How is the Price Calculated—by kg, meter, or piece?
1. Pricing by Kilogram (kg)
How It Works
This is the most common method used in the aluminium extrusion industry. Since aluminium profiles are produced from aluminium ingots and the cost of raw material makes up a significant portion of the price, manufacturers often calculate costs based on weight.
For example, if the price of aluminium profiles is quoted at USD 3.00 per kg, and your order weighs 500 kg, then your total material cost will be USD 1,500 (excluding additional finishing, machining, or freight charges).
Advantages
Transparency with raw material costs – The aluminium ingot market price fluctuates daily, and pricing by weight ensures both buyers and suppliers stay aligned with these changes.
Fair for complex shapes – Intricate designs or hollow sections may weigh more, and pricing by kg ensures you pay according to the actual material used.
Industry standard – Especially in construction and industrial use, weight-based pricing is widely accepted and understood.
Considerations
Need to verify weight per meter – Buyers should confirm the weight of the specific profile design to avoid confusion.
Doesn’t include processing costs – Finishing (like anodizing or powder coating) or cutting services are often charged separately.
2. Pricing by Meter
How It Works
Some suppliers quote prices per linear meter instead of weight. This is common when profiles are standardized, such as in door and window frames, where dimensions are fixed and weight is predictable.
For example, if a window frame profile is USD 4.50 per meter, and you need 200 meters, your cost is USD 900.
Advantages
Easy for builders – Construction professionals often measure in linear meters, making it simpler to calculate total requirements.
Practical for standardized designs – For products like WJW aluminium profiles used in WJW aluminium windows or doors, quoting per meter reduces complexity.
Faster quotation process – Instead of weighing every piece, suppliers can provide quick per-meter prices.
Considerations
May not reflect true material cost – If two designs differ in thickness or hollow structure but are priced per meter, one may have more aluminium content but cost the same per meter.
Not ideal for custom or complex shapes – For special extrusions, weight-based pricing remains more accurate.
3. Pricing by Piece
How It Works
In some cases, aluminium profiles or finished components are priced per piece. This method is less common for raw profiles but often used for finished aluminium doors, windows, or hardware components.
For instance, if a finished aluminium window frame is sold for USD 120 per set, you are paying per piece regardless of its exact weight or length.
Advantages
Convenient for finished goods – Easy for buyers who want to know the total price without calculating material usage.
No hidden surprises – The cost is fixed per piece, including material, processing, and sometimes accessories.
Preferred in retail – Homeowners or small contractors often prefer per-piece pricing when buying ready-made items.
Considerations
Not ideal for bulk raw materials – For projects needing large quantities of raw profiles, piece-based pricing may be less flexible.
Difficult to compare with market rates – Since aluminium ingot prices fluctuate, per-piece pricing might not fully reflect material cost changes.
4. Factors That Influence Pricing Beyond Unit Method
Whether you’re buying by kg, meter, or piece, the final cost of WJW aluminium profiles is affected by several additional factors:
Aluminium Ingot Price – This is the biggest variable. As global aluminium prices rise or fall, profile costs adjust accordingly.
Profile Design & Weight – Thicker walls, larger cross-sections, or complex hollow designs require more raw material and advanced extrusion technology.
Surface Treatment – Anodizing, powder coating, wood-grain finishes, or fluorocarbon spraying add costs depending on the finish quality and durability.
Processing & Machining – Cutting, drilling, punching, or custom fabrication services are typically charged separately.
Order Quantity – Bulk orders enjoy better economies of scale, while smaller quantities may incur higher per-unit costs.
Transportation & Packaging – Export packaging, shipping method, and distance to port affect the final price.
At WJW Aluminum manufacturer, we always provide transparent quotations with breakdowns of raw material cost, processing fees, and finishing options so customers understand exactly what they’re paying for.
5. Which Pricing Method is Best?
The best pricing method depends on the type of aluminium profile and how you plan to use it:
For raw profiles (construction, curtain walls, industrial use): Per kg is most accurate and fair.
For standardized door and window profiles: Per meter is often easier for project planning.
For finished aluminium doors, windows, or accessories: Per piece is most convenient.
Ultimately, a reliable supplier like WJW Aluminum manufacturer can provide quotes in different methods depending on customer needs. For example, we may provide a per-kg base rate but also help you calculate per-meter costs to simplify your project budget.
6. Why Choose WJW Aluminium Profiles?
When working with WJW aluminium profiles, you’re not just paying for material—you’re investing in quality, