Material Reference & Weight Calculator
304 Stainless Steel Density in kg/m³
Published room-temperature values for Type 304 commonly fall between 7,900 and 8,000 kg/m³. The often-quoted 7,930 kg/m³ is a useful mid-range planning value, but it is not a universal, infinitely exact constant for every heat, temperature and data sheet.
Use the density specified by your material supplier or project standard. If no value is specified, document the assumption; 7,930 kg/m³ is practical for estimating, while 7,900 or 8,000 kg/m³ may match a particular manufacturer reference.
Equivalent to 7.90 g/cm³; used by ATI and engineering references.
A convenient estimating basis when the project does not specify one.
Used on some manufacturer data sheets for EN 1.4301 / AISI 304.
Density, nominal dimensions and quantity should all be traceable.
Guide map
Find the number you need—and know what it means.
This page separates material-property data from nominal weight calculations, so an estimator does not mistake a useful reference value for a guaranteed delivered mass.
The engineering answer
There is no single universally exact 304 density.
Density is mass divided by volume. For a real piece of 304 stainless steel, both mass and volume depend on the alloy heat, temperature, dimensional condition and measurement method. Published values therefore function as typical engineering data, not as a certificate that every product has exactly the same density to the last kilogram per cubic metre.
For routine estimating, the difference between 7,900 and 8,000 kg/m³ is about 1.27%. That is small enough for many quotations, yet large enough to matter on high-tonnage orders, lifting plans, vehicle payloads and cost reconciliation.
Use 7,930 kg/m³, label it as an estimating assumption, and show a 7,900–8,000 kg/m³ range. Replace it with the project or supplier value when one is specified.
Do not assume that ASTM A240/A240M assigns one exact density. It is a product specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless plate, sheet and strip. Density values are normally taken from material data sheets or engineering references, while dimensional acceptance is handled by the applicable product requirements.
Why the number is typical
Type 304 is a composition range, not a single laboratory specimen.
Its austenitic structure and alloying range give predictable physical behavior, but heat-to-heat chemistry, measurement temperature and rounding can change the reported density basis.
Image: Webcorr, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Source comparison
Why reputable references show different values.
The disagreement is usually one of reporting precision and chosen reference data, not evidence that one source is necessarily wrong.
| Reference basis | Published value | Equivalent | How to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATI Type 304 data | 7.90 g/cm³ | 7,900 kg/m³; 0.285 lb/in³ | Manufacturer-specific physical-property reference. |
| Structural stainless design guide | 7,900 kg/m³ | 7.90 g/cm³ | Common engineering calculation basis for EN 1.4301 / 304. |
| thyssenkrupp 1.4301 / 304 data | 8,000 kg/m³ | 8.00 g/cm³ | Rounded manufacturer data-sheet value. |
| Mid-range planning convention | 7,930 kg/m³ | 7.93 g/cm³; about 0.2865 lb/in³ | Useful neutral estimator when the required basis is not specified. |
A calculation is reproducible only when the selected density is recorded with the dimensions, units and quantity.
Interactive engineering tool
304 stainless steel weight calculator
Choose a density basis and product shape. All dimensions are nominal; the result updates instantly.
Planning estimate based on nominal dimensions. Confirm actual dimensions, quantity and the density required by the project before lifting, shipping or purchasing.
Transparent calculations
304 stainless steel weight formulas.
Convert every dimension to metres before applying density in kg/m³. The examples below use 7,930 kg/m³ so their basis is visible.
Rectangular product
For millimetres, divide each dimension by 1,000. Multiply the resulting cubic metres by density.
2,000 × 1,000 × 10 mm = 158.60 kg
Solid circular section
Use diameter and length in metres. The circular cross-sectional area is multiplied by length.
50 mm diameter × 6 m = 93.42 kg
Hollow circular section
Internal diameter equals outside diameter minus twice the wall thickness. Reject impossible wall dimensions.
60.3 OD × 3.91 wall × 6 m = 32.96 kg
Nominal weight is not delivered weight
Dimensions often matter more than the density debate.
A plate calculated from nominal length, width and thickness produces a nominal mass. A delivered sheet can differ because the actual dimensions are not necessarily identical to the nominal dimensions. Edge trimming, machining, perforations, weld preparation and scale condition also change the physical volume.
For a pipe, small differences in wall thickness affect the annular cross-section along the entire length. For high quantities, that geometric effect can exceed the difference between common published density references.
- Use actual dimensions when calculating a lift or transport load.
- Use nominal dimensions for quotations only when the commercial basis says so.
- Subtract holes, cutouts and machining stock only when their geometry is known.
- Weigh a representative sample when the delivered mass controls acceptance.
Four sources of variation
Why 304 density is reported as a range.
The phrase “exact density” is useful for search, but engineering work still needs a defined material state and calculation basis.
Grade chemistry is a window
Type 304 permits composition ranges. Changes in chromium, nickel, iron and minor elements alter mass per unit volume slightly.
Data sheets choose precision
7.90 g/cm³, 7.93 g/cm³ and 8.00 g/cm³ reflect different source conventions and significant figures.
Heating expands the volume
Mass stays essentially constant while thermal expansion increases volume, so density decreases as temperature rises.
Nominal is not measured
Thickness, diameter, wall and length variation frequently have a larger effect on calculated order mass than source rounding.
Unit conversion
304 stainless steel density in common units.
