Steel Density Reference — g/cm³ & kg/m³
Carbon steel is typically 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³). Stainless grades range ~7.9–8.0 g/cm³. Always match density to the material in your mill certificate or calculator setting.
Author: Iron Metal Editorial — Steel sections specialist
Reviewed by: Iron Metal Technical Team — Catalog & standards review
Common values
- Carbon / mild steel. Use 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³) as default.
- Stainless 304. ≈ 8.0 g/cm³ (8000 kg/m³) — adjust in calculator.
- Aluminum (comparison). ≈ 2.7 g/cm³ — not steel, but often mixed on site.
- Apply in calculator. Change ρ in any weight tool before quoting.
Why it matters
10 m³ at 7850 vs 8000 kg/m³ differs by 1.5 tonnes — material choice affects logistics.
Steel density reference (typical values)
| Section | Size | kg/m | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | Mild / structural | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7850 kg/m³ |
| Stainless | 304 | 8.0 g/cm³ | 8000 kg/m³ |
| Stainless | 316 | 8.0 g/cm³ | 8000 kg/m³ |
Steel density reference (typical values) Section | Size | kg/m | Standard Carbon | Mild / structural | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7850 kg/m³ Stainless | 304 | 8.0 g/cm³ | 8000 kg/m³ Stainless | 316 | 8.0 g/cm³ | 8000 kg/m³
FAQ
One density for all steel? No — alloy and heat treatment shift density slightly; use project spec.
Catalog kg/m vs density? Catalog kg/m is already theoretical for a standard; density helps custom sizes.