Glass Weight and Dead Load
The calculator converts pane dimensions and build-up into area, mass per square metre, total pane mass and dead load. These values support frame reactions, brackets, fixings, transport, lifting and installation review.
Inputs and Supported Build-Ups
Enter pane width, height and glass build-up. The tool supports monolithic, tempered, laminated and DGU configurations, including separate DGU panes and an optional laminated-glass interlayer allowance.
Glass Weight Formula
The calculation uses pane area, glass thickness and a glass density equivalent to 2.5 kg per square metre for each millimetre of glass thickness. Total pane mass is the mass per square metre multiplied by pane area.
Tempered Glass Weight
Tempered glass uses the same density basis as annealed glass of the same dimensions and thickness. The heat-treatment process changes its strength characteristics, not the basic mass calculation.
Laminated and DGU Glass Weight
Laminated results include the mass of every glass ply and can include the selected interlayer allowance. DGU results include both glass panes; the cavity thickness is reported as part of the build-up, while cavity gas mass is excluded.
Engineering Use
Glass weight is one design input. Wind, snow, barrier, live and maintenance actions, ULS stress, SLS deflection, support conditions and connection design still require separate project review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is glass weight usually estimated?
A common early estimate is area multiplied by glass thickness and density, often taken as about 2.5 kg/m2 for each millimetre of glass thickness.
How much does 10 mm glass weigh?
Using the common 2.5 kg/m2 per millimetre estimate, 10 mm glass weighs about 25 kg/m2 before any project-specific allowances are considered.
Is tempered glass heavier than normal glass?
For the same thickness and area, tempered glass is normally estimated with the same density basis. Tempering changes strength characteristics, not the basic weight estimate.
Can this be used as a glass load calculator?
It can support dead load review from glass weight, but wind, snow, barrier, live, maintenance, and project-specific actions still need to be reviewed separately.
Why does glass weight matter in structural glazing?
Glass weight affects dead load, frame reactions, brackets, fixings, handling, installation planning, and the wider structural glass design review.