Material Density
Reference
Typical densities for common building materials in both metric and imperial units, for dead-load, mass, and weight estimates. Search by name or scan by category.
Who it's for: structural engineers, architects, and estimators who need nominal density values during design development and construction documents for dead-load calculations and material weight estimates.
How to use this calculator
The formula
Mass (kg) = Density (kg/m³) × Volume (m³)
To convert between units:
lb/ft³ = kg/m³ × 0.0624
Density (kg/m³) — the nominal density from the table
Volume (m³) — the quantity of material in cubic metres
0.0624 — unit conversion factor (exact: 0.062428); the table shows lb/ft³ rounded to one decimal place
Worked example
When this estimate will be off
- Concrete density varies with mix design — lightweight mixes (1,400–1,900 kg/m³) and high-density mixes fall well outside the nominal values; use the design mix density for structural calculations.
- Wood densities assume typical air-dried material (roughly 12–15% moisture content). Green or saturated timber is significantly denser; kiln-dried stock may be slightly lighter.
- Soil and aggregate densities depend on compaction, moisture, and gradation. Table values are loose-to-medium bulk estimates; a geotechnical report is required for structural foundation design.
- Insulation and lightweight products (EPS, mineral wool) have wide manufacturing tolerances — use the manufacturer's published data sheet rather than the nominal table value for energy or structural calculations.
Frequently asked questions
A common mistake: Concrete density varies with mix design — lightweight mixes (1,400–1,900 kg/m³) and high-density mixes fall well outside the nominal values; use the design mix density for structural calculations.
Reinforced concrete has a nominal density of 2,500 kg/m³ (156 lb/ft³), compared with 2,400 kg/m³ (150 lb/ft³) for unreinforced normal-weight concrete. The difference accounts for the embedded steel. Lightweight structural concrete typically runs 1,600–1,900 kg/m³ depending on the aggregate mix.
Structural steel has a density of 7,850 kg/m³ (490 lb/ft³). This value applies to standard carbon steel grades — A36, A572, A992 — used for wide-flange beams, columns, and plates. Stainless steel is slightly higher at roughly 7,900 kg/m³; cast iron is lower at about 7,200 kg/m³.
Multiply the kg/m³ value by 0.0624 to get lb/ft³. For example, normal-weight concrete at 2,400 kg/m³ gives 2,400 × 0.0624 = 149.8, rounded to 150 lb/ft³. The exact conversion factor is 0.062428; values in this table are rounded to one decimal place.
Nominal densities are appropriate for preliminary dead-load estimates and scheme-level calculations. For design documents and specifications, verify density against the project specification, product data sheet, or the governing material standard. Actual density can deviate 5–10% from nominal depending on mix, species, or manufacturing batch.
Sources
- ASCE 7-22 Table C3.1-1 — minimum design dead loads — lists typical unit weights for common building materials including concrete, masonry, steel, and wood
This free Material Density Table is built and maintained by DataDrivenAEC, using the relevant codes and standards. It does not substitute for professional judgment.