Scrap Value of a Car by Weight Calculator
Calculate Your Car's Scrap Weight Value
Select your vehicle to see its curb weight and scrap value at different price points
Every car has a minimum value based purely on its weight in scrap metal. This calculator shows you that floor—the absolute least your vehicle is worth, regardless of condition, age, or whether it runs.
How is The Scrap Value of Your Car Calculated?
Scrap yards buy vehicles for one thing: recyclable metal. They don't care about your car's make, model, mileage, or condition. They care about weight.
The formula is simple:
Here's an Example Calculation
Below is an example calculation using a 2012 Honda Accord.
A 3,300-pound car (1.65 tons) at $170/ton scrap price equals $280 in scrap value. A 4,500-pound truck (2.25 tons) at the same price equals $382. Heavier vehicle = more money.
Why Scrap Value Is Your Price Floor
Think of scrap value as the absolute minimum your car is worth. Even if your vehicle doesn't run, has a blown engine, is missing parts, or has major damage—it's still worth at least its weight in steel.
This means: Any offer below scrap value is a bad deal. If your car weighs 3,200 lbs and current scrap is $180/ton, your floor is about $290. Don't accept $150.
For current scrap metal pricing, see our scrap car prices per ton guide.
Scrap Value vs. What Buyers Actually Pay
Here's the thing: most cars are worth more than their scrap weight. A junk car buyer or salvage yard doesn't just see metal—they see sellable parts:
Parts That Add Value Beyond Scrap
This is why a car with $300 in scrap value might sell for $600, $800, or even $1,000+ to a junk car buyer. Use scrap value as your floor, but don't assume it's your ceiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the calculator above—our database includes curb weights for thousands of vehicles. You can also find it on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual.
Yes. When you sell to a scrap yard, they'll drive your vehicle onto a scale and pay based on actual weight times current scrap prices.
Because parts are worth more than metal. A salvage yard can sell your engine, transmission, and body panels for far more than scrap price. They share some of that value with you.
Scrap steel prices fluctuate regularly—sometimes weekly. Major shifts happen monthly or quarterly based on global steel demand.