Carbon Fiber Weight Calculator

Carbon fiber composite typically has a density of 1.55-1.60 g/cm³ (97-100 lb/ft³), though this varies by resin type and fiber volume fraction. Pure carbon fiber is around 1.75-1.80 g/cm³, but the epoxy resin matrix brings the overall composite density down slightly.

Carbon fiber is approximately 75-80% lighter than steel and 40-45% lighter than aluminum for the same volume. A carbon fiber part weighing 1 pound would weigh about 5 pounds in steel or 1.7 pounds in aluminum, while often maintaining comparable or superior strength.

Yes, weight increases linearly with thickness. If you double the thickness of a carbon fiber sheet, you exactly double its weight, assuming consistent density throughout the material.

Density varies based on fiber volume fraction (amount of fiber vs. resin), resin type (epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester), manufacturing method (prepreg, wet layup, filament winding), and void content. High-performance aerospace composites may have 60-70% fiber volume, while general-purpose parts might be 50-55%.

The 1.6 g/cm³ figure is a reliable baseline for typical carbon fiber/epoxy composites and provides accuracy within 5-10% for most applications. For precision engineering, always verify the actual density with your material supplier or manufacturer's data sheet.