If you are sourcing inox 304 stainless steel plates for industrial fabrication, food-processing equipment, construction, or machinery manufacturing, understanding the price per kilogram and per ton is essential for controlling procurement costs. The inox 304 plate price depends on more than the stainless steel grade: thickness, surface finish, dimensions, order quantity, nickel and chromium costs, and delivery terms can all affect the final quotation.
What is the price of inox 304 plate per kg?
For preliminary budgeting purposes, the price of standard commercial-grade 304 stainless steel plate generally ranges from $2.00 to $3.50 per kilogram ($2,000 to $3,500 per metric ton). The exact price depends on factors such as product form, surface finish, thickness, prevailing market conditions, and specific terms of trade. This information is provided for planning purposes only and does not constitute an exact, real-time quote for specific product specifications. Sources: CommodityScope and *China Steel Market*.
Indicative 304 stainless steel plate price table
| Product specification | Indicative price (US$/kg) | Indicative price (US$/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| 304 hot-rolled plate, No. 1 finish | $2.00–2.80 | $2,000–2,800 |
| 304 cold-rolled plate, 2B finish | $2.20–3.50 | $2,200–3,500 |
| 304 plate with custom dimensions | Quote required | Quote required |
| 304 plate with polishing or additional processing | Quote required | Quote required |
| Small-quantity or cut-to-size orders | Quote required | Quote required |
Price note: The ranges above are indicative procurement estimates, not a verified transaction-price series for each specification. They are intended for preliminary budgeting; actual supplier quotations may fall outside these ranges. Confirm the quotation date, country of origin, quantity, applicable Incoterm, taxes, and freight before comparing offers.
To obtain an accurate quote, the buyer should specify the following information: the applicable standard (ASTM A240 or an equivalent), steel grade (304 or 304L), plate thickness, width, length, surface finish, quantity, and delivery destination.
Current Inox 304 Plate Price Benchmarks (Q4 2026)
Pricing varies significantly by region, production process, surface finish, and order volume. Below are representative FOB/ex-works price ranges for standard 2B finish cold-rolled 304 plates as of October 2026.
2.1 Price by Region (USD per Ton)
| Region | Cold Rolled (0.5–3mm) | Hot Rolled (3–12mm) | Price Premium vs China |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (Mainland) | $2,350 – $2,600 | $2,250 – $2,480 | Base reference |
| Northeast Asia (Korea/Japan) | $2,800 – $3,100 | $2,650 – $2,900 | +19% |
| Southeast Asia | $3,200 – $3,550 | $3,050 – $3,350 | +36% |
| Europe (EU) | $5,800 – $6,400 | $5,500 – $6,100 | +147% |
| North America (USA) | $6,200 – $6,800 | $5,900 – $6,500 | +164% |
Data Source: London Metal Exchange (LME) tracking & global steel trade benchmarks, April–October 2026
Price Breakdown by Thickness (China Factory, 2B Finish)
| Thickness Range | Price per Ton (USD) | Price per kg (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 – 0.8 mm | $2,550 – $2,700 | $2.55 – $2.70 | Thin gauge premium |
| 1.0 – 3.0 mm | $2,380 – $2,520 | $2.38 – $2.52 | Standard cold rolled |
| 4.0 – 10.0 mm | $2,280 – $2,420 | $2.28 – $2.42 | Hot rolled base |
| 12.0 – 30.0 mm | $2,350 – $2,550 | $2.35 – $2.55 | Medium plate premium |
Note: Prices are for bulk orders (≥5 tons) of standard 1500×3000mm sheets. Smaller orders, custom cutting, or special finishes add 5–20% premium.
Factors Affecting 304 Stainless Steel Plate Prices
Understanding these cost drivers helps buyers negotiate effectively and optimize purchasing timing.
Raw Material Costs (70%–75% of Total Cost)
Nickel: The most influential factor; every US$1,000/ton fluctuation in London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel prices may result in a corresponding change of approximately US$180–220/ton in 304 stainless steel plate prices.
Production and Processing Variables
Hot-Rolled vs. Cold-Rolled: Due to additional processing steps and stricter tolerance requirements, cold-rolled plates typically cost 5%–12% more.
Surface Finishing: BA (Bright Annealed) finishes may add approximately 8%–15% to costs; 8K mirror finishes may add 20%–40%; brushed or polished finishes may add 10%–25%.
Tolerance Standards: Products manufactured to precision tolerances (±0.02 mm) typically cost 10%–20% more than products meeting commercial tolerances.
Commercial Factors
Order Volume: Large-volume orders (≥25 tons) may qualify for volume discounts of 8%–15% compared with small-quantity spot orders.
Delivery Terms: Different Incoterms, such as EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), and DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), involve different logistics and tariff costs.
Certification Requirements: Compliance with requirements such as FDA, NACE MR0175, or PED may incur additional administrative and testing costs.
How to Calculate the Cost of a 304 Stainless Steel Plate?
For preliminary weight estimation, 304 stainless steel is commonly calculated using a density of approximately 7,930 kg/m³, equivalent to 7.93 g/cm³. Actual invoiced weight may differ because of dimensional tolerances, processing, and the supplier's weighing method. Reference: 304 stainless steel plate specifications.
