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Metal Density Chart

Reviewed by MLC Editorial Team | 7 June 2026

Verified by Rachel Mayfield, Supply Chain Analyst - June 2026

Densities of common engineering metals in grams per cubic centimetre and kilograms per cubic metre, for weight calculations and material selection. Metal Density Chart Mild steel is 7.85 g/cm3, aluminium is 2.70 g/cm3, and copper is 8.96 g/cm3. Density sets the weight of a finished part for a given volume, so swapping steel for aluminium at the same dimensions cuts weight to about a third.

Material	Density (g/cm³)	Density (kg/m³)
Mild steel	7.85	7850
Stainless steel 304	8.00	8000
Stainless steel 316	8.00	8000
Cast iron (grey)	7.20	7200
Aluminium (6082)	2.70	2700
Copper	8.96	8960
Brass (CZ121)	8.50	8500
Phosphor bronze	8.80	8800
Titanium (Grade 5)	4.43	4430
Zinc	7.14	7140
Nickel	8.90	8900
Lead	11.34	11340
Magnesium	1.74	1740
Tungsten	19.30	19300

How to calculate the weight of a metal part

Weight equals volume times density. Work the volume in cubic centimetres and multiply by the density in g/cm3 to get grams, or work in cubic metres and multiply by kg/m3 to get kilograms. A steel plate 1 m by 1 m by 10 mm is 0.01 m3, so at 7850 kg/m3 it weighs 78.5 kg. The same plate in aluminium weighs 27 kg.

For round bar, volume equals pi times radius squared times length. A 25 mm diameter steel bar one metre long has a cross-section of 4.91 cm2 and a volume of 491 cm3, so it weighs about 3.85 kg. For tube, subtract the bore volume from the outside-diameter volume before multiplying by density.

Density varies slightly with alloy and temper - the figures here are nominal room temperature values for the common grades named. Use the exact alloy datasheet for certification or load-critical work, but these values are accurate enough for estimating shipping weight, machining stock, and handling.

Where this data comes from

Values are nominal room-temperature densities for the named grades from published material datasheets and engineering handbooks
BS EN 10088 - stainless steel grades; BS EN 573 - aluminium alloy designations

References

BS EN 10088 - Stainless steels - grades and properties
BS EN 573 - Aluminium and aluminium alloys

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the density of steel?

Mild steel has a density of 7.85 g/cm3 (7850 kg/m3). Stainless steels 304 and 316 are slightly higher at about 8.00 g/cm3. To find the weight of a steel part, multiply its volume by the density - a 0.01 cubic metre piece of mild steel weighs 78.5 kg.

How do you calculate the weight of a metal bar?

Weight equals volume times density. For round bar, volume equals pi times the radius squared times the length. A 25 mm diameter mild steel bar one metre long has a volume of 491 cm3, which at 7.85 g/cm3 weighs about 3.85 kg. For tube, subtract the bore volume before multiplying by density.

Which is heavier, brass or steel?

Brass is heavier than steel for the same volume. Brass (CZ121) is about 8.50 g/cm3 while mild steel is 7.85 g/cm3, so a brass part weighs roughly 8 percent more than the same part in steel. Copper at 8.96 g/cm3 is heavier still.

References

Independent UK engineering trade publication. Company profiles cross-referenced with Companies House.