Calculator
Formula Used
1) Solid round wire area: A = π × d² ÷ 4
2) AWG diameter: d(mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36 - n) / 39)
3) Stranded wire area: A = strands × π × ds² ÷ 4
4) Volume per meter: V(cm³/m) = A(mm²)
5) Weight per meter: W(g/m) = A × density
6) Total weight: Total = W × length × (1 + waste% ÷ 100)
7) Resistance per meter: R = resistivity ÷ A
A useful shortcut is that one square millimeter of copper extended by one meter gives exactly one cubic centimeter of copper volume.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the input method that matches your available conductor data.
- Enter diameter, area, AWG, or stranded wire details.
- Provide the project length and choose its unit.
- Keep density at 8.96 g/cm³ unless you need a custom value.
- Add a waste percentage when procurement needs an extra allowance.
- Press Calculate Weight to show results above the form.
- Review weight per meter, total mass, volume, and resistance estimates.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save your results.
Example Data Table
Example values below assume solid round copper wire and density of 8.96 g/cm³.
| Diameter (mm) | Area (mm²) | Weight (g/m) | Weight (kg/100 m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.80 | 0.502655 | 4.503787 | 0.450379 |
| 1.00 | 0.785398 | 7.037168 | 0.703717 |
| 1.50 | 1.767146 | 15.833627 | 1.583363 |
| 2.00 | 3.141593 | 28.148670 | 2.814867 |
| 3.00 | 7.068583 | 63.334508 | 6.333451 |
FAQs
1. How does this calculator find copper weight per meter?
It first finds the metal cross-sectional area, converts that area into copper volume per meter, then multiplies by copper density. That gives grams per meter directly.
2. Why does volume per meter equal area in mm²?
Because 1 mm² of area stretched for 1 meter equals exactly 1 cm³ of volume. This makes copper weight calculations quick and reliable.
3. Can I calculate from AWG instead of diameter?
Yes. Choose the AWG method, select the gauge, and the calculator converts AWG into diameter and area automatically before calculating weight.
4. Does this result include insulation or cable jacket weight?
No. It estimates copper conductor weight only. Insulation, shielding, jacket materials, armor, and fillers must be added separately if needed.
5. Is the stranded wire result exact for all cable constructions?
It is a solid engineering estimate based on the metal area of all strands. Specialized stranding lay factors or compaction effects are not added automatically.
6. Why should I add a waste percentage?
Waste allowance helps procurement and installation planning. It covers cutting losses, routing changes, spare tails, and small handling overruns on site.
7. Does copper density ever change?
The standard value is usually enough for estimating. Small variations can appear from alloying, manufacturing tolerance, or temperature assumptions, so custom density is available.
8. Can I use this for cost and shipping estimates?
Yes. Weight per meter and total project weight are useful for quoting material cost, checking reel loading, planning transport, and comparing wire options.