U-Channel Weight and Cost Calculator
Enter the U-channel dimensions to instantly calculate the exact weight and material cost. Our calculator allows for calculating weight and cost for multiple pieces simultaneously.
Result
0.000 kg
Weight = (h × s + 2 × b × t - 2 × s × t) × Length × Density
How to use the U-channel calculator?
Select a standard profile or enter custom dimensions
From the dropdown list, select a standard U-channel profile or enter your own custom dimensions. For custom dimensions, provide height, flange width, web thickness, and flange thickness.
Select material
From the dropdown list, select the material the U-channel is made of. Options include: plain steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, or enter your own material density.
Enter U-channel length
Enter the length of the U-channel in millimeters.
Enter quantity and price
If you are calculating the weight for multiple identical U-channels, enter the appropriate quantity. The default value is 1.
Optionally, you can enter the price per kilogram of the material to calculate the total cost.
Calculate the result
Click the "Calculate Weight and Cost" button to get the result. The calculator will automatically display the weight in kilograms and the cost (if price is provided) for all specified pieces.
You can copy the result to the clipboard by clicking the "Copy Result" button.
Material Density Table
The table below shows standard density values for the most commonly used materials. In practice, depending on the exact alloy composition, these values may vary slightly.
| Material | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|
| Plain Steel | 7850 |
| Stainless Steel | 7930 |
| Aluminum | 2700 |
| Copper | 8930 |
| Brass | 8500 |
| Cast Iron | 7200 |
| Lead | 11340 |
| Zinc | 7140 |
How is U-channel weight calculated?
U-channel weight formula
The weight of a U-channel is calculated using the following formula:
Weight = (h × s + 2 × b × t - 2 × s × t) × L × ρ
where:
- h - U-channel height [m]
- s - web thickness [m]
- b - flange width [m]
- t - flange thickness [m]
- L - U-channel length [m]
- ρ - material density [kg/m³]
Dimensions provided in millimeters are automatically converted to meters during calculations.
Calculation Example
Let's calculate the weight of a steel U-channel with dimensions:
- Height (h): 100 mm
- Flange width (b): 50 mm
- Web thickness (s): 5 mm
- Flange thickness (t): 8 mm
- Length (L): 2000 mm
- Material: plain steel (ρ = 7850 kg/m³)
Converting dimensions to meters:
- h = 100/1000 = 0.1 m
- b = 50/1000 = 0.05 m
- s = 5/1000 = 0.005 m
- t = 8/1000 = 0.008 m
- L = 2000/1000 = 2 m
Calculating cross-sectional area:
A = (h × s + 2 × b × t - 2 × s × t)
A = (0.1 × 0.005 + 2 × 0.05 × 0.008 - 2 × 0.005 × 0.008)
A = (0.0005 + 0.0008 - 0.00008)
A = 0.00122 m²
Calculating weight:
Weight = A × L × ρ
Weight = 0.00122 × 2 × 7850
Weight = 19.15 kg
U-channel Applications - Industries and Use Cases
U-channels are versatile structural profiles used in many fields of industry and construction. Below are the main areas of U-channel application:
Construction
In construction, U-channels play a key role as:
- Load-bearing elements - beams, lintels, joists
- Support structures - brackets, consoles, reinforcements
- Substructures - facades, elevations, roof coverings
- Frames - door and window frames
- Connecting elements - connections for beams, columns, and purlins
Industry
In industry, U-channels are used for building:
- Machine structures - frames, bodies, bases
- Conveyor systems - tracks, guides
- Industrial racking - shelves, platforms, mezzanines
- Transport systems - carts, ramps, platforms
- Hall structures - walls, roofs, reinforcements
Transport
In the transport industry, U-channels are used in the production of:
- Commercial vehicles - body frames, reinforcements
- Trailers and semi-trailers - load-bearing structures, chassis
- Containers - skeletons, corner reinforcements
- Transport infrastructure - railings, safety barriers
- Rail transport vehicles - wagon elements, platforms
Specific applications by U-channel type
Standard U-channels (C/UPE)
Load-bearing and support structures, beams, lintels, elements of industrial halls, structural reinforcements
Economic U-channels (CE/UPN)
Lighter structures, less loaded elements, shelving systems, supports for finishing elements
Cold-formed U-channels (CGZ/PFC)
Facade substructures, lightweight constructions, frames, fences, gates, elements of industrial furniture
Frequently Asked Questions about U-channels
U-channels are commonly used in various industries and construction:
- Steel structures and frames
- Substructures for sandwich panels
- Reinforcements for beams and load-bearing elements
- Elements of furniture and industrial equipment
- Supports and beams in construction
- Structures in the automotive industry
U-channels are produced in various dimensions according to standards. The most popular dimensions for hot-rolled steel U-channels are:
- Economic U-channels (UPN): from 50×25 mm to 200×75 mm
- Standard U-channels (UPE): from UPE 80 to UPE 400 (height in mm)
The designation of a U-channel (e.g., UPE 100 or C100) usually indicates its height in millimeters. Detailed dimensions can be found in manufacturer catalogs or technical standards.
