How Much Does a Metal File Cabinet Weigh?

Choosing the right file cabinet is an important decision for any office, home, or other space. A key consideration when selecting a metal file cabinet is its weight, as this impacts mobility and placement options. When determining the weight of a metal file cabinet, there are several key factors to consider.

What Influences the Weight of a Metal File Cabinet

The weight of a metal file cabinet depends on several elements:

Size

The dimensions of the file cabinet significantly influence how much it weighs. Larger cabinets with more drawers and more filing space will weigh more than smaller models. Standard widths for file cabinets are 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches. Common heights range from 52 to 68 inches tall, while depths are typically 24 to 28 inches. As these numbers increase, so does the weight.

Construction Material

Steel is the most common material used in metal file cabinet construction. The gauge (thickness) of the steel impacts the weight. Thinner steel gauges around 20 to 24 are lighter than thicker steel gauges of 16 to 18. Thicker steel provides more durability and security. Other metals like aluminum are lighter but less secure.

Drawer Design

Features like full-extension ball-bearing slides, interlocks, and anti-tip mechanisms add stability and functionality but also increase weight. More complex suspensions for smooth drawer openings and closings add pounds. The number and size of drawers also contribute to weight.

Locks

Secure file cabinets may include locking systems on the drawers, adding mechanical components that increase the overall heft. More robust lock designs weigh more than standard key locks. Digital and biometric locks can be heavy.

Fire Protection

Fireproof and fire-resistant file cabinets have special construction to protect contents from heat and flames. This usually includes multiple layers of materials and insulation that increase the weight over standard models.

Miscellaneous Features

Wheels or casters for mobility, adjustable leveling feet, and accessories like removable shelves, hanging file folders, and storage trays can incrementally increase the file cabinet weight.

Considering these design factors will help estimate the weight of any particular metal filing cabinet.

Typical Weight Ranges by Cabinet Type

The following provides general weight ranges for common metal filing cabinet types and sizes:

• 2-drawer vertical filing cabinets: 60 to 200 lbs
• 3-drawer vertical filing cabinets: 90 to 300 lbs
• 4-drawer vertical filing cabinets: 120 to 400 lbs
• 5-drawer vertical filing cabinets: 150 to 500 lbs
• 2-drawer lateral filing cabinets: 100 to 300 lbs
• 3-drawer lateral filing cabinets: 140 to 450 lbs
• 4-drawer lateral filing cabinets: 180 to 600 lbs
• 5-drawer lateral filing cabinets: 220 to 750 lbs
• Fireproof/fire-resistant models: Typically 150% to 200% heavier than standard versions

These ranges account for differences in sizes, materials, and features. Specific models may fall outside the ranges depending on their design and construction.

Standard Metal File Cabinet Sizes and Weights

Here are common filing cabinet dimensions along with approximate weights:

Vertical File Cabinets

• 2-drawer:
• 15″W x 25″D x 28″H – 60 to 80 lbs
• 18″W x 25″D x 52″H – 80 to 120 lbs
• 3-drawer:
• 18″W x 25″D x 52″H – 100 to 150 lbs
• 36″W x 25″D x 52″H – 200 to 300 lbs
• 4-drawer:
• 18″W x 25″D x 68″H – 140 to 200 lbs
• 36″W x 25″D x 68″H – 300 to 400 lbs
• 5-drawer:
• 18″W x 25″D x 68″H – 180 to 240 lbs
• 36″W x 25″D x 68″H – 400 to 500 lbs

Lateral File Cabinets

• 2-drawer:
• 30″W x 18″D x 28″H – 120 to 180 lbs
• 36″W x 18″D x 52″H – 180 to 260 lbs
• 3-drawer:
• 30″W x 18″D x 52″H – 200 to 300 lbs
• 36″W x 18″D x 52″H – 240 to 360 lbs
• 4-drawer:
• 30″W x 18″D x 68″H – 240 to 340 lbs
• 36″W x 18″D x 68″H – 300 to 450 lbs
• 5-drawer:
• 30″W x 18″D x 68″H – 280 to 400 lbs
• 36″W x 18″D x 68″H – 360 to 550 lbs

These standard sizes provide a general weight range for comparison. Numerous other cabinet dimensions are available.

Weight Considerations When Choosing a Metal File Cabinet

When selecting a metal filing cabinet, keep the following weight considerations in mind:

• Placement: Heavier cabinets may require reinforced floors and sturdy supports. Measure the location space and weight limits.
• Mobility: Casters can ease moving heavier cabinets but reduce stability. Weigh caster benefits vs. potential tip-over risks.
• Accessibility: Place heavier cabinets near building access points to facilitate delivery and installation.
• Safety: Excessive weights require proper equipment and handling to avoid injury or damage. Review safe lifting limits.
• Future Flexibility: Anticipate any potential reconfigurations and factor transport weight into placement plans.
• Fireproofing: Fireproof cabinets weigh significantly more than standard versions. Plan for extra mass if fire protection is critical.
• Locking: Electronic locks add minimal weight. Heftier mechanical or biometric locks increase mass more. Factor lock choices into the total weight.

