18 in x 1,500 ft x 80 gauge hand film
18 x 80 x 1,500 x 0.00000398 = approximately 8.60 lb of net film. Core, carton and pallet packaging are not included.
BINGOPLAS TECHNICAL FORMULA GUIDE
Stretch film weight formula: how thickness, gauge and length affect roll weight.
Many U.S. buyers search for a stretch film weight formula because quotes may list pallet wrap by roll weight, gauge, roll length or meters, but those numbers describe the same film from different angles. Use these formulas to check whether a quote, label or roll specification is reasonable before comparing price.
Published by BINGOPLAS · Last updated September 4, 2026 · Product specifications, availability and delivery terms are confirmed in the written quote.
THE BASIC RELATIONSHIP
Roll weight increases when width, thickness or length increases.
A stretch film roll is a thin polyethylene sheet wound onto a core. If the film gets wider, thicker or longer, the net film weight goes up. If two rolls have the same width and gauge but one roll is heavier, the heavier roll may contain more length, thicker actual film, a heavier core or more packaging weight.
VariableHow it affects roll weight
WidthA wider roll contains more film area per foot, so weight increases.
Gauge / thicknessA thicker film contains more material in the same area, so weight increases.
LengthA longer roll contains more total film area, so weight increases.
DensityPolyethylene density affects the exact result; formulas are practical estimates.
CORE FORMULAS
Use net film weight when calculating stretch wrap.
These formulas are practical estimates for polyethylene stretch film. They are useful for checking quotes and comparing roll labels, but the final purchase specification should confirm the resin density, controlling unit, tolerance, core and packaging details.
QuestionFormula
Net roll weight in poundsWidth (in) x Gauge x Length (ft) x 0.00000398
Roll length in feetNet film weight (lb) / Width (in) / Gauge / 0.00000398
Roll length in metersLength (ft) x 0.3048
Gauge to milGauge / 100 = mil
Mil to micronMil x 25.4 = micron
Gauge to micronGauge x 0.254 = micron
EXAMPLES
Two common stretch film roll calculations.
20 in x 5,000 ft x 80 gauge machine film
20 x 80 x 5,000 x 0.00000398 = approximately 31.84 lb of net film. If a roll is much heavier, confirm whether it has longer footage, different actual gauge or gross weight including core.
80 gauge thickness conversion
80 gauge equals 0.80 mil. 0.80 mil x 25.4 = approximately 20.32 microns. Rounded labels may show 20 micron.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Stretch film weight and thickness questions.
How do I calculate stretch film roll weight?
For polyethylene stretch film, estimate net film weight in pounds as width in inches multiplied by gauge multiplied by length in feet multiplied by 0.00000398. This excludes core, carton and pallet packaging weight.
How do I calculate stretch film roll length from weight?
Use length in feet equals net film weight in pounds divided by width in inches, divided by gauge, divided by 0.00000398. Use net film weight, not gross roll weight with the core included.
What is the relationship between gauge, mil and micron?
In common North American stretch film terminology, 100 gauge equals 1 mil. One mil equals 25.4 microns, so 80 gauge equals 0.8 mil or about 20.3 microns.
Why do two stretch film rolls with the same size have different weights?
Differences can come from actual thickness tolerance, resin density, true roll length, width tolerance, core weight, packaging, pre-stretch level and whether the supplier states net or gross weight.
RELATED BINGOPLAS RESOURCES
Use formulas together with real pallet performance.
Use the stretch film roll weight and length calculator, review the gauge, mil and micron guide, compare 20 inch 80 gauge machine film, or evaluate cost per pallet before changing film programs.
NEED HELP CHECKING A ROLL LABEL?
Send width, gauge, length and roll weight.
BINGOPLAS can help review whether a stretch film roll specification is complete before you compare suppliers or approve a new program.