U-channel weight is important in structural design for several reasons:
- Static calculations - element weight affects the dead load of the structure
- Transport costs - heavier elements generate higher logistics costs
- Assembly - may require specialized equipment for heavier elements
- Material costs - accurate weight calculation allows for precise cost estimation
Therefore, it is important to accurately calculate the weight of U-channels before purchasing materials for a project.
U-channels and angle bars are two different steel profiles, differing in shape and application:
- U-channel - has a C-shaped cross-section, consisting of one web and two flanges on the same side of the web
- Angle bar - has an L-shaped cross-section, consisting of two legs arranged at a 90-degree angle
U-channels have higher strength indicators in specific directions, making them more often used as load-bearing elements, while angle bars are often used as connecting or reinforcing elements.
Yes, U-channels can be produced from various materials depending on their intended use:
- Plain steel (structural) - the most common material
- Stainless steel - for applications in corrosive environments
- Aluminum - when low weight and corrosion resistance are important
- Galvanized steel - providing additional anti-corrosion protection
The choice of material depends on factors such as operating conditions, required strength, and project budget.
Example Weights of Popular U-channels
Below are indicative weights for popular sizes of steel U-channels. Weights are given for U-channels 1 meter long.
| Designation | Dimensions h×b×s×t (mm) | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|
| C65 / UPE 65 (approx.) | 65×42×5.5×7 | 5.4 |
| C80 / UPE 80 | 80×45×6×8 | 7.2 |
| C100 / UPE 100 | 100×50×6×8.5 | 9.5 |
| C120 / UPE 120 | 120×55×7×9 | 12.3 |
| C140 / UPE 140 | 140×60×7×10 | 15.1 |
| C160 / UPE 160 | 160×65×7.5×10.5 | 18.2 |
| C180 / UPE 180 | 180×70×8×11 | 21.6 |
| C200 / UPE 200 | 200×75×8.5×11.5 | 25.0 |
Actual weight may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and manufacturing tolerances.
Advanced Calculations for Steel U-channels and Other Materials
A professional U-channel calculator is an essential tool for engineers, designers, contractors, and metalworking companies. Our tool allows for quick and precise calculation of the weight and costs of U-channels made from various materials.
Why use a U-channel calculator?
- Precise material cost estimation - accurate weight calculations allow for determining exact material purchase costs
- Logistics planning - knowing the weight facilitates transport organization and selection of appropriate transport means
- Structural design - weight data is necessary for static calculations and design
- Offer and quote calculation - precise weight and cost data allow for creating competitive and realistic offers
Accurate calculations for various materials
Our calculator considers differences in material densities, allowing for accurate weight calculations for:
- Plain and stainless steel U-channels
- Aluminum U-channels
- Copper and brass U-channels
- U-channels made from other materials (option to enter custom density)
Using catalog data
Some manufacturers provide tables with approximate weight values for standard U-channel dimensions. Our calculator allows for verifying this data and calculating weights for non-standard dimensions not found in catalogs.
Applications of U-channels in various industries
U-channels are widely used in many industries due to their structural properties:
- Construction - as elements of load-bearing structures, frames, substructures
- Industry - in machines, equipment, and production lines
- Transport - in the construction of vehicles, wagons, containers
- Energy - in support structures for poles, transmission lines
- Agriculture - in the construction of agricultural machinery and equipment, greenhouse and barn structures
Thanks to our calculator, you can quickly and accurately calculate the weight of U-channels needed for your project, which will help in budget planning, material procurement, and logistics.