How the value is calculated
Weight is converted to short tons, at 2,000 pounds each. Gross value = weight in tons x the price per short ton, and the net figure deducts any collection or administration fee.
The fee cannot take the result below zero: if a yard charges more than the metal is worth, the net proceeds are nothing rather than a negative number.
Worked example
A 2,800 lb vehicle is 1.4 short tons. At $220 per short ton the metal is worth $308.00, or about $0.11 per pound. With no collection fee the net proceeds are the same $308.00.
These figures are illustrative. Use your own weighbridge weight and your yard's current price.
What the yard actually pays for
A scrap price per ton is usually for the metallic content after the vehicle has been depolluted and shredded, not for the whole car as it stands. Yards deduct for tyres, fluids, glass and non-metallic trim.
A complete, running car can be worth more as a part exchange or a private sale than as scrap, even after the paperwork. Compare the two before deciding.
Limits of this calculator
It does not know your yard's deductions, the current metal price or the vehicle's condition, and it ignores the cost of transporting the car yourself.
For a value based on comparable sales rather than weight, use the car value calculator.
For a value based on comparable sales, use the US car value calculator.
Inputs for the US car scrap value calculator
Vehicle weight
Kerb weight in pounds from the handbook or a weighbridge ticket.
Scrap price per short ton
The price your yard quotes for one short ton of scrap metal.
Collection or admin fee
Any charge deducted for collecting the vehicle. Enter zero when collection is free.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Car scrap value calculator US questions
Is the whole car weight paid at the scrap price?
Usually not. Yards deduct for tyres, fluids and non-metallic content, so the effective price is lower.
What is a short ton?
A US short ton is 2,000 pounds, about 907 kilograms. It is different from a metric tonne of 1,000 kilograms.
Can the fee make the value negative?
Not here. The net figure stops at zero, because a yard will not charge you for taking a car it values.
Is scrapping better than selling?
Often not. A running car usually sells for more privately, and a scrap quote only reflects its metal.