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
Can the density of steel be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for steel in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of steel differ from the table?
The actual weight of steel depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of steel from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of steel is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.