Glass Weight Reference Table
Complete weight-per-square-metre reference for all common glass types used in the glazing industry. Based on standard glass density of 2,500 kg/m³ (2.5 kg per m² per mm of thickness).
Single Glazed — Float & Toughened
| Glass Type | Weight (kg/m²) | 1m × 1m Panel | 1m × 2m Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm Float / Annealed | 7.5 | 7.5 kg | 15.0 kg |
| 4mm Float / Annealed | 10.0 | 10.0 kg | 20.0 kg |
| 5mm Float / Annealed | 12.5 | 12.5 kg | 25.0 kg |
| 6mm Float / Annealed | 15.0 | 15.0 kg | 30.0 kg |
| 8mm Float / Annealed | 20.0 | 20.0 kg | 40.0 kg |
| 10mm Float / Annealed | 25.0 | 25.0 kg | 50.0 kg |
| 12mm Float / Annealed | 30.0 | 30.0 kg | 60.0 kg |
| 15mm Float / Annealed | 37.5 | 37.5 kg | 75.0 kg |
| 19mm Float / Annealed | 47.5 | 47.5 kg | 95.0 kg |
| 4mm Toughened | 10.0 | 10.0 kg | 20.0 kg |
| 5mm Toughened | 12.5 | 12.5 kg | 25.0 kg |
| 6mm Toughened | 15.0 | 15.0 kg | 30.0 kg |
| 8mm Toughened | 20.0 | 20.0 kg | 40.0 kg |
| 10mm Toughened | 25.0 | 25.0 kg | 50.0 kg |
| 12mm Toughened | 30.0 | 30.0 kg | 60.0 kg |
Laminated Glass
| Glass Type | Weight (kg/m²) | 1m × 1m Panel | 1m × 2m Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.38mm (3/0.38/3) | 15.2 | 15.2 kg | 30.4 kg |
| 6.76mm (3/0.76/3) | 15.6 | 15.6 kg | 31.2 kg |
| 8.38mm (4/0.38/4) | 20.2 | 20.2 kg | 40.4 kg |
| 8.76mm (4/0.76/4) | 20.6 | 20.6 kg | 41.2 kg |
| 10.38mm (5/0.38/5) | 25.2 | 25.2 kg | 50.4 kg |
| 10.76mm (5/0.76/5) | 25.6 | 25.6 kg | 51.2 kg |
| 12.38mm (6/0.38/6) | 30.2 | 30.2 kg | 60.4 kg |
| 12.76mm (6/0.76/6) | 30.6 | 30.6 kg | 61.2 kg |
| 16.76mm (8/0.76/8) | 40.6 | 40.6 kg | 81.2 kg |
Double Glazed (IGU)
| Glass Type | Weight (kg/m²) | 1m × 1m Panel | 1m × 2m Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8/4 IGU | 20.0 | 20.0 kg | 40.0 kg |
| 4/12/4 IGU | 20.0 | 20.0 kg | 40.0 kg |
| 5/12/5 IGU | 25.0 | 25.0 kg | 50.0 kg |
| 6/8/6 IGU | 30.0 | 30.0 kg | 60.0 kg |
| 6/12/6 IGU | 30.0 | 30.0 kg | 60.0 kg |
| 6/16/6 IGU | 30.0 | 30.0 kg | 60.0 kg |
| 8/12/8 IGU | 40.0 | 40.0 kg | 80.0 kg |
| 10/12/10 IGU | 50.0 | 50.0 kg | 100.0 kg |
| 6.38/12/6 IGU (Lam outer) | 45.2 | 45.2 kg | 90.4 kg |
| 6/12/6.38 IGU (Lam inner) | 45.2 | 45.2 kg | 90.4 kg |
About This Reference Table
All glass weights in this table are calculated using the industry-standard density of 2,500 kg/m³ — the value used by glass manufacturers worldwide and referenced in Australian Standard AS 1288. This density is consistent across all float-based glass products (annealed, toughened, and laminated) because they all originate from the same float glass manufacturing process.
The weight formula is straightforward: weight (kg/m²) = thickness (mm) × 2.5. Toughened glass weighs exactly the same as annealed glass of the same thickness — the toughening process changes the stress profile and breakage characteristics but does not alter mass. Laminated glass weighs slightly more due to the PVB interlayer, though the addition is less than 0.5 kg/m² for standard configurations.
For double glazed units (IGUs), only the glass panes contribute meaningfully to weight. The aluminium or warm-edge spacer bar and the air or argon gas fill add negligible mass. This means a 6/12/6 and a 6/16/6 IGU weigh essentially the same — both approximately 30 kg/m² — because the spacer width has no impact on weight.
Knowing panel weight accurately matters for three practical reasons: safe manual handling decisions (Safe Work Australia's single-person limit is 25 kg), correct hardware specification (hinges, slides, and patch fittings are all weight-rated), and transportation planning. For quick on-site calculations, the Glazing Calculator gives instant weight results from panel dimensions.
Safe Handling Guidelines
🟢
Under 25 kg
Safe for one-person lift
🟡
25 – 55 kg
Two-person lift recommended
🔴
55 – 300 kg
Mechanical aid required
🏗️
Over 300 kg
Crane lift required
Based on Safe Work Australia guidelines for manual handling. Always assess the full task including grip, distance, and environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does glass weigh per m²?
Glass weighs 2.5 kg per m² for every 1mm of thickness. So 4mm glass weighs 10 kg/m², 6mm weighs 15 kg/m², 10mm weighs 25 kg/m², and 12mm weighs 30 kg/m². This applies to float, annealed, and toughened glass equally.
Does toughened glass weigh more than standard glass?
No. Toughened glass weighs exactly the same as annealed glass of the same thickness. The toughening process changes the stress profile and breakage characteristics but does not alter the mass of the glass.
How heavy is a standard 6/12/6 double glazed unit?
A 6/12/6 IGU weighs approximately 30 kg/m² — the sum of two 6mm panes at 15 kg/m² each. The spacer bar and gas fill contribute negligible weight. A 1.2m × 1.0m panel in 6/12/6 weighs approximately 36 kg.
What is the safe weight limit for one person carrying glass?
Safe Work Australia recommends a maximum of 25 kg for a single-person lift under ideal conditions (good grip, level ground, clear path). Between 25–55 kg, two people or mechanical aids are required. Above 55 kg, a mechanical vacuum lifter is mandatory.
How does the spacer width in a double glazed unit affect weight?
It doesn't. The spacer width (8mm, 12mm, 16mm) determines the air gap size and affects thermal performance, but adds no meaningful weight. A 6/12/6 and a 6/16/6 unit weigh the same — approximately 30 kg/m².
How much does 12mm toughened glass weigh?
12mm toughened glass weighs 30 kg/m². A typical 1.0m × 2.1m frameless balustrade panel weighs 63 kg — well above the two-person manual limit, requiring a mechanical vacuum lifter for safe installation.
Related Resources
- Glazing Calculator — calculate area, weight & price instantly
- Glass Weight Calculator for Glaziers — how to use it on site
- Common Glass Thicknesses for Residential Windows
- Glass Handling Safety Tips — weight limits and PPE
- Toughened vs Laminated Glass — which to choose
- Glazing Glossary — plain-language definitions