A standard 4 ft × 8 ft sheet of 1/8 inch (0.125″) aluminum weighs about 56 lbs and typically costs in the ballpark of $40–$50 per sheet, depending on alloy, finish, and order volume.
1. Material & Alloy Overview
I often refer to 6061‑T6 for general fabrication—rock‑solid and corrosion‑resistant. However, 5052 offers superior formability if you’re bending or stamping. Either way, you’re dealing with a lightweight metal whose density is about 2.70 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³) .
2. Dimensional Specifications
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Length: 4 ft. (48 in.)
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Width: 8 ft. (96 in.)
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Thickness: 1/8 in. (0.125 in.)
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Volume: 48 in. × 96 in. × 0.125 in. = 576 in³
3. Precise Weight Calculation
I like to show the math:
Weight (lb)=Volume (in³)×0.0975 (lb÷in³)=576×0.0975≈56.16 lb
There you have it: about 56 lbs per sheet.
4. Key Price‑Determining Factors
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Alloy Grade: 6061 vs. 5052 vs. 3003
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Surface Finish: Mill, polished, anodized
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Order Quantity: Bulk orders slash unit cost
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Market Demand: Seasonal plate shortages can spike prices
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Shipping & Handling: Oversize‑sheet surcharges
5. Current Market Price Trends
Over the past year, LME aluminum prices have fluctuated between $2,000–$2,400/mt. That translates to per‑sheet pricing of roughly $40–$50, although spot deals below $38 occasionally pop up.
6. Supplier Comparison Table
| Supplier | Alloy | Finish | MOQ (sheets) | Unit Price (USD) | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luokaiwei | 6061‑T6 | Mill Finish | 10 | $42 | 5–7 days |
| OnlineMetals | 5052‑H32 | Polished | 1 | $48 | 2–3 days |
| Metal Supermarkets | 3003‑H14 | Anodized | 5 | $45 | 7–10 days |
7. Common Industry Applications
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Automotive Trim: Light‑weight panels that meet tight tolerances.
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Architectural Cladding: Corrosion‑proof façades.
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Signage & Displays: Easy to cut, won’t rust.
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Marine Components: Salt‑water resilience.
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Food Packaging: FDA‑approved alloys available.
8. Case Study: Fabricating Aluminum Cabinets
I recently oversaw a shop retrofit using 24 sheets of 1/8″ 4×8 aluminum to build custom work‑bench cabinets. Here’s the breakdown:
| Item | Qty | Unit Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×8×⅛″ 6061‑T6 Sheets | 24 | $42 | $1,008 |
| Cutting & Edging | 24 | $5 | $120 |
| Fasteners & Hardware | — | — | $150 |
| Project Total | — | — | $1,278 |
I found that, despite a slightly higher per‑sheet price, the ease of machining 6061‑T6 saved 20 % on labor.
9. Purchase Recommendations: Why Luokaiwei
When I source 1/8″ aluminum sheets, Luokaiwei stands out for three reasons:
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Factory‑Direct Pricing: No middlemen markup.
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Global Quick Dispatch: Even large orders ship in under a week.
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24/7 Quotation Service: You get real‑time pricing any hour.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I verify sheet thickness?
A: I use a calibrated micrometer at several points—never trust just one reading.
Q2: Can I bend 1/8″ aluminum without cracking?
A: Absolutely—5052‑H32 bends like a dream, whereas 6061 might need annealing.
Q3: What’s the best way to cut these sheets?
A: I recommend a fine‑tooth circular saw blade or laser cutting for razor‑sharp edges.
Q4: Is anodizing worth the extra cost?
A: For outdoor use, yes. Anodizing boosts corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
Q5: How do LSI keywords affect my SEO?
A: Search engines reward pages that naturally include related terms—think “aluminum sheet weight calculator” or “industrial aluminum pricing” rather than stuffing “4×8 sheet” ad nauseam.
11. Conclusion
In sum, a 4×8 × ⅛″ sheet of aluminum weighs about 56 lbs and costs roughly $40–$50. By choosing the right alloy and partner—like Luokaiwei—you optimize both budget and performance. Whether you’re in automotive, marine, or architectural applications, this versatile sheet is a rock‑solid choice.
