This metal scrap value calculator shows what your scrap is really worth once the yard is done with it. Enter your gross weight, rate and deductions, and it returns an itemized breakdown that ends in one number: the net payable amount. Weight is only the starting point, because impurity, moisture, weighing tolerance, dealer commission and transport all come off before you are paid.
Scrap details
Deductions & fees (enter only what applies — leave 0 if none)
Live value breakdown
- Net payable—
- Weight / quality loss—
- Commission—
- Transport—
- Other—
Results
Deductions exceed the scrap value — the net payable amount is negative.
Related Tools
Table of Contents
Same Metal, Three Different Payouts
Take 100 kg of scrap at $3.00 per kg. The headline value is $300, but the payout depends on the load:
| Clean Load | Typical Mixed Load | Dirty Load | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impurity / moisture / tolerance | 0% / 0% / 0% | 2% / 3% / 1% | 8% / 5% / 2% |
| Effective (payable) weight | 100 kg | 94.11 kg | 85.65 kg |
| Gross scrap value | $300.00 | $282.33 | $256.96 |
| Dealer commission | 0% | 5% ($14.12) | 10% ($25.70) |
| Transport | $0 | $10 | $20 |
| Net payable | $300.00 | $258.21 | $211.26 |
The typical load pays about 14% less than the headline figure, and the dirty load about 30% less. Small percentages add up, which is why it pays to know every deduction before you agree on a price.
How the Deductions Are Applied
- Gross weight is what your scale shows, in kg, g, lb, oz, metric tons, US short tons or UK long tons.
- Rate is the price you were quoted, in any of those units. It does not have to match your weight unit.
- Weight deductions (impurity, moisture, weighing tolerance) are applied one after another to the gross weight. In the typical load, 2%, 3% and 1% remove about 5.9% together, leaving the effective weight.
- Effective weight × rate gives the gross scrap value.
- Fees (commission %, transport, other deductions) are subtracted to give the net payable amount.
If fees exceed the value of the scrap, the calculator shows a negative net amount with a warning instead of hiding it.
How to Calculate Scrap Metal Value (Formula)
To calculate scrap metal value, multiply the effective weight by the price per unit, then subtract the dealer's commission and any fees. Net payable = (effective weight × price) − commission − transport − other costs.
Effective weight is the scale weight reduced by impurity, moisture and weighing tolerance, applied one after another: gross weight × (1 − impurity %) × (1 − moisture %) × (1 − tolerance %). For example, a 100 kg load at 3.00 per kg with 2% impurity, 3% moisture and 1% tolerance has an effective weight of 94.11 kg and a gross scrap value of 282.33. A 5% commission (14.12) and a transport cost of 10 leave a net payable of 258.21.
The calculator has no built-in price list, so enter the rate your buyer quotes for your metal and grade, whether it is steel, stainless steel, copper or aluminum.
Weight Unit Reference
| Unit | Equals (in kg) |
|---|---|
| 1 Gram (g) | 0.001 kg |
| 1 Metric Ton (t) | 1,000 kg |
| 1 Pound (lb) | 0.45359237 kg |
| 1 Ounce (oz) | 0.02834952 kg |
| 1 US Short Ton | 907.18474 kg |
| 1 UK Long Ton | 1,016.0469 kg |
Convert Scrap Prices Between lb, kg and Ton
Buyers quote scrap prices in different units. The calculator accepts any weight unit with any price unit, but if you want to compare quotes yourself, use these factors:
| To convert a price per lb into | Multiply by |
|---|---|
| Price per kg | 2.2046 |
| Price per metric ton | 2,204.6 |
| Price per US short ton | 2,000 |
For weight, 100 lb is 45.36 kg. To value it, multiply the weight by your buyer's price per lb or per kg, then apply their deductions.
Grades Decide the Deductions
The metal type field is a label only and does not change the math. There is no built-in price list, because prices for the same metal vary by grade, region and day. Bare, clean copper wire and coated, mixed cable are not the same product. Your buyer's grading decides which deductions apply, and many buyers work from the specifications in ReMA's Scrap Specifications Circular. Ask your buyer for their percentages up front and enter those numbers instead of guessing.
Scrap Rate Formula (Manufacturing Scrap)
In manufacturing, scrap rate is the share of material or parts that end up as scrap. Scrap rate (%) = scrap quantity ÷ total quantity produced × 100. If 25 of 1,000 parts are scrapped, the scrap rate is 2.5% and the yield is 97.5%.
The same formula works by weight: divide the weight of scrap by the weight of material used. To see what that scrap is worth when you sell it, enter its weight and your buyer's rate in the calculator above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator use fixed scrap prices for each metal?
No. There is no built-in price list. You enter the rate you were quoted or the market rate you're working with, and the calculator does the math from there. Scrap prices change too often and vary too much by grade and region for a fixed list to be reliable.
What's the difference between gross weight and effective weight?
Gross weight is what your scale shows. Effective weight is what's left after impurity, moisture, and weighing-tolerance deductions are applied — it's the weight you're actually paid on.
What happens if my deductions and fees are more than the scrap is worth?
The calculator will show a negative net payable amount along with a clear warning, rather than hiding the shortfall. That's a real possibility with heavily contaminated or low-value loads plus high transport costs, and you should see it plainly.
Is my currency supported?
The calculator includes 25+ major currencies. If yours isn't listed, select "Custom" and enter your own currency symbol.
Does the "metal type" field change the calculation?
No. It's a label only, shown on your results and exports for your own reference. It has no effect on the numbers.
How do I calculate the value of scrap metal?
Multiply the effective weight (scale weight after impurity, moisture and tolerance deductions) by the price per unit, then subtract the dealer's commission, transport and other fees. The calculator does this and shows the net payable amount.
How much is 100 lb of steel worth?
100 lb is 45.36 kg. Multiply the weight by your buyer's price per lb (or per kg) and subtract their deductions. The tool has no fixed steel price, so enter the rate your buyer quotes today.
How do I calculate scrap rate?
Divide the amount of scrap by the total amount produced and multiply by 100. For example, 25 scrapped parts out of 1,000 is a 2.5% scrap rate.
How do I calculate steel, stainless steel or copper scrap value?
Enter the weight, the price per unit your buyer quotes for that metal and grade, and their deduction percentages. The metal type field only labels the result, so the rate you enter is what sets the value.
Quick Summary
A metal scrap value calculator gives you the real number that matters at a scrap sale: not gross weight times rate, but the net payable amount after impurity, moisture, weighing tolerance, dealer commission, and transport are subtracted. This calculator lets you enter your own weight, your own rate, and your own deductions in any of 25+ currencies, shows a live visual breakdown of where your money goes, and lets you export the result as an image or a clean one-page PDF — all without assuming a fixed price for any metal.
Disclaimer
This metal scrap value calculator is provided by BytePriva for general estimation purposes only. It does not use live market prices and does not represent an offer, quote, or guarantee of payment from any buyer, dealer, or recycling facility. All figures depend entirely on the weight, rate, and deduction values you enter, and actual payouts may differ based on a buyer's own grading, testing, and terms. BytePriva makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any result and accepts no liability for decisions made based on this tool. Always confirm final pricing and deductions directly with your buyer before completing a transaction.