← Back to Bead BoardAluminum plate weight calculator
1/4 inch 6061-T6 aluminum plate weighs 3.51 lb per square foot. A 4×8 sheet of 1/4 is 112 lb, about a third of the same steel plate (327 lb). 5052 is within 1% of the same weight. Density is 0.0975 lb/in³ for 6061-T6, 0.0968 for 5052. Pick your thickness, get the weight, quote the job.
Quick answer
1/4 inch 6061-T6 aluminum plate weighs 3.51 lb per square foot. A 4×8 sheet of 1/4 inch is 112 lb, about a third of steel. Plug in your size below.
Aluminum plate weight by thickness
Formula: length × width × thickness × 0.0975 lb/in³. 5052 is 0.8% lighter than 6061. Not enough to matter for quoting, but exact on the calculator.
Questions welders ask about this one
How much does 1/4 inch aluminum plate weigh?
3.51 lb per square foot for 6061-T6. A standard 4×8 sheet of 1/4 inch 6061 weighs 112 lb. A 5×10 sheet is 175 lb. Formula: thickness (in.) × 144 × 0.0975 lb/in³.
What's the weight difference between aluminum and steel plate?
Aluminum is about a third of the weight. A 4×8 sheet of 1/4 inch mild steel (A36) weighs 327 lb. The same sheet in 6061 aluminum weighs 112 lb, 34% of the steel weight. Density comparison: steel is 0.2836 lb/in³, aluminum is 0.0975 lb/in³.
Is 5052 heavier than 6061 aluminum?
No, 5052 is slightly lighter. 6061-T6 is 0.0975 lb/in³ and 5052 is 0.0968 lb/in³, a 0.7% difference. Not enough to matter for quoting. The real difference: 5052 bends better and has superior corrosion resistance in marine environments. 6061 is stronger and machines cleaner.
Weight is only half of material cost. To turn these pounds into a number you can quote, run the weld cost calculator for wire, gas, and labor per inch, or the job pricing calculator to build the whole bid.
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