Polycarbonate Weight Calculator
Calculate weight for all polycarbonate grades and shapes with instant, accurate results
Polycarbonate Weight Calculator
Calculation Results
Grade Reference
Polycarbonate Grades & Density Values
Polycarbonate (PC) is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for exceptional impact strength, optical clarity, and a wide service temperature range. It is roughly 250 times stronger than glass at the same weight.
| Grade | Density (g/cm³) | Density (lb/in³) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard PC | 1.20 | 0.043 | Safety glazing, lenses, electronics housings |
| UV-Resistant PC | 1.20 | 0.043 | Outdoor signage, greenhouses, skylights |
| Glass-Filled PC 30% | 1.43 | 0.052 | Structural parts, brackets, high-load components |
Polycarbonate Weight Formula
Weight = Volume × Density
Key Properties of Polycarbonate
Mechanical
- • Density: 1.20 g/cm³ (standard grades)
- • Impact strength: 600–850 J/m
- • Tensile strength: 55–75 MPa
- • Service temperature: −40°C to +120°C
Optical & Thermal
- • Light transmission: up to 90%
- • UV-resistant grades available
- • Glass transition: ~147°C
- • Flame retardant grades available
Glass-Filled vs Standard PC
Adding 30% glass fiber increases density from 1.20 to 1.43 g/cm³ — a 19% increase in weight for the same volume. Glass-filled grades gain stiffness and dimensional stability at the cost of optical clarity. Always confirm the fill percentage with your material datasheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does polycarbonate sheet weigh per square foot?
Standard polycarbonate (1.20 g/cm³) sheet weight per square foot by thickness: 1/8" (3.175 mm) = 0.356 kg (0.785 lbs); 1/4" (6.35 mm) = 0.711 kg (1.568 lbs); 3/8" (9.525 mm) = 1.067 kg (2.352 lbs); 1/2" (12.7 mm) = 1.422 kg (3.135 lbs). A standard 4 ft × 8 ft sheet at 1/4" weighs approximately 22.8 kg (50.2 lbs). Use the calculator above with imperial units for any thickness.
How heavy is polycarbonate?
Standard polycarbonate has a density of 1.20 g/cm³ (1,200 kg/m³), making it slightly heavier than acrylic (1.18–1.19 g/cm³) and much lighter than glass (~2.5 g/cm³) or aluminum (~2.7 g/cm³). A 4 ft × 8 ft sheet in 1/4" thickness weighs approximately 22.8 kg (50.2 lbs). Polycarbonate is roughly 50% the weight of equivalent-thickness glass.
What is the density of polycarbonate?
Standard polycarbonate (PC) has a density of 1.20 g/cm³ (1,200 kg/m³). UV-stabilized and impact-modified grades remain within 1.19–1.22 g/cm³. All PC grades are denser than water (1.00 g/cm³) but significantly lighter than glass (~2.5 g/cm³) and aluminum (2.7 g/cm³).
How do I calculate polycarbonate sheet weight?
PC sheet weight = Length (mm) × Width (mm) × Thickness (mm) ÷ 1000 × Density (g/cm³). For a standard 4 ft × 8 ft × 6 mm clear PC sheet (1219 × 2438 × 6 mm at 1.20 g/cm³): (1219 × 2438 × 6) ÷ 1000 × 1.20 = 17,835 cm³ × 1.20 = 21,402 g (21.4 kg, 47.2 lbs). Enter your specific dimensions in the calculator above for instant results.
How much weight can polycarbonate hold?
Load-bearing capacity depends on part geometry, span, support conditions, and safety factors — not material density alone. Polycarbonate has a flexural strength of 90–110 MPa and flexural modulus of approximately 2,300 MPa. For structural loading calculations, consult a mechanical engineer. This calculator computes the weight of the polycarbonate part itself, not its load-carrying capacity.