Specific and volumetric weight of steel
Steel is a deformable alloy of iron with a small amount of carbon (up to 2%) and other elements. It is one of the most common materials and is used in almost all branches of industry. Steels are classified by grades, which differ in structure, mechanical and physical properties, and chemical composition.
Below is a table of the specific weight of the most common steel grades in g/cm³:
| Steel type | Grade | Specific weight (g/cm³) |
| cryogenic stainless structural steel | 12Х18Н10Т | 7,9 |
| heat-resistant stainless corrosion-resistant steel | 08Х18Н10Т | 7,9 |
| low-alloy structural steel | 09Г2С | 7,85 |
| quality structural carbon steel | 10,20,30,40 | 7,85 |
| carbon structural steel | Ст3сп, Ст3пс | 7,87 |
| die tool steel | Х12МФ | 7,7 |
| spring structural steel | 65Г | 7,85 |
| die tool steel | 5ХНМ | 7,8 |
| alloy structural steel | 30ХГСА | 7,85 |
| high-carbon steel | 70 (ВС and ОВС) | 7,85 |
| medium-carbon steel | 45 | 7,85 |
| low-carbon steel | 10 and 10А; 20 and 20А | 7,85 |
| low-carbon electrical steel (Armco) | А and Э; ЭА; ЭАА | 7,8 |
| chromium steel | 15ХА | 7,74 |
| chromium-aluminium-molybdenum nitriding steel | 38ХМЮА | 7,65 |
| chromium-manganese-silicon steel | 25ХГСА | 7,85 |
| chromium-vanadium steel | 30ХГСА; 20ХН3А | 7,85 |
Since there are many steel grades (about 1500), we have shown only the specific weight of the most common grades. More detailed information about the specific weight of steel can be found in other articles on our site.
Based on the characteristics of steel, the main parameters include density, the coefficient of linear expansion, and the elastic and shear moduli. By chemical composition, steels are divided into alloy and carbon steels. In the latter, along with carbon and iron, manganese (0.1 - 1.0%) and silicon (up to 0.4%) are also added. To give steel special properties, impurities may be included: phosphorus makes it brittle at low temperatures and reduces plasticity when heated to certain temperatures; sulfur forms small cracks (red brittleness) at high temperatures.
The specific weight of steel is calculated using the following formula: γ = P/V, where P is the weight of a homogeneous body and V is the volume of the compound. The resulting parameter is constant and applies only when the steel is in an absolutely dense state and has a non-porous structure.
According to reference data on the physical properties of materials, the average density of steel is 7.85 g/cm³. This parameter changes as follows:
| Steel treatment / addition of impurities | Change compared with the standard 7.85 g/cm³ |
| carbon | specific weight decreases |
| chromium, aluminium, manganese | specific weight decreases |
| cobalt, tungsten, copper | specific weight increases |
| wire-drawing deformation | specific weight increases, but by no more than 2-3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 1 m³ of steel weigh?
For most calculations, the average steel density of 7.85 g/cm³ is used, so 1 m³ of steel weighs about 7850 kg. Some stainless, tool and alloy steel grades can differ slightly.
Why does steel density vary by grade?
Steel is not only iron and carbon: it may contain chromium, nickel, manganese, tungsten, copper and other elements. Alloying additions change the composition and slightly shift the density of the alloy.
How do you calculate the weight of a steel part?
Multiply the part volume by the density of the selected steel grade. For a rough estimate, 7850 kg/m³ is often used; for precise calculations, use the density from a handbook or the documentation for the exact grade.