With the default inputs (Weight 50; Yard price as a share of COMEX 90%; COMEX copper price $6.59; Weight unit Pounds; Copper grade #1 copper (clean tubing, bus bar)), this calculator returns Estimated Scrap Value $296.55, Value at Full COMEX Price $329.50 and Yard Price per Pound $5.93/lb.
Every row is computed with this page's own calculator. Change the inputs above to model your own numbers.
| Yard price as a share of COMEX | Yard Price per Pound | Estimated Scrap Value |
|---|---|---|
| 95% | $6.26/lb | $313.03 |
| 90% | $5.93/lb | $296.55 |
| 82% | $5.40/lb | $270.19 |
| 72% | $4.74/lb | $237.24 |
| 55% | $3.62/lb | $181.23 |
| 35% | $2.31/lb | $115.33 |
Enter the copper weight and select its unit. Choose the copper grade that best describes the material, then enter the COMEX copper price per pound. Set the yard price as a share of COMEX to represent the percentage a scrap yard may pay. The calculator converts weight to pounds and reports estimated value at both the yard price and full exchange price.
Grade selection should reflect the condition and composition of the material. Bare bright is clean, shiny, uncoated wire at least 16 gauge. Number 1 copper includes clean unalloyed tubing, bus bar, and thick wire with light oxidation. Number 2 may have solder, paint, or heavier oxidation, while light copper includes thin sheet, roofing, and gutters.
For the default example, enter a weight of 50 pounds and select #1 copper (clean tubing, bus bar). Use a COMEX copper price of $6.59 and a yard price share of 90%.
The conversion shows Weight in Pounds: 50.00 lb. The selected share produces Yard Price per Pound: $5.93/lb and Yard Price per Kilogram: $13.08/kg. Applying that yard price to the full weight gives Estimated Scrap Value: $296.55. For comparison, the same copper at the full entered exchange price produces Value at Full COMEX Price: $329.50.
Scrap yards pay a percentage of the exchange price because material must be sorted, processed, shipped, and sold. The applicable percentage varies by yard, quantity, and market conditions. Insulated wire is priced according to recoverable copper content, so heavy THHN can earn much more per pound than light Romex or extension cords.
Stripping insulation can raise wire grade, but for small quantities the additional value often does not justify the labor. A short ton equals 2,000 pounds, which can help when comparing a large shipment with per-pound pricing. To value precious-metal items, use the Scrap Gold Calculator. To estimate a vehicle's scrap value, use the Scrap Car Calculator.