How to Use the Steel Angle Weight Calculator
A steel angle (equal-leg L-shape, AISC designation like L3x3x3/8) is a common structural shape used for bracing, brackets, and light framing. Before ordering material or estimating shipping weight, it helps to know the theoretical unit weight per foot and the total weight for the length you need.
The cross-sectional area is calculated as thickness × (2 × leg length − thickness), which accounts for the overlapping corner material only once. Multiplying by the standard steel density factor of 3.4028 (derived from 490 lb/ft³) gives the unit weight in lb/ft, and multiplying by total length gives the total weight.
Keep in mind this is a theoretical approximation that ignores the small fillet radius at the inside corner, so it can differ from a mill's published weight by roughly 1-3%. For firm order quantities, cross-check against the manufacturer's certified weight table, and always confirm structural sizing with a licensed engineer before final design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cross-sectional area is thickness × (2 × leg length − thickness). Multiply by the steel density factor 3.4028 (from 490 lb/ft³) to get weight per foot, then multiply by total length for total weight.
This is a theoretical approximation that ignores the fillet radius at the corner, so actual mill weight can differ by 1-3%. For exact order quantities, check the manufacturer's published weight table.