What formula is used to calculate zinc C-channel weight?

The cross-sectional area of a C-channel is: Area = t × (H + 2F − 2t), where H is the web height, F is the flange width, and t is the wall thickness. Weight = Area × Length × Density. This formula avoids double-counting the two flange-web corner junctions.

What is the density of commercial pure zinc?

Commercial pure zinc (Z1 grade) has a density of approximately 7133 kg/m³ (0.2577 lb/in³). Zinc alloys like Zamak 3 have similar densities ranging from 6600 to 7200 kg/m³ depending on alloying elements.

What is the difference between a C-channel and a U-channel?

Both C-channels and U-channels share the same cross-section geometry and therefore the same weight formula. The distinction is orientation: a C-channel (also called a C-section) opens to one side, while a U-channel opens upward. The weight calculation is identical for both.

Can I calculate weight for multiple zinc channel bars?

Yes. Enter the quantity in the Quantity field and the tool shows the total weight of all bars together as well as the per-bar weight for reference.

Does this tool support imperial units?

Yes. You can enter dimensions in millimeters, centimeters, or inches, and length in meters, feet, or inches. The tool converts everything to meters internally before calculating.

Why might my result differ from a zinc supplier catalogue?

Catalogue weights are theoretical values based on nominal dimensions and standard density. Minor rounding in mill tolerances, fillet radii at corners, or slightly different density assumptions can cause small discrepancies of 1–3%.

Zinc Channel Weight Calculator

Name: Zinc Channel Weight Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter web height, flange width, wall thickness, and length of a zinc C-channel or U-channel to get the weight in kg and lbs instantly.

Channel Dimensions

Channel Type

Both types share the same cross-section formula.

Web Height (H)

Vertical back wall height of the section.

Flange Width (F)

Horizontal projecting lip (top and bottom, assumed equal).

Wall Thickness (t)

Uniform thickness of the web and both flanges.

Length

Zinc Alloy

Quantity (bars)

Formula Reference

Area = t × (H + 2F − 2t)
Weight = Area × Length × ρ

Where H = web height (m), F = flange width (m), t = wall thickness (m), L = length (m), ρ = density (kg/m³).

C-Section Diagram

Enter channel dimensions on the left and click Calculate.

Zinc Alloy Densities

Alloy	kg/m³	lb/in³
Z1 — Pure Zinc	7133	0.2577
Z2 / Sheet Zinc	7100	0.2565
Zamak 3	6600	0.2385
Zamak 5	6600	0.2385
ZA-8	6300	0.2276
ZA-27	5000	0.1807

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