Weld Metal Volume and Weight Calculator
Enter the weld cross section area, the length, and the metal density to estimate deposited weld metal volume and weight. Useful for filler quantities, costing and bidding.
How to calculate weld metal volume and weight
- Enter the weld cross section area in square millimetres.
- Enter the weld length in millimetres.
- Set the metal density (default 7.85 for steel) and read volume and weight.
Examples
Steel groove weld
30 mm2 area, 1000 mm long, 7.85 g/cm3
30 cm3, 235.5 g (0.519 lb)
Longer run
50 mm2 area, 2000 mm long, 7.85 g/cm3
100 cm3, 785 g (1.731 lb)
Frequently asked questions
How is weld metal volume calculated?
Volume equals cross section area times length. The calculator multiplies the two, then divides cubic millimetres by 1000 to get cubic centimetres. This is an exact geometric formula.
How is the weight found?
Weight equals volume times density. With volume in cm3 and density in g/cm3 the result is grams, which is divided by 453.59237 to convert to pounds. Both steps are exact.
What density should I use?
Carbon and low-alloy steel is about 7.85 g/cm3, stainless steel about 8.0, and aluminium about 2.70. These are standard handbook values; set the field to match your filler and base metal.
Is this the filler weight or the total joint weight?
It is the deposited weld metal in the cross section you enter. It does not include electrode lost to spatter, slag or stub; for purchased electrode quantity use a deposition efficiency factor.
How do I get the cross section area?
For a simple weld, multiply the relevant width by the effective height, or sum the areas of the triangle and reinforcement that make up the bead. Enter that combined area in mm2.
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