Cable tray weight chart and how to calculate weight per metre
An approximate weight chart for the most common cable tray sizes from 50 to 1000 mm, and the formula to work out the weight of any size and thickness.
Knowing cable tray weight helps you estimate cost, size the supports and plan transport. Below is an approximate weight chart for the most common sizes and the formula for any size.
The formula
Weight (kg/m) = (width + 2 × side height) in mm × thickness in mm × 7.85 ÷ 1000
7.85 is the density of steel (g/cm³). Perforations reduce the real weight slightly and hot-dip galvanizing adds a little, so the chart is approximate.
Approximate weight per linear metre (kg)
| Size (W × H) | 1 mm | 1.25 mm | 1.5 mm | 2 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 × 50 mm | 1.18 | 1.47 | 1.77 | 2.35 |
| 100 × 50 mm | 1.57 | 1.96 | 2.35 | 3.14 |
| 200 × 50 mm | 2.35 | 2.94 | 3.53 | 4.71 |
| 300 × 50 mm | 3.14 | 3.92 | 4.71 | 6.28 |
| 200 × 100 mm | 3.14 | 3.92 | 4.71 | 6.28 |
| 300 × 100 mm | 3.92 | 4.91 | 5.89 | 7.85 |
| 400 × 100 mm | 4.71 | 5.89 | 7.07 | 9.42 |
| 500 × 100 mm | 5.50 | 6.87 | 8.24 | 10.99 |
| 600 × 100 mm | 6.28 | 7.85 | 9.42 | 12.56 |
| 800 × 100 mm | 7.85 | 9.81 | 11.78 | 15.70 |
| 1000 × 100 mm | 9.42 | 11.78 | 14.13 | 18.84 |
Example
300 × 100 mm tray, 1.5 mm thick:
(300 + 2 × 100) × 1.5 × 7.85 ÷ 1000 = 5.89 kg per metre.
So 100 m ≈ 589 kg before fittings.
Covers
Cover weight = (width + 2 × cover side) × thickness × 7.85 ÷ 1000. A 300 mm cover, 1.25 mm thick with a 15 mm side ≈ 3.24 kg per metre.
Typical thickness by size
- Up to 200 mm wide: 1–1.25 mm is usually enough.
- 300–400 mm: 1.5 mm.
- 500 mm and above, long spans or heavy cables: 2 mm.
This is general guidance; the final thickness depends on cable load, support spacing and the consultant's specification.
Faster
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