Angle-Steel Weight and Cost Calculator
Enter the angle steel dimensions to instantly calculate the exact weight and material cost. Our calculator supports equal and unequal angles, and allows calculation of weight and cost for multiple pieces simultaneously.
Result
0.000 kg
Weight = (Leg A + Leg B - Thickness) × Thickness × Length × Density
Material Density Table - Reference Data
The table below presents detailed density values for various materials used for manufacturing angle steel and utilized in our calculator. Precise density values are key to obtaining accurate angle steel weight calculation results:
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Steel (carbon) | 7850 | Most popular construction material, high strength, good weldability |
| Stainless Steel | 7930 | Increased corrosion resistance, used in aggressive environments |
| Aluminum | 2700 | Lightweight metal, good corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio |
| Copper | 8930 | Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, used in installations |
| Brass | 8500 | Copper and zinc alloy, good machinability, corrosion resistance |
| Cast Iron | 7200 | High abrasion resistance, good vibration damping, limited weldability |
| Titanium | 4500 | Lightweight, very strong, exceptional resistance to corrosion and high temperatures |
The above density values are standard values for pure materials or typical alloys used in industry. In practice, depending on the exact alloy composition, heat treatment, or material quality, the density may vary slightly (usually by ±1-2%).
How is angle steel weight calculated? - Calculation Methodology
Our calculator uses precise mathematical formulas to calculate the weight of different types of angle steel. Depending on the selected angle type, appropriate formulas are used:
Equal Angles
The weight of an equal angle is calculated based on the formula:
Weight = (2 × a × t - t²) × L × ρ
where:
- a - leg length of the angle [m]
- t - thickness of the angle [m]
- L - length of the angle [m]
- ρ - material density [kg/m³]
Dimensions provided in millimeters are automatically converted to meters during calculations.
Unequal Angles
The weight of an unequal angle is calculated based on the formula:
Weight = (a × t + b × t - t²) × L × ρ
where:
- a - length of the first leg [m]
- b - length of the second leg [m]
- t - thickness of the angle [m]
- L - length of the angle [m]
- ρ - material density [kg/m³]
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Equal Steel Angle
Data:
- Leg length: 50 mm (0.05 m)
- Thickness: 5 mm (0.005 m)
- Angle length: 2000 mm (2 m)
- Material: plain steel (7850 kg/m³)
Calculation:
Weight = (2 × 0.05 × 0.005 - 0.005²) × 2 × 7850
Weight = (0.0005 - 0.000025) × 2 × 7850
Weight = 0.000475 × 2 × 7850
Weight = 7.46 kg
Example 2: Unequal Aluminum Angle
Data:
- First leg length: 60 mm (0.06 m)
- Second leg length: 40 mm (0.04 m)
- Thickness: 6 mm (0.006 m)
- Angle length: 3000 mm (3 m)
- Material: aluminum (2700 kg/m³)
Calculation:
Weight = (0.06 × 0.006 + 0.04 × 0.006 - 0.006²) × 3 × 2700
Weight = (0.00036 + 0.00024 - 0.000036) × 3 × 2700
Weight = 0.000564 × 3 × 2700
Weight = 4.57 kg
Applications of Angle Steel - Industries and Use Cases
Angle steel profiles are extremely versatile structural components used in many fields of industry and construction. Below are the main industries and application examples for angle steel:
Construction
In construction, angle steel serves as a basic structural element used for:
- Structural reinforcements - stiffening corners of frames and structures
- Brackets - supporting structural elements, shelves, handrails
- Facade substructures - mounting facade panels
- Installation grids - suspending technical installations
- Door and window frames - reinforcing openings
Metal Industry
In the metal industry, angle steel is used as:
- Frame and rack elements - for machines, equipment, and shelves
- Corner reinforcements - in metal structures, cabinets
- Connecting profiles - joining elements at a 90-degree angle
- Stiffeners - preventing structural deformation
- Cable tray elements - in electrical installations
Architecture and Furnishings
In architecture and interior design, angle steel is used as:
- Balustrade and railing elements - safety structures
- Furniture profiles - frames, bases, table legs
- Finishing strips - corner guards, skirting boards
- Decorative elements - in modern industrial design
- Shelf brackets - mounting elements on walls
Differences between Equal and Unequal Angles
Choosing the right type of angle steel depends on the specific application:
- Equal Angles - have legs of the same length, ensuring symmetrical load transfer. They are most commonly used in standard steel structures where loads are distributed evenly.
- Unequal Angles - have legs of different lengths, allowing for optimal use of space in areas with limited room. They are often used when one leg needs to be longer to provide a larger mounting surface.
