Restoring old windows is a great way to improve the appearance of your home. Costs vary depending on the age of the windows, the number you are restoring, and the window’s material.
Glass Weight Calculator: How Much Does Glass Weigh?
Don’t let the details weigh you down
Photo: FG Trade / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: FG Trade / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
The weight of glass depends on the area and thickness.
The average rectangular window weighs 20 to 30 lbs.
The average sliding window weighs 45 lbs.
Work with a local window installer to ensure your windows are level and airtight.
If replacing or installing windows yourself, you’ll need a partner to assist with the weight.
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Knowing the weight of your glass helps you plan your design, support structure, transportation, and installation. Learn how much glass weighs with our glass weight calculator. No matter the size, shape, and thickness of your glass, we’ve got you covered.
How Much Does Glass Weigh?
Based on the size, shape, and thickness of the glass, refer to the table below to estimate how much your glass weighs.
| Shape | Size (in Feet) | Area in Square Feet | Thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | 2x3 | 6 | ⅛ inch | 9.87 lbs. |
| Rectangle | 2x3 | 6 | ¼ inch | 19.74 lbs. |
| Rectangle | 2x4 | 8 | ⅛ inch | 13.16 lbs. |
| Rectangle | 2x4 | 8 | ¼ inch | 26.32 lbs. |
| Square | 3x3 | 9 | ⅛ inch | 14.81 lbs. |
| Square | 3x3 | 9 | ¼ inch | 29.61 lbs. |
| Oval | 2x2.5 | 3.94 | ⅛ inch | 3.27 lbs. |
| Oval | 2x2.5 | 3.94 | ¼ inch | 6.53 lbs. |
| Circle | 3-foot diameter | 7.1 | ⅛ inch | 4.21 lbs. |
| Circle | 3-foot diameter | 7.1 | ¼ inch | 8.43 lbs. |
Glass Weight Calculator
Using your glass square footage and thickness, apply the following formula to determine how much your glass weighs:
Glass Weight (lbs) = Area (ft²) * Thickness (in) * Density (10.4 lbs/ft²)
Example: 20.8 lbs = 8 square feet * 0.25 inches * 10.4 lbs/ft²
How to Measure Area for Glass
Photo: Andrzej Rostek / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
The key measurements for calculating the weight of glass are the area and the thickness. By multiplying these measurements, you can calculate the volume of the glass and, subsequently, its weight.
How to Measure the Area of a Square or Rectangle Glass
Measure the length and width of your square or rectangle, and record the measurements. Multiply the length by the width to get the area.
How to Measure Area for Irregular Shapes
For irregularly shaped glass, such as ovals, circles, and triangles, you’ll need to determine the area using a specific formula. Each shape has its own formula for calculating the area.
Circle: Area of a circle = π × r2
R equals the radius of the circle, π is pi, or 3.14
Oval: Area = π * a * b
A is the semimajor (longer) axis, B is the semiminor (shorter) axis, π is pi, or 3.14
Triangle: Area = (1/2) * base * height
Custom: Find the formula for the area of your given shape.
Who to Hire to Install Windows
Installing new windows takes precision, tools, and practice. Work with a local window installation pro to ensure your windows are level and airtight. The cost of a window installer ranges from $100 to $300 per window for labor, depending on the size and type of window. If you’re a handy DIYer, you can install replacement windows yourself. But for new construction windows, hire a pro unless you’re an experienced carpenter or handyman.
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