Copper Wire Weight
Calculate copper wire weight for round, square, rectangular, and hexagonal wires. Pure copper and alloys supported with instant kg, g, lb, oz results, charts, and material breakdowns.
About This Calculator
The Copper Wire Weight Calculator helps electricians, engineers, manufacturers, and hobbyists determine the exact weight of copper wire in any shape or alloy. Whether you are estimating material costs for a wiring project, calculating shipping weights, or verifying copper content for recycling, this calculator provides instant and accurate results in multiple units simultaneously.
The calculator supports four wire shapes: round (circular cross-section), square, rectangular, and hexagonal. For each shape, the cross-sectional area is computed using the appropriate geometric formula. For a round wire, the area is calculated as A = π × (D/2)² where D is the diameter. For square wire, A = s². For rectangular wire, A = w × h. For hexagonal wire, A = (3√3/2) × s². The total weight is then Weight = Area × Length × Density.
Pure copper has a density of 8,960 kg/m³ (559 lb/ft³). Our calculator includes 12 common copper alloys including C11000 electrolytic tough pitch copper (pure copper), C26000 cartridge brass, C93200 bearing bronze, C71500 copper-nickel, and C95500 aluminum bronze. A custom density option is available for non-standard alloys. Results are displayed in kilograms, grams, pounds, and ounces along with cross-sectional area, volume, and weight per unit length.
Common Applications
Copper wire weight calculations are essential for electrical contractors estimating material requirements, manufacturers pricing copper components, scrap metal recyclers valuing copper content, aerospace engineers calculating weight budgets, and DIY enthusiasts working on custom wiring projects. The calculator is also useful for comparing different wire gauges and alloys to find the optimal balance between weight, conductivity, and cost.
Practical Examples
A standard 12 AWG (2.05 mm diameter) round pure copper wire weighs approximately 0.0295 kg per meter or 0.0198 lb per foot. A 4/0 AWG (11.68 mm diameter) copper wire used in heavy electrical service weighs about 0.957 kg per meter or 0.646 lb per foot. A 5 mm square pure copper bus bar weighs about 0.224 kg per meter. These values help in planning installations, determining support requirements, and estimating total project material costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the weight of a copper wire?
To calculate the weight of a copper wire, multiply the wire's cross-sectional area by its length and the density of copper (8960 kg/m³ for pure copper). For a round wire, use CWW = π × (D/2)² × L × ρ where D is diameter, L is length, and ρ is density. Our calculator handles round, square, rectangular, and hexagonal wires instantly.
How much does a foot of copper wire weigh?
A 12 AWG (2.05 mm diameter) pure copper wire weighs approximately 0.020 lb per foot (9.1 g/ft). A 4/0 AWG (11.68 mm diameter) copper wire weighs about 0.646 lb per foot (293 g/ft). Use our calculator to find the exact weight for your specific wire gauge, shape, and alloy.
What is the density of copper wire?
Pure copper has a density of 8,960 kg/m³ (559 lb/ft³ or 8.96 g/cm³). Copper alloys vary: yellow brass is about 8,470 kg/m³, bearing bronze is 8,860 kg/m³, and beryllium copper is 8,250 kg/m³. Our calculator includes 12 common copper alloys with their exact densities.
How do I find the weight of copper wire per meter?
Enter 1 meter in the length field of our calculator and select your wire shape, diameter, and alloy. The result will show the weight per meter directly. For example, a 2 mm diameter round pure copper wire weighs about 0.028 kg per meter (28 g/m).
Is copper heavier than steel wire?
Yes, copper is denser than steel. Copper has a density of 8,960 kg/m³ while steel is approximately 7,850 kg/m³. This means a copper wire of the same dimensions will weigh about 14% more than a steel wire. Copper's higher density contributes to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
What units does the copper wire weight calculator support?
The calculator supports millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), and inches (in) for diameter and side dimensions. Length can be entered in meters (m), feet (ft), centimeters (cm), or inches (in). Results are displayed in kilograms (kg), grams (g), pounds (lb), and ounces (oz) simultaneously.
What shapes of copper wire can I calculate?
Our calculator supports four wire shapes: round (circular cross-section), square, rectangular, and hexagonal. Each shape uses its own geometric formula to compute the cross-sectional area, which is then multiplied by length and density to determine the total weight.
How accurate is the copper wire weight calculator?
The calculator uses precise geometric formulas and verified material densities. Results are accurate to within ±0.1% for pure copper and standard alloys. For custom alloys, accuracy depends on the density value you enter. Always verify critical measurements with physical weighing for manufacturing applications.