TOOL BOX/Take Off

Steel Weight Calculator

Select a member type to add an entry, then enter quantity and length to calculate weight and volume.

Tool NotesWhat it does, the formula, and what it assumes

What this tool does

Turns a drawing into tonnage. Pick a member from the AISC shape database, enter how many and how long, and the take-off returns weight in pounds and tons plus the volume of steel, line by line and totalled for the sheet.

Plate is handled the same way from length, width and thickness at 490 lb/ft³. Everything is gross, as-drawn weight: no waste factor, no connection material, no coatings.

Formula

Rolled shapes use their tabulated unit weight; plate is weighed from its volume.

W = (lb/ft) × qty × Lrolled shapes; L in ft, W in lb
W = L × Wd × (T/12) × qty × 490plate; L and Wd in ft, T in in, W in lb
Tons = W / 2000
V = (A / 144) × L × qtyvolume of steel; A in in², L in ft, V in ft³

Assumptions

A material take-off totals gross weight and volume from member geometry. All inputs are imperial and quantities are 'as-drawn'; no waste, connection material, or coatings are added.

  • Densities, plate weight uses 490 lb/ft³; member weight uses tabulated unit weights (lb/ft) from the AISC shape database.
  • Gross quantities, holes, copes, and cut-offs are not deducted; bolts, welds, and paint are not included. That overstates the steel slightly on heavy connection work, which is the direction you want to be wrong for a bid.
  • Mixed lines, plate and rolled shapes can sit in the same take-off; each uses its own formula and both roll up to the same total.
Technical NotesDerivation, worked example, applications and checks

Worked example

12 pieces of W12x30 at 30 ft

Given

  • Member: W12x30 (30 lb/ft from the AISC table)
  • Quantity: 12
  • Length: 30 ft each

Solve

W = 30 × 12 × 30 = 10,800 lb
Tons = 10,800 / 2000 = 5.40 tons
V = (8.79 / 144) × 30 × 12 = 22.0 ft³A = 8.79 in² for W12x30

5.40 tons of steel, 360 linear feet, 22.0 ft³.

Applications

  • Estimating & bidding, turn a drawing into priced tonnage quickly.
  • Logistics, check truck and crane capacity against shipping weight.

Field notes

  • As-drawn tonnage is the floor. Add a waste and drop allowance, connection material and coatings per your own estimating practice.
  • Delivered weight can differ from tabulated weight. Where it matters, measure the section and apply the ASTM A6 dimensional and weight tolerances; use scale weight when tonnage is paid for.
  • Tonnage and shipping weight are not the same number. Add rigging, dunnage and packaging before you size a truck or a crane pick.

Educational reference only. Verify every result independently and apply the safety factors and load combinations required by the governing code and a qualified engineer.

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