The theoretical weight formula is: Weight (kg) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Thickness (mm) × 7.93
The resulting weight can then be multiplied by the quoted price per kilogram to estimate the material cost.
Example: 304 plate measuring 1,500 × 3,000 × 6 mm
| Item | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,000 mm | 3 m |
| Width | 1,500 mm | 1.5 m |
| Thickness | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Theoretical weight | 3 × 1.5 × 6 × 7.93 | 214.11 kg |
| Example unit price | Assumed for illustration | US$2.60/kg |
| Estimated material cost | 214.11 × US$2.60 | US$556.69 |
This example excludes cutting, packing, freight, insurance, duties, taxes, and other applicable charges. The assumed unit price is for calculation only, not a supplier offer.
Inox 304 Plate Specifications & Weight Chart
Before evaluating pricing, understanding standard dimensions and weight calculations is essential for accurate cost estimation. The density of 304 stainless steel is 7.93 g/cm³ (7930 kg/m³).
| Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) | Typical Sheet Size (mm) | Weight per Sheet (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 3.965 | 1220 × 2440 | 11.81 |
| 1.0 | 7.930 | 1220 × 2440 | 23.62 |
| 1.5 | 11.895 | 1220 × 2440 | 35.43 |
| 2.0 | 15.860 | 1220 × 2440 | 47.24 |
| 3.0 | 23.790 | 1500 × 3000 | 107.06 |
| 4.0 | 31.720 | 1500 × 3000 | 142.74 |
| 5.0 | 39.650 | 1500 × 3000 | 178.43 |
| 6.0 | 47.580 | 1500 × 3000 | 214.11 |
| 8.0 | 63.440 | 1500 × 3000 | 285.48 |
| 10.0 | 79.300 | 1500 × 3000 | 356.85 |
| 12.0 | 95.160 | 2000 × 6000 | 1141.92 |
What is the price difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
Grade 316 steel is **20%–30%** more expensive than grade 304, due to its higher nickel content and the addition of 2%–3% molybdenum. Grade 316 stainless steel is essential for use in marine environments, chloride-rich conditions, and pharmaceutical processing, whereas grade 304 is a more cost-effective choice for most general industrial and food-related applications.
Inox 304 Plate Supplier-GNEE
For buyers sourcing 304 stainless steel plate for fabrication, equipment manufacturing, or industrial projects, GNEE can prepare quotations based on the required grade, dimensions, finish, quantity, and delivery terms. Buyers can specify ASTM A240/A240M requirements and request relevant material documentation, including MTCs and heat-number traceability, subject to the order specification and supply arrangement.
| Product Form | Manufacturing Method | Standard Thickness Range (mm) | Common Widths (mm) | Common Lengths (mm) | Standard Specifications |
| Cold Rolled Sheet | Cold Rolled (CR), Annealed & Pickled | 0.3 mm – 3.0 mm | 1000, 1219 (4'), 1250, 1500 (5') | 2000, 2438 (8'), 3000, 6000 | ASTM A240 / EN 10088-2 / JIS G4305 |
| Cold Rolled Plate | Cold Rolled (CR), Skin-passed | 3.0 mm – 6.0 mm | 1219, 1500 | 2438, 3000, 6000 | ASTM A240 / EN 10088-2 |
| Hot Rolled Medium Plate | Hot Rolled (HR), Annealed & Pickled (HRAP) | 3.0 mm – 14.0 mm | 1250, 1500, 1800, 2000 | 2438, 6000, 8000, 12000 | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 / EN 10028-7 |
| Hot Rolled Heavy / Thick Plate | Hot Rolled (HR), Annealed & Pickled (Quarto Plate) | 14.0 mm – 150.0+ mm | 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 | 6000 to 12000 (Custom cut available) | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
| Chequered / Tread Plate (Tear / Diamond pattern) | Hot Rolled / Cold Rolled Embossed | 2.5 mm – 10.0 mm | 1000, 1219, 1250, 1500 | 2000, 2438, 3000, 6000 | ASTM A240 / EN 10088-2 |
| Perforated Plate | Stamped / CNC Punched | 0.5 mm – 8.0 mm | Custom sizes (Base: 1000, 1219, 1500) | Custom sizes (Base: 2000, 2438, 3000) | Customized / Industrial standard |
Inox 304 Cold Rolled Sheet
To receive a comparable quotation, provide the following information:
Grade: 304 or 304L
Standard: ASTM A240/A240M or another specified standard
Thickness × width × length
Surface finish
Required quantity
Destination port or delivery address
Inspection and certification requirements
GNEE supplies Inox 304 stainless steel plates in accordance with ASTM A240/A240M or other agreed standards, with material test certificates (MTCs) providing chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat-number traceability. EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificates can be provided when specified in the purchase order. Additional PMI testing, dimensional inspection, or third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or TÜV can be arranged according to project requirements, helping buyers verify material compliance before shipment.
Packaging:
Inox 304 stainless steel plates are packaged for export to minimize scratches, moisture exposure, and handling damage during transportation. Each plate can be protected with interleaving materials or PVC film where required, then secured with steel straps and loaded onto suitable wooden or steel pallets.
