How this calculator works
For a prism, face area times axial length gives volume; multiply by density and quantity. Hollow shapes subtract their voids. A can is a hollow cylinder with a base and optional lid; overall height includes those end thicknesses. Presets cover documented steel and aluminium, while custom density supports other metals.
Formula
Vpiece = face area x thickness; Vbatch = quantity x Vpiece; mass = density x Vbatch; thickness = mass / (density x quantity x face area). Circular area = pi x diameter^2 / 4. Hollow sections subtract the inner section. Sphere V = pi x D^3 / 6; torus V = 2 x pi^2 x R x r^2. Can V = annulus area x overall height + inner area x (base + lid thickness).
Worked example
Two rectangular pieces, each 2 m by 1 m by 10 mm, contain 0.04 m3 total. At a supplied 2500 kg/m3 the batch weighs 100 kg.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I calculate copper, brass or another metal?
Yes. Select custom density and enter the manufacturer value for the exact alloy. Density is not safely determined by the generic metal name alone.
What is the torus major radius?
It is the distance from the centre of the ring to the centre of the circular tube. The tube radius must be smaller than this major radius.
What does whole pieces within a mass limit return?
It divides the mass limit by one-piece mass and rounds down. It is a maximum whole-piece count, with any unused mass excluded.