Proper selection of the angle type is crucial for the safety and durability of the structure, so it is worth performing accurate calculations before starting the project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Comprehensive Information
We have gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions about angle steel and its weight calculations. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please contact us directly.
Standard dimensions of equal angles according to BS EN 10056-1 include:
- 20×20×3 mm - lightweight applications (furniture, small elements)
- 30×30×3 mm, 30×30×4 mm - medium applications
- 40×40×4 mm, 40×40×5 mm - standard structures
- 50×50×5 mm, 50×50×6 mm - industrial structures
- 60×60×6 mm, 60×60×8 mm - heavy structures
- 80×80×8 mm, 80×80×10 mm - highly loaded elements
- 100×100×10 mm, 100×100×12 mm - special structures
Dimensions are given in the order: leg width × leg width × thickness. Intermediate sizes and larger dimensions (e.g., 120×120×12 mm, 150×150×15 mm) are also available in many countries.
Popular dimensions of unequal angles according to BS EN 10056-1 include:
- 30×20×3 mm - lightweight applications
- 40×20×4 mm - small structural elements
- 45×30×4 mm - medium loads
- 60×40×5 mm - standard structural applications
- 65×50×6 mm - industrial structures
- 80×60×7 mm - highly loaded elements
- 100×65×8 mm - heavy structures
- 120×80×10 mm - special structures
Dimensions are given in the order: longer leg width × shorter leg width × thickness. Other dimension combinations are also available depending on the manufacturer and country.
Choosing the right angle steel depends on several key factors:
- Expected load - higher loads require angles with larger dimensions and thickness
- Type of application - determines whether an equal or unequal angle is needed
- Environmental conditions - dictate the choice of material (plain steel, stainless steel, aluminum)
- Connection method - welding requires consideration of material weldability
- Available space - limits the maximum dimensions of the angle
- Aesthetics - the appearance of the angle may be important in visible applications
For load-bearing structures, it is best to consult the choice with a structural engineer who will perform appropriate strength calculations and select the optimal profile.
For an angle with non-standard dimensions, you should:
- Calculate the cross-sectional area of the angle using the formula:
- For an equal angle: A = (2 × a × t - t²)
- For an unequal angle: A = (a × t + b × t - t²)
- Multiply the cross-sectional area by the length of the angle to get the volume
- Multiply the volume by the material density (kg/m³)
Our calculator automatically performs these calculations after entering the angle dimensions, material, and length.
Aluminum angles have several significant advantages compared to steel angles:
- Lower weight - aluminum has a density of about 2700 kg/m³, which is about 35% of the density of steel (7850 kg/m³)
- Better corrosion resistance - aluminum naturally forms an oxide layer that protects against corrosion
- Easier processing - aluminum is softer, making cutting and drilling easier
- Aesthetic appearance - natural silver color and possibility of anodizing
- Non-sparking - useful in explosion-hazard zones
On the other hand, steel angles have higher strength, better weldability, and are usually cheaper. The choice between aluminum and steel should consider the specific requirements of the project.
Example Applications of Angle Steel - Practical Solutions
Below are specific examples of using angle steel in various projects, along with weight calculations and selection of appropriate profiles:
Example 1: Advertising Frame
Scenario: An advertising company needs to build a lightweight frame for a 3×2 m banner.
Required data:
- Frame dimensions: 3000×2000 mm
- Selected angles: aluminum equal angles 30×30×3 mm
- Material: aluminum (2700 kg/m³)
Calculations:
- Total angle length: 2 × 3 m + 2 × 2 m = 10 m
- Cross-sectional area: (2 × 0.03 × 0.003 - 0.003²) = 0.000171 m²
- Volume: 0.000171 m² × 10 m = 0.00171 m³
- Weight: 0.00171 m³ × 2700 kg/m³ = 4.62 kg
Solution: Aluminum angles provide a lightweight structure (only 4.62 kg), easy to transport and assemble, with good resistance to weather conditions.
Example 2: Support Structure
Scenario: A production plant needs to make a support structure for heavy machinery.
Required data:
- Structure dimensions: 4 posts 1.2 m high
- Selected angles: steel equal angles 80×80×8 mm
- Material: structural steel (7850 kg/m³)
Calculations:
- Total angle length: 4 × 1.2 m = 4.8 m
- Cross-sectional area: (2 × 0.08 × 0.008 - 0.008²) = 0.001216 m²
- Volume: 0.001216 m² × 4.8 m = 0.005837 m³
- Weight: 0.005837 m³ × 7850 kg/m³ = 45.82 kg
Solution: Large steel angles provide high load capacity for the structure, necessary to support heavy machinery. Despite the significant weight (45.82 kg), the structure is solid and durable.