Calculate copper or aluminum cable weight per meter in kg from conductor size and cores, total weight for a length, or weight per meter from a weighed cable.

Bare conductor metal only. Add an allowance under More options for insulation or jacket.

Nominal metal area of one core, e.g. 2.5 for a 3ร—2.5 cable.

For a 3ร—2.5 cable enter 3.

More options
Optional extra for stranding lay, insulation or jacket, e.g. 5โ€“15%.

Cable Weight Per Meter Formula

CWM = CW / L

Variables:

  • CWM is the Cable Weight Per Meter (lbs/m)
  • CW is the cable weight (lbs)
  • L is the cable length (m)

To calculate Cable Weight Per Meter, divide the cable weight by the length.

Complete cable weight from a datasheet

Choose Complete cable weight for the weight of the whole cable, including its insulation, sheath and any fillers or armour. Each preset uses the approximate weight of a named copper cable construction. Choose Enter a datasheet weight for a different product and enter the complete cable weight in kg/km. Use the cable weight column, rather than the copper index or shipping weight.

Divide kg/km by 1,000 to get kg/m. To find the total for a run, multiply kg/m by its length in meters. For example, the Nexans QICC 4 ร— 240 mmยฒ copper XLPE/SWA/PVC preset is 11,857 kg/km, or 11.857 kg/m. Enter 120 m to estimate 1,422.84 kg of cable.

A different cable with the same conductor size and core count may have a different weight. Check the exact product datasheet for purchasing, lifting or transport, and add the reel or drum weight separately when needed.

How to Calculate Cable Weight Per Meter?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Cable Weight Per Meter.

  1. First, determine the cable weight (lbs). 
  2. Next, determine the cable length (m). 
  3. Next, gather the formula from above: CWM = CW / L.
  4. Finally, calculate the Cable Weight Per Meter.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

cable weight (lbs) = 30

cable length (m) = 5

FAQ

What is the importance of calculating Cable Weight Per Meter?
Cable weight per meter helps estimate how much weight the cable adds to supports and how much cable must be handled or transported. Use separate manufacturer ratings and installation requirements to check allowable pulling force and support capacity.

Can the Cable Weight Per Meter formula be used for any type of cable?
Yes, the formula for calculating Cable Weight Per Meter (CWM = CW / L) is universal and can be applied to any type of cable as long as you have the total weight of the cable and its length. However, it’s important to consider the material and construction of the cable as these factors can affect its strength and suitability for specific applications.

How does cable length affect its weight per meter?
The cable length itself does not affect its weight per meter directly. The weight per meter is a measure of the cable’s density and construction. However, knowing the total length of the cable is essential to determine the total weight of the cable based on its weight per meter.