Balancing these considerations will help find the right cabinet with an optimal weight for the intended space and purpose.

How to Estimate the Weight of Any File Cabinet

If a file cabinet’s specifications do not provide the weight, it can be approximated with a few simple calculations:

1. Determine the cabinet’s cubic volume – Multiply the width x depth x height to calculate the total cubic inches.
2. Estimate density of the metal – Steel filing cabinets typically range from 0.25 to 0.45 lbs per cubic inch depending on gauge. Aluminum is around 0.1 lbs per cubic inch.
3. Multiply density by volume – Convert cubic inches to cubic feet by dividing by 1728. Then multiply the metal density per cubic foot by the cabinet’s total cubic feet volume.
4. Add weight for features – Increase the weight estimate by 10% to 20% to account for drawer suspensions, locks, casters, and other accessories.

Using this approach provides a reasonable weight estimate for budgeting delivery, assessing floor loads, planning relocations, and other considerations. Weighing the actual empty cabinet will determine the precise weight.

How Much Weight Can File Cabinet Drawers Hold?

File cabinet drawers are designed to hold a certain amount of weight:

• Letter/legal size vertical drawers – 60 to 75 lbs is typical for a full drawer.
• Letter/legal size lateral drawers – 50 to 70 lbs is common for full capacity.
• A4 vertical and lateral drawers – Slightly less than letter at around 50 to 70 lbs.
• Full height and tabloid drawers – Usually 70 to 90+ lbs when fully loaded.
• Larger wide format drawers – Vary considerably based on size – confirm load rating.

Exceeding the load capacity can damage the drawer slides and cause tipping. Distribute weight evenly and avoid localized heavy loads.

Key Takeaways on Metal File Cabinet Weights

• Cabinet weight is determined by size, construction, features, locks, fireproofing, and accessories.
• Standard vertical cabinets range from 60 lbs for small 2-drawer to 500+ lbs for large 5-drawer.
• Lateral file cabinets weigh 100 to 750+ lbs depending on the number of drawers.
• Fireproof cabinets can weigh 150% to 200% more than standard versions.
• Drawers are typically designed to hold 50 to 75 lbs evenly distributed.
• Consider cabinet weight for placement, accessibility, safety, and mobility needs.

Knowing typical metal file cabinet weights makes it easier to choose the right solution for your specific needs while allowing for informed planning and preparation. Carefully evaluating the various factors that determine weight ensures you select a cabinet with optimal durability, functionality, and fit for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal File Cabinet Weights

How much does a standard 4-drawer vertical file cabinet weigh?

A typical 4-drawer vertical file cabinet weighs between 140 and 400 pounds depending on the gauge of steel used and the dimensions. Common weights range from 200 to 300 lbs for moderate use.

What is the weight capacity for file cabinet drawers?

Most file cabinet drawers are designed to hold between 50 and 75 pounds evenly distributed across the drawer space. Legal and letter size drawers tend to hold 60-75 lbs, while A4 size holds 50-70 lbs. Exceeding the weight capacity can damage slides.

How much heavier are fireproof file cabinets compared to regular file cabinets?

Fireproof metal filing cabinets generally weigh about 150% to 200% more than comparable standard cabinets. The additional mass comes from multiple layers of materials and insulation required to protect contents from fire.

Does the locking system add a lot of weight to a filing cabinet?

Basic key locks add minimal weight, only a few pounds for the mechanical components. More robust digital and biometric locking systems will add 10 to 20 lbs or more depending on their construction. Electronic locks are the lightest weight option.

Should I get a file cabinet with wheels if it will be heavy?

Casters can make moving heavier file cabinets easier but may reduce stability depending on the style. Weigh the benefits of mobility against potential tip-over hazards, especially for any cabinet above 100 lbs loaded. Locking wheels add the most security.

How can I determine if my floor is strong enough to support a heavy file cabinet?

Consult an architect, contractor or structural engineer to evaluate the floor’s load capacity if placing any cabinet over 400 lbs fully loaded. Replacing the flooring or reinforcing the subfloor may be needed for heavier cabinets to avoid overstressing the underlying structure over time.

What is the best way to get a heavy file cabinet into an upper floor location?

Use a freight elevator if available to transport the cabinet fully assembled to the desired floor. Otherwise, have a rigger hoist the cabinet up the outside of the building and bring it in through a window or balcony opening. Partially disassembling large cabinets may also be needed to get sections through interior stairs or hallways.

How much does an average 5-drawer lateral file cabinet weigh?

A standard 5-drawer lateral file cabinet ranges from about 220 pounds for a 30″ wide model up to 550 pounds for a large 36″ wide cabinet. Most common 5-drawer lateral cabinets weigh between 300 and 500 lbs fully assembled depending on their construction and features.

Conclusion

Determining the potential weight of a metal file cabinet is an important consideration when selecting the ideal solution to meet your organizational and space needs. While weights vary based on size, design, materials, and features, being familiar with the typical ranges for different types of cabinets will ensure informed decision making. Evaluating weight capacity, safety, placement, mobility, and accessibility needs will lead to choosing a filing cabinet with the right balance of strength, durability, and functionality.