Metal Stud Weight Per Foot: Weight Chart & Calculation Guide
Estimate steel stud weight per linear foot, compare common sizes, and calculate total project weight for planning, shipping, and material handling.
📌 Metal Stud Weight Per Foot – Quick Answer
Metal stud weight is expressed in lb/ft (or kg/m) and varies by depth, gauge, flange profile, and manufacturer. A typical 3⅝″ 20-gauge stud weighs roughly 1.1–1.3 lb/ft, while a 6″ 16-gauge stud may weigh 2.0–2.4 lb/ft. Always verify with manufacturer data.
Metal Stud Weight Per Foot Chart
Weights are approximate and based on typical C‑shaped stud profiles. Actual values vary by manufacturer and profile geometry.
| Stud Depth | Gauge | Approx. Thickness (in) | Weight per ft (lb/ft) | Weight per 10 ft (lb) | Weight per 12 ft (lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2½″ | 25 ga | 0.018 | 0.6–0.7 | 6–7 | 7–8 | Light partition |
| 2½″ | 20 ga | 0.033 | 0.9–1.0 | 9–10 | 11–12 | Interior wall |
| 3⅝″ | 25 ga | 0.018 | 0.7–0.8 | 7–8 | 8–10 | Light commercial |
| 3⅝″ | 20 ga | 0.033 | 1.1–1.3 | 11–13 | 13–16 | Standard partition |
| 3⅝″ | 18 ga | 0.043 | 1.5–1.7 | 15–17 | 18–20 | Taller walls |
| 3⅝″ | 16 ga | 0.054 | 1.9–2.1 | 19–21 | 23–25 | Heavy-duty |
| 6″ | 20 ga | 0.033 | 1.5–1.7 | 15–17 | 18–20 | Deeper profile |
| 6″ | 16 ga | 0.054 | 2.0–2.4 | 20–24 | 24–29 | Structural |
| 6″ | 14 ga | 0.068 | 2.8–3.2 | 28–32 | 34–38 | High load |
| 8″ | 16 ga | 0.054 | 2.6–3.0 | 26–30 | 31–36 | Heavy commercial |
| 8″ | 14 ga | 0.068 | 3.5–4.0 | 35–40 | 42–48 | Engineered |
Steel Stud Weight by Gauge
Gauge is a key factor in weight. A lower gauge (thicker steel) adds weight. However, profile geometry also matters. Two studs with the same gauge but different depths or flanges will have different weights.
- 25 ga – Lightest, used in low-load partitions.
- 20 ga – Common for interior walls.
- 18 ga – Heavier, for taller walls or higher loads.
- 16 ga – Heavy-duty, often structural.
- 14 ga – Extra heavy, engineered applications.
Steel Stud Weight by Size (Depth)
Deeper studs generally weigh more, but the gauge is equally important. A 6″ 20‑ga stud may weigh less than a 3⅝″ 16‑ga stud. Always check both dimensions.
How to Calculate Metal Stud Weight
Weight of one stud = weight per linear foot × stud length
Total weight for multiple studs: Number of studs × weight per stud
Conversion: 1 lb/ft ≈ 1.488 kg/m (multiply lb/ft by 1.488 to get kg/m).
Worked Examples
Weight per ft = 1.2 lb/ft
Stud length = 10 ft
Weight = 1.2 × 10 = 12 lb
Weight per ft = 2.2 lb/ft (typical)
Stud length = 12 ft
Weight = 2.2 × 12 = 26.4 lb
100 × 12 lb = 1,200 lb
1.2 lb/ft × 1.488 = 1.79 kg/m
Total Weight of Metal Studs
For estimating total project weight: Total weight = number of studs × length per stud × weight per foot. This is an estimate; actual weights should be confirmed with manufacturer data.
Metal Stud Weight vs Steel Stud Weight
The terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to the same cold‑formed steel framing products. The specific product designation and manufacturer are what matter for actual weight.
What Affects Metal Stud Weight?
- Gauge / thickness: Thicker steel weighs more.
- Stud depth: Deeper profiles have more material.
- Flange width: Wider flanges add weight.
- Lip size: Larger lips increase weight.
- Profile geometry: Different roll‑formed shapes.
- Steel density: 490 lb/ft³ (typical for steel).
- Manufacturer: Profiles vary between brands.
- Punched / open‑web: Knockouts reduce weight slightly.
- Coating: Galvanized coatings add minimal weight.
Weight Per Foot vs Weight Per Stud
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Weight per foot (lb/ft) | Weight per linear foot of the stud profile. |
| Weight per stud | Weight per foot × stud length. |
| Total project weight | Weight per stud × number of studs. |
How to Read a Manufacturer's Steel Stud Table
Manufacturer tables list profile designations, thickness (or gauge), section properties, and weight per foot. Look for:
- Designation: e.g., 362S200-18 (3⅝″ × 2″ flange, 18 ga).
- Thickness: Actual base steel thickness.
- Weight per foot: Listed in lb/ft.
- Section properties: For engineering calculations.
Always use the manufacturer's published data for final estimating and specification.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Assuming all 3⅝″ studs have the same weight.
- ❌ Using gauge alone to determine weight.
- ❌ Confusing stud weight with track weight.
- ❌ Ignoring manufacturer specifications.
- ❌ Mixing lb/ft and kg/m without converting.
- ❌ Calculating total project weight without accounting for length.
- ❌ Using approximate values for structural design.
Related Steel Stud Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 0.6–4.0 lb/ft depending on size and gauge. A 3⅝″ 20‑ga stud weighs about 1.1–1.3 lb/ft.
In 20 ga, about 1.2 lb/ft (12 lb for 10 ft). In 16 ga, about 2.0 lb/ft (20 lb for 10 ft).
At 1.2 lb/ft, a 10‑ft stud weighs 12 lb. Heavier gauges weigh more.
Using 1.2 lb/ft, 12 ft = 14.4 lb. Always check the specific product.
Yes, lower gauge = thicker steel = heavier weight.
Multiply weight per foot by the length of the stud, then multiply by the number of studs.
Track weight is separate; track is a U‑shaped component and has its own weight per foot.
Multiply lb/ft by 1.488 to get kg/m.
No. Profiles, flanges, and thicknesses vary. Always verify with manufacturer data.
No. Gauge is one factor; depth, flange, and lip dimensions also affect weight.
References & Sources
- Manufacturer technical catalogs (e.g., ClarkDietrich, Marino\WARE, CEMCO).
- AISI S100 – North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel.
- Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) resources.
- Building codes (IBC, ASCE 7) for structural requirements.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Published/reference weights may vary by manufacturer and profile. For structural design, engineering specifications, procurement, and final material ordering, users should verify the exact product data from the manufacturer or project specifications. This page is for educational and planning purposes only.