Material Weight Calculator

Per BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 Annex A (Table A.1), plain (unreinforced) normal-weight concrete has a density of 24 kN/m³ — about 2,400 kg/m³ (2.4 tonnes per cubic metre). This is the value used in the lookup table. For reinforced or prestressed concrete the standard adds 1 kN/m³ for the steel, giving 25 kN/m³ — about 2,500 kg/m³ — so use a custom density of 2,500 if you need to allow for normal reinforcement. Lightweight concrete ranges from 1,200-2,000 kg/m³ depending on the aggregate, and aerated concrete blocks are around 600 kg/m³.

A cubic metre of brickwork (bricks and mortar) weighs approximately 1,900 kg (1.9 tonnes). This assumes standard UK clay bricks at around 2.1 kg each with mortar joints. Engineering bricks are heavier at approximately 2,100 kg/m³. Facing bricks vary between 1,800-2,200 kg/m³ depending on the type.

Mild steel has a density of 7,850 kg/m³ (7.85 tonnes per cubic metre). Stainless steel is slightly higher at around 8,000 kg/m³. For structural steel sections, the weight per metre is listed in steel tables — for example, a 254×146 UB weighs 31-43 kg/m depending on the grade.

Softwood timber (pine, spruce) has a density of approximately 500 kg/m³ when air-dried to 12% moisture content. Green (unseasoned) timber can be 800+ kg/m³. Hardwoods vary: oak is around 700 kg/m³, while lighter hardwoods like poplar are 400-500 kg/m³. Weight = Length × Width × Thickness × Density.

Material weight is critical for: structural design (floor and beam loading), lifting operations (crane and hoist capacities), transport planning (vehicle payload limits — typically 1-26 tonnes depending on vehicle), scaffold loading, temporary works design, and foundation sizing. Always add a safety margin for wet conditions and uncertainty.