Copper Wire Weight Calculator

Copper wire weight is calculated using the formula: Weight = Volume × Density. First, find the cross-sectional area based on the wire's shape (e.g., π×(D/2)² for round wire), then multiply by the wire's length to get volume. Finally, multiply by copper's density (typically 8,960 kg/m³ for pure copper) to get the weight.

It depends on the wire gauge. For example, a 12 AWG solid copper wire weighs approximately 0.0317 lb/foot, while a larger 4/0 AWG wire weighs around 0.6403 lb/foot. Use this calculator by entering your wire's diameter and selecting 'Feet' as the length unit to get the exact weight per foot for your wire.

Pure copper has a density of approximately 8,960 kg/m³ (or 8.96 g/cm³). Common alloys vary slightly — for instance, C10200 oxygen-free copper is 8,940 kg/m³, C11000 electrolytic tough pitch copper is around 8,890 kg/m³, and beryllium copper (C17200) is lower at about 8,250 kg/m³. Choosing the correct alloy ensures accurate weight estimates.

Copper wire comes in several cross-sectional profiles: round (most common for electrical wiring), square (used in busbars and some specialty applications), rectangular (common in transformers and flat conductors), and hexagonal (used in machined or precision components). Each shape has a different formula for cross-sectional area, which affects the weight calculation.

Yes, copper is denser than iron. Pure copper has a density of about 8,960 kg/m³, while iron is approximately 7,870 kg/m³. This makes copper roughly 14% heavier than iron by volume, which is an important consideration in weight-sensitive applications like aerospace wiring or cable tray load calculations.

Stranded wire consists of multiple smaller conductors twisted together, which leaves small air gaps between the strands. These gaps reduce the effective copper density compared to a solid conductor of the same outer diameter. As a result, stranded wire of the same AWG gauge has slightly less copper mass per foot than its solid counterpart.

Theoretical calculations based on pure geometry and density provide a very close estimate, typically within 1–3% of actual weight. Practical factors like insulation, strand packing, manufacturing tolerances, and alloy composition can cause small deviations. For scrap valuation, always weigh the wire directly, but this calculator gives an excellent baseline for estimation.

Copper offers an exceptional combination of high electrical conductivity (second only to silver), good thermal conductivity, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. While its density does add weight, the efficiency gains in electrical performance often outweigh this drawback. Alternatives like aluminum are lighter but require larger cross-sections to carry the same current, sometimes negating the weight advantage.