Polycarbonate Sheet Weight Calculator & Chart (kg/m² & Per Sheet) 2026
PC sheet weight = thickness × 1.2 g/cm³. A 10 mm solid polycarbonate sheet weighs 12 kg per square metre; the same area of 12 mm glass weighs about 30 kg. Here is the full weight chart per sheet and per square metre, with transport and installation guidance.
PC Sheet Weight per Square Metre (kg/m²)
| Thickness | Density | Weight per m² | 4×8 ft sheet (2.98 m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 2.4 kg | 7.1 kg |
| 3 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 3.6 kg | 10.7 kg |
| 4 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 4.8 kg | 14.3 kg |
| 5 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 6.0 kg | 17.9 kg |
| 6 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 7.2 kg | 21.4 kg |
| 8 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 9.6 kg | 28.6 kg |
| 10 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 12.0 kg | 35.7 kg |
| 12 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 14.4 kg | 42.9 kg |
| 16 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 19.2 kg | 57.1 kg |
| 20 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 24.0 kg | 71.4 kg |
| 25 mm | 1.2 g/cm³ | 30.0 kg | 89.3 kg |
Polycarbonate vs Glass vs Acrylic: Weight per m²
| Material | Density | 10 mm weight/m² | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate (solid) | 1.2 g/cm³ | 12 kg | ~200× impact strength of glass |
| Tempered glass | 2.5 g/cm³ | 25 kg | 2× heavier than PC, shatters on edge impact |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | 1.19 g/cm³ | 11.9 kg | Similar weight, ~30× less impact resistant |
| PVC sheet | 1.4 g/cm³ | 14 kg | Heavier, low UV stability |
Polycarbonate weighs about half as much as glass at the same thickness — the practical reason it is chosen for large roofs, skylights and noise barriers where steel substructures would otherwise be required.
Transport weight: what fits in a container
A standard 40HQ container (approx. 2,650 kg payload after pallets) carries roughly 3,600 m² of 3 mm PC (≈ 13 t) or 1,100 m² of 10 mm solid — palletised with edge protection. Weight, not volume, is usually the limiting factor for sheets above 8 mm, so confirm the net weight with us before booking freight.
Common sheet sizes and weights (10 mm example)
| Sheet size | Area | 10 mm weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1220 × 2440 mm (4×8 ft) | 2.98 m² | 35.7 kg |
| 1220 × 3050 mm (4×10 ft) | 3.72 m² | 44.7 kg |
| 1560 × 3050 mm (5×10 ft) | 4.76 m² | 57.1 kg |
| 2100 × 6000 mm (7×20 ft) | 12.6 m² | 151.2 kg |
| 2100 × 12000 mm (7×40 ft) | 25.2 m² | 302.4 kg |
Multiwall sheets are 30–50% lighter than solid at the same nominal thickness because of the air channels. Tell us your application and we will recommend the lightest structure that meets the span and load.
Why sheet weight matters in practice
- Substructure cost — lighter sheets allow wider purlin spacing and lighter steel framing
- Handling safety — one person can carry a 3 mm 4×8 sheet; 16 mm+ solid needs two people or a hoist
- Roof live-load design — glass roofs require ~25 kg/m² dead load; PC roofs add only 3.6–12 kg/m²
- Freight — weight-based shipping means thinner/multiwall structures cut freight per m²
FAQ: Polycarbonate sheet weight
How do I calculate the weight of a polycarbonate sheet?
Multiply length × width × thickness in metres, then by 1,200 kg/m³ (density 1.2 g/cm³). Example: 1.22 × 2.44 × 0.003 m × 1,200 = 10.7 kg per 3 mm 4×8 sheet.
Is polycarbonate lighter than glass?
Yes — about half. Polycarbonate density is 1.2 g/cm³ versus 2.5 g/cm³ for glass, so a 10 mm PC sheet weighs 12 kg/m² while 10 mm glass weighs 25 kg/m².
What is the weight of 4×8 polycarbonate in kg?
A 4×8 ft (1220×2440 mm) sheet weighs: 2 mm = 7.1 kg, 3 mm = 10.7 kg, 4 mm = 14.3 kg, 5 mm = 17.9 kg, 6 mm = 21.4 kg, 10 mm = 35.7 kg.
How much does a polycarbonate sheet weigh per m²?
Multiply the thickness in mm by 1.2 to get kg/m²: 3 mm = 3.6 kg/m², 6 mm = 7.2 kg/m², 10 mm = 12 kg/m², 16 mm = 19.2 kg/m², 25 mm = 30 kg/m².
Are multiwall polycarbonate sheets lighter than solid?
Yes, typically 30–50% lighter at the same nominal thickness because of the internal air channels — a 10 mm twin-wall sheet weighs roughly 6.5–7.5 kg/m² versus 12 kg/m² for solid.
What sheet weight is right for a greenhouse roof?
For greenhouses, 6 mm twin-wall (7.2 kg/m²) and 10 mm twin-wall (12 kg/m²) are the standard choices — light enough for simple frames while meeting typical snow and wind loads.
Continue reading: how far PC sheets can span · insulation U-values · current price guide
Confirm the exact weight, price and freight for your specification. Send your thickness, size, quantity and destination port — we will reply within 24 hours with a detailed quotation, test reports and loading plan.