Cable Copper Weight Calculator
Calculate copper weight per kilometer for electrical cables
Cable Copper Weight Calculator
Based on Standard Copper Density Calculations
Results:
Copper Weight per km: 0.00 kg/km
Total Copper Weight: 0.00 kg
Weight in Pounds: 0.00 lbs
How to Use the Calculator
Basic Calculation
- Enter cable cross-section in mm²
- Select number of cores
- Leave length empty for per km weight
- Click Calculate for results
Specific Length
- Enter cable cross-section in mm²
- Select length unit (km, m, ft)
- Enter cable length
- Select number of cores
- Get total weight for your length
Multi-Core Cables
- Choose appropriate number of cores
- Calculator multiplies by core count
- Results show total copper weight
- Useful for cable tray calculations
Use the calculator inputs together with these engineering touchpoints to move from raw conductor data to dependable procurement weights.
1. Capture the Cable Geometry
Confirm the conductor type, insulation removal point, and stranded layout before entering a value so the cross-sectional area truly reflects bare copper.
Cross Section (mm²) = Width × Thickness
2. Normalize All Units
Translate any catalog or field measurement into millimetres and kilometres so the density constant remains valid for every scenario.
Length (km) = Entered Length ÷ 1000
3. Anchor to Copper Density
The tool multiplies the cross section by the industry constant derived from 8.96 g/cm³ copper density, giving a repeatable base factor.
Density Constant = 9.6 kg/km per mm²
4. Compute Base Weight
Once the normalized inputs are set, calculate the single-core reference weight and keep it handy for quick what-if checks.
Weight (kg/km) = Cross Section × 9.6
5. Scale for Cores and Length
Apply the calculator multipliers for multi-core assemblies and specific runs so the total matches the exact bill of materials.
Total Weight = Weight per km × Cores × Length (km)
6. Convert to Project Outputs
Translate the weight into kg/m, pounds, or shipping quantities so planners, installers, and logistics teams work with the same data.
Weight (lb) = Weight (kg) × 2.20462
Cable Copper Weight Chart
This quick reference pairs popular conductor sizes with the calculated copper mass so you can cross-check estimator outputs or size trays before running full simulations.
Weight (kg/km) = Cross Section × 9.6
Weight (kg/m) = Cross Section × 0.0096
| Cable Size (mm²) | Single-Core Weight (kg/km) | 3-Core Weight (kg/km) | Weight per 100 m (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 14.4 | 43.2 | 1.44 |
| 2.5 | 24.0 | 72.0 | 2.40 |
| 4 | 38.4 | 115.2 | 3.84 |
| 6 | 57.6 | 172.8 | 5.76 |
| 10 | 96.0 | 288.0 | 9.60 |
| 16 | 153.6 | 460.8 | 15.36 |
| 25 | 240.0 | 720.0 | 24.00 |
| 35 | 336.0 | 1008.0 | 33.60 |
| 50 | 480.0 | 1440.0 | 48.00 |
Use the single-core column for conductor comparisons, then multiply for actual core counts or bundle configurations.
Cable Copper Weight FAQs
How to calculate cable weight per meter
Divide the standard kg/km value by 1000 to convert the result into kilograms per meter.
Weight (kg/m) = Cross Section × 0.0096
Multiply that number by the run length (in meters) to find the total copper mass for any pull.
How much does 25x6mm copper strip weight per meter?
The strip area is 25 mm × 6 mm = 150 mm².
150 × 0.0096 = 1.44 kg/m
So every meter of 25 × 6 mm copper weighs roughly 1.44 kilograms before cladding or insulation.
What is the weight of copper in kg?
Multiply the conductor cross section by the copper density constant and the installed length expressed in kilometers.
Weight (kg) = Cross Section × 9.6 × Length (km)
This approach condenses the 8.96 g/cm³ density into project-ready kilograms.
How much does 1 meter of copper wire weigh?
Take the per-meter factor from the calculator and apply it to the specific cross section.
1 m Weight = Cross Section × 0.0096
For example, a 10 mm² wire weighs 0.096 kg per meter, while a 50 mm² conductor weighs 0.48 kg per meter.
What is the formula weight of copper?
The universal expression is derived from raw copper density and works for any solid or stranded cable.
Weight (kg/km) = Cross Section × 9.6
Apply the same result to different core counts or lengths to cover every installation type.
How much copper is in a 2.5 mm cable?
A 2.5 mm² conductor yields 24 kg per kilometer or 0.024 kg per meter.
2.5 × 9.6 = 24 kg/km
This baseline lets you rapidly scale multi-core home runs or branch circuits.
How much does 40x6mm copper flat weight?
The flat bar area is 240 mm², so each meter carries over two kilograms of copper.
240 × 0.0096 = 2.30 kg/m
Multiply by your full busbar length or riser height for fast tray and support sizing.
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