, so a gallon of water weighs about 8.34 lb.
For example, a cylindrical tank 3 ft in diameter and 5 ft tall holds about 35.3 cubic feet, or about 264 gallons, and the water in it weighs about 2,205 lb.
Loose bulk materials contain air gaps between particles, so a cubic foot of a gravel pile holds less rock than a cubic foot of solid stone. That is why the calculator uses about 105 lb per cubic foot for loose gravel and 100 for dry sand, compared with about 165 for solid limestone.
Moisture adds weight, and compaction reduces the gaps, so wet or compacted material weighs more.
Multiply pounds per cubic foot by 27 to get pounds per cubic yard, by 16.018 to get kilograms per cubic meter, and divide by 62.43 to get grams per cubic centimeter (specific gravity relative to water).
For example, steel at 490 lb per cubic foot is about 13,230 lb per cubic yard, 7,849 kg per cubic meter, or 7.85 g per cubic centimeter.
The geometry is exact: each dimension is converted to feet, the volume is found with the standard formula for the chosen shape, and weight = volume × density, with 1 short ton = 2,000 lb and 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg exactly.
The accuracy of the result depends on the density. Preset densities are typical values that vary with grade, alloy, moisture, species, and how loose or compacted a material is, so use a spec-sheet density when precision matters and confirm weights before lifting, loading, or shipping.
Accuracy note: The HomeExpertly Size to Weight Calculator converts each dimension to feet using 1 in = 1/12 ft and 1 yd = 3 ft, calculates volume with standard formulas (box L × W × H; cylinder π ÷ 4 × d² × H; pipe π ÷ 4 × (OD² − ID²) × L; sphere π ÷ 6 × d³; cone π ÷ 12 × d² × H), multiplies by the number of items, and applies weight = volume × density. Conversions use 1 short ton = 2,000 lb and 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg (exact). Preset densities are typical values and vary with grade, alloy, mix design, species, moisture content, voids, and compaction; hollow, cored, or reinforced products may differ significantly. Cost estimates depend entirely on the price you enter. Results are for informational and planning purposes only and are not a substitute for a scale weight, manufacturer data, or an engineer’s calculation. Always confirm weights before lifting, rigging, loading, shipping, or placing loads on a structure, stay within rated equipment and vehicle limits, and consult a qualified professional for structural or lifting decisions. HomeExpertly is not responsible for any consequences arising from the use of these estimates.