Tungsten carbide density, weight per cubic inch, and calculator inputs

A practical planning range for cemented tungsten carbide is about 13.5 to 15.2 g/cm3, or about 0.488 to 0.549 lb/in3. For quick RFQ planning, one cubic inch at a common 14.5 g/cm3 grade weighs about 0.524 lb, or 8.38 oz. Use the exact Extramet grade density whenever the quote depends on material yield, shipping weight, balance, or finished part weight.

Planning question Answer Use in the calculator
Typical density range 13.5 to 15.2 g/cm3 Select the closest grade density for early estimating.
Common shop estimate 14.5 g/cm3 Use when the final grade is not yet selected.
Pounds per cubic inch 0.488 to 0.549 lb/in3 Multiply part volume by lb/in3 for fast weight estimates.
Weight per cubic inch at 14.5 g/cm3 0.524 lb/in3 One 1.000 in3 blank weighs about 0.524 lb.

Need a quote instead of an estimate? Send the drawing, grade, finished dimensions, grind allowance, tolerance, and quantity through the RFQ form.

Tungsten Carbide Density and Weight Calculator

Calculate part weight using tungsten carbide density and your part dimensions. Choose a shape, enter measurements, select units, and get an instant weight estimate. Results are directional and intended for quoting and planning.

Select the closest shape. For complex parts, use bounding dimensions for an upper estimate.

Density varies by binder percentage and grade. Use your known spec when available.

Note: Weight is based on simple geometry. If your part has pockets, radii, holes, or complex features, actual weight will be lower.

Engineering Tools

Tungsten Carbide Density and Weight Calculator

Tungsten carbide is deceptively heavy. With a density nearly double that of steel and roughly 50% higher than lead, underestimating the weight of a carbide component can lead to costly errors in shipping logistics, pricing estimations, and handling equipment.

This Density and Weight Calculator allows you to instantly determine the mass of rods, bars, and blanks before you order. By inputting your dimensions and grade specifications, you gain immediate insight into the material weight, which is often the primary driver of cost.

Why it matters: Small boxes of carbide can exceed safe lifting limits. Accurate weight calculations ensure your team is prepared with the right lifting gear and that your freight quotes match reality.

Use this tool to plan your inventory, estimate shipping costs, and verify that your designs meet weight constraints for high-speed rotating applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much heavier is carbide than steel?
Tungsten carbide is approximately two times denser than steel. While steel typically has a density of around 7.85 g/cm³, tungsten carbide ranges from 13.0 to 15.0 g/cm³. This means a carbide part will weigh roughly twice as much as an identical part made from tool steel.
Does the grade affect the weight?
Yes. The density changes based on the percentage of binder (Cobalt or Nickel) used. Since Cobalt is lighter than Tungsten, grades with higher binder content (e.g., 20% Cobalt) are lighter/less dense. Conversely, low-binder grades (e.g., 6% Cobalt) are denser and heavier.
Why is calculating weight important for quoting?
Raw tungsten carbide is frequently sold by the kilogram or pound (sintered weight). Therefore, the cost of a blank is directly proportional to its volume and density. Accurate weight calculation helps you estimate material costs and prevents surprises when freight charges are calculated for shipping.
What is the formula for calculating weight?
The basic formula is Volume × Density = Weight. For a cylindrical rod, this is:
(π × r² × Length) × Density.
Our calculator handles the conversion factors automatically, ensuring you get an accurate weight whether you are inputting metric (mm) or imperial (inch) measurements.
Need accurate pricing? Request a Quote

Quick answers for tungsten and tungsten carbide weight

How heavy is tungsten per cubic inch?

Pure tungsten is about 19.3 g/cm3, or about 0.697 lb/in3. Cemented tungsten carbide is usually lighter than pure tungsten because it includes binder and grade-specific formulation changes.

What is the density of tungsten carbide?

A practical planning range for cemented tungsten carbide is about 13.5 to 15.2 g/cm3. Use the actual grade density for quote, freight, balance, or material-yield decisions.

How much does tungsten carbide weigh?

At a common planning density of 14.5 g/cm3, tungsten carbide weighs about 0.524 lb/in3. Multiply volume by grade density, then confirm finished versus oversize dimensions before quoting.

Useful next steps: route material requests through the product hub, compare the grade chart, review blank stock options, or prepare drawings for pin RFQ details and punch RFQ details.


Carbide rod, blank, and punch weight examples

Use the calculator for rods, rectangular blanks, discs, carbide punches, pins, and custom forms. Diameter matters heavily on round parts because cylinder volume uses radius squared. For rectangular blanks, use the oversize stock dimensions when you are planning material yield and the finished dimensions when you need delivered part weight.

Round rods and pins
Volume = pi x radius squared x length. Weight = volume x grade density.
Blanks and blocks
Volume = length x width x thickness. Add grinding stock before estimating material cost.
Quote-ready details
Include grade, finish, tolerance, edge/radius notes, quantity, and required inspection details.

Example weights at 14.5 g/cm3

Part geometry Approx. volume Approx. weight Next step
0.500 in diameter x 6.000 in rod 1.178 in3 0.62 lb Review blanks
1.000 in diameter x 6.000 in rod 4.712 in3 2.47 lb Plan grinding
2.000 x 1.000 x 0.500 in blank 1.000 in3 0.52 lb Send RFQ details

For grade selection, compare Extramet grade options. For rotary-tool work, compare the request with cutting tool blanks. For finished part requirements, route dimensions through machining and grinding review, then send the drawing through the RFQ form.

Citation-ready carbide density references

For buyers, engineers, and editors who need a shareable reference, Extramet also maintains a tungsten carbide density and weight RFQ reference, a one-page PDF summary, and visual cheat sheets for density, diameter, and RFQ planning.

Use the calculator for estimates, then confirm grade density, finished dimensions, oversize stock dimensions, quantity, tolerance, and finish through the RFQ form.

Keep the estimate tied to the part you will actually order

Weight changes when the grade, diameter, length, or stock allowance changes. For early planning, a reasonable density range is enough. For quoting, use the grade and the dimensions that match the material being ordered, not just the final part envelope.

If the calculation is for a blank or rod, compare the inputs with the carbide blanks page. If the number will affect freight or handling, include both finished dimensions and any oversize stock dimensions on the RFQ.

Connect the density estimate to the part you will quote

Density and weight estimates are useful when they lead to a better RFQ. If the estimate affects cost, shipping, yield, or handling, include the grade basis, drawing dimensions, oversize stock allowance, finished dimensions, and quantity. That lets Extramet connect the calculator result to the material and manufacturing path.

When the grade is unknown, use a planning density only as a starting point. Final quote review should use the selected grade and the geometry that will actually be supplied.