Short answer: Acrylic weighs about 0.73 lb per square foot at 1/8 in. (3 mm), 1.46 lb at 1/4 in. (6 mm), and 2.92 lb at 1/2 in. (12 mm), based on its density of 1.19 g/cm³ (ASTM D792), about 0.043 lb per cubic inch. Acrylite puts 1/8 in. sheet at under 3/4 lb per square foot and rates acrylic at half the weight of glass and 43% the weight of aluminum.
Key facts
- Density: 1.19 g/cm³ for cast and extruded sheet from every major maker (ASTM D792 / ISO 1183), about 0.043 lb/in³ or 74.3 lb/ft³.
- Rule of thumb: about 0.73 lb per sq. ft. for every 3 mm (1/8 in.) of thickness.
- Acrylite: 1/8 in. sheet weighs less than 3/4 lb per sq. ft.; acrylic is half the weight of glass and 43% the weight of aluminum.
How much does acrylic weigh per square foot?
Weights are calculated from 1.19 g/cm³ and the metric thickness each nominal size is usually made to. Real sheet varies in thickness (cast sheet by about ±10%), so real parts can be a little lighter or heavier.
| Nominal | Usually made as | lb per sq ft | kg per m² | Full 48 × 96 in. sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 in. | 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) | 0.37 | 1.8 | about 12 lb |
| 1/8 in. | 3 mm (0.118 in.) | 0.73 | 3.6 | about 23 lb |
| 3/16 in. | 4.5 mm (0.177 in.) | 1.10 | 5.4 | about 35 lb |
| 1/4 in. | 6 mm (0.236 in.) | 1.46 | 7.1 | about 47 lb |
| 3/8 in. | 9 mm (0.354 in.) | 2.19 | 10.7 | about 70 lb |
| 1/2 in. | 12 mm (0.472 in.) | 2.92 | 14.3 | about 94 lb |
| 3/4 in. | 18 mm (0.709 in.) | 4.39 | 21.4 | about 140 lb |
| 1 in. | 24 mm (0.945 in.) | 5.85 | 28.6 | about 187 lb |
If you calculate from the nominal inch size instead (for example, a true 0.250 in. for 1/4 in.), you'll get numbers about 5% higher. Both are reasonable for planning; the table above is closer to what typical sheet weighs. More on why the sizes differ in acrylic's actual thickness.
How do you calculate the weight of an acrylic part?
Weight (lb) = length (in.) × width (in.) × thickness (in.) × 0.043.
Example: an 18 × 24 in. sign in 1/4 in. (0.236 in.) acrylic: 18 × 24 × 0.236 × 0.043 = about 4.4 lb. Or by area: 3 sq ft × 1.46 = 4.4 lb.
In metric: kg = length (m) × width (m) × thickness (mm) × 1.19.
Cutouts, holes, and engraving remove a little weight; standoffs and hardware add some. The acrylic weight calculator does the math for any size and thickness.
What do common acrylic parts weigh?
Some everyday sizes, worked out from the chart above, to give you a feel for it:
| Part | Size and thickness | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| Desk nameplate | 10 × 2.5 in., 1/4 in. | about 0.25 lb (4 oz) |
| Small wall sign | 12 × 12 in., 1/8 in. | about 0.73 lb |
| Office sign on standoffs | 24 × 18 in., 1/4 in. | about 4.4 lb |
| Picture frame glazing | 24 × 36 in., 1/8 in. | about 4.4 lb |
| Display shelf | 36 × 10 in., 1/2 in. | about 7.3 lb |
| Table top cover | 60 × 36 in., 1/4 in. | about 22 lb |
| Large wall panel | 48 × 48 in., 1/2 in. | about 47 lb |
Thickness drives weight in direct proportion: double the thickness and the part weighs twice as much. Area does too, which is why a full-size table cover or window weighs far more than people expect when they're used to handling small signs.
Is acrylic lighter than glass?
Ordinary soda-lime glass is about 2.5 g/cm³, a bit more than twice acrylic's density, which matches the sheet makers' "half the weight of glass." So for the same thickness, acrylic is roughly half the weight (a little less than half, in fact):
| Thickness | Acrylic, lb/sq ft | Glass, lb/sq ft (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 in. (3 mm) | 0.73 | about 1.5 to 1.6 |
| 1/4 in. (6 mm) | 1.46 | about 3.1 to 3.3 |
| 1/2 in. (12 mm) | 2.92 | about 6.1 to 6.5 |
That's a big part of why acrylic is used for large picture frames, overhead signs, and replacement windows. See acrylic vs glass.
How much does acrylic weigh when shipped?
Shipped acrylic weighs more than the sheet alone. Allow for protective film, padding, and a rigid box or crate, which for flat panels often adds a meaningful fraction to the sheet's weight, more for small orders and less for large, heavy ones. Large panels are also limited by size more than weight: carriers charge by dimensions too. Your shipping cost appears with your price in the instant quote.
Why does weight matter for mounting?
A full sheet of 1/2 in. acrylic weighs close to 100 lb, which is a two-person lift. Heavier panels need anchors into studs, more standoffs, or a cleat. See how to mount acrylic to a wall.
Questions
Do cast and extruded acrylic weigh the same?
Yes, the density is essentially the same. Any difference comes from thickness: cast sheet varies more, so a given piece may be a little lighter or heavier than the chart.
Does colored acrylic weigh more?
Not meaningfully. Pigments are a tiny fraction of the sheet. Mirror acrylic adds a thin coating and backing, which barely changes the weight.
Is acrylic heavier than polycarbonate?
Very slightly. Polycarbonate is about 1.20 g/cm³ versus acrylic's 1.19, so they're practically the same weight.
How heavy is bullet-resistant acrylic?
Rated bullet-resistant acrylic is thick, typically about 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 in., so it weighs about 7.7 to 10.5 lb per sq. ft. See is acrylic bulletproof.