NIST defines density as mass per unit volume and provides exact unit conversion factors. Values below are rounded for practical use.
Using 7,930 kg/m³
- Kilograms per cubic metre7,930 kg/m³
- Grams per cubic centimetre7.93 g/cm³
- Kilograms per litre7.93 kg/L
- Pounds per cubic inch0.2865 lb/in³
- Pounds per cubic foot495.1 lb/ft³
Quick conversion rules
- g/cm³ to kg/m³× 1,000
- kg/m³ to g/cm³÷ 1,000
- lb/in³ to kg/m³× 27,679.90
- kg/m³ to lb/in³÷ 27,679.90
- kg to lb× 2.20462
Grade comparison
304 vs 304L, 316 and 430 density.
Do not identify a stainless grade by density alone. Overlapping published values make density unsuitable as a grade-verification test.
304
kg/m³ typical published range. General fabrication, food equipment, enclosures and architectural use.
304L
Density is practically similar to 304 for normal estimates; low carbon supports welded corrosion performance.
316 / 316L
Often reported near 8,000 kg/m³. Molybdenum improves resistance in many chloride environments.
430
Lower typical density than 304. Magnetic response and corrosion behavior also differ.
Values are typical, rounded engineering references. Use the applicable supplier data sheet for a controlled calculation.
Procurement and logistics
How to prevent a correct formula from producing the wrong project number.
Material density is only one input. A defensible bill of material or freight estimate should reveal where each number came from and whether the dimensions are nominal, minimum, maximum or measured.
Record grade, product form, condition and the source of the density value.
The purchase description may use nominal size while lifting analysis needs actual or conservative size.
Use solid, hollow or cutout volume rather than a generic weight-per-metre shortcut with an unknown basis.
For transport, crane and acceptance decisions, reconcile calculated mass with scale tickets or representative measurements.
From material data to a stable weld
Planning a 304 stainless steel laser welding application?
Share the alloy, thickness, joint, production target and required finish. Oceanplayer can help narrow the machine configuration and verify the process on a representative sample.
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304 density FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is the exact density of 304 stainless steel in kg/m³?
There is no single universal exact value for every product and temperature. Reputable room-temperature references commonly publish 7,900 to 8,000 kg/m³. A value of 7,930 kg/m³ is a practical mid-range estimate when its use is documented.
Is 304 stainless steel density 7,930 or 8,000 kg/m³?
Both occur in engineering use. 7,930 kg/m³ is a mid-range planning value; 8,000 kg/m³ is a rounded value on some data sheets. ATI publishes 7.90 g/cm³, equivalent to 7,900 kg/m³. Use the value required by your supplier data sheet or project.
What is 304 stainless steel density in g/cm³?
Common published values are 7.90 to 8.00 g/cm³. The 7,930 kg/m³ planning value equals 7.93 g/cm³ exactly by unit conversion.
What is the density of 304 stainless steel in lb/in³?
ATI publishes 0.285 lb/in³ with 7.90 g/cm³. Converting 7,930 kg/m³ gives approximately 0.2865 lb/in³, and 8,000 kg/m³ gives approximately 0.2890 lb/in³.
How much does a 304 stainless steel plate weigh?
Multiply length, width and thickness in metres by the selected density in kg/m³. For example, a nominal 2,000 × 1,000 × 10 mm plate weighs 158.6 kg at 7,930 kg/m³, before accounting for dimensional variation or cutouts.
Does temperature change the density of 304 stainless steel?
Yes. Heating causes the metal to expand, increasing volume while mass remains essentially constant. Density therefore decreases with increasing temperature. Use temperature-dependent physical-property data for hot-process calculations rather than a room-temperature shortcut.
Is 304L less dense than 304?
For normal weight estimates, 304 and 304L are usually treated as having practically the same typical density. Their important difference is carbon content and the related fabrication and corrosion behavior, not a useful density separation.
Is 316 stainless steel heavier than 304?
Published 316 density is often around 8,000 kg/m³, while 304 references span about 7,900 to 8,000 kg/m³. For identical geometry, 316 may calculate slightly heavier depending on the chosen source values, but density should not be used to verify grade identity.
Does surface finish change 304 stainless steel density?
A brushed, polished or mill finish does not meaningfully change the bulk material density. However, grinding, polishing, machining and pickling can remove material, so the final physical dimensions and mass can change.
Can calculated weight be used as the shipping weight?
It is useful for planning but should not replace a verified shipping mass when payload, freight cost or lifting safety is critical. Add packaging, pallets, accessories and dimensional tolerance effects, then reconcile with actual scale data.
Technical references
Sources used for this guide.
- ATI Type 304 product data — composition, ASTM product forms and density of 7.90 g/cm³ / 0.285 lb/in³.
- thyssenkrupp Materials UK: Stainless Steel 304 / 1.4301 — manufacturer data-sheet value of 8,000 kg/m³.
- Design Manual for Structural Stainless Steel — engineering density values for common stainless grades.
- NIST Guide to the SI, Chapter 8 — definition of density and SI quantity notation.
- NIST conversion factors for mass per unit volume — conversions among kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/in³ and lb/ft³.
- ASTM A240/A240M scope — specification scope for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless plate, sheet and strip.
Engineering note: This page provides planning calculations, not certified material values, dimensional inspection or lifting authorization. Use the governing specification, current supplier documentation and qualified engineering review for safety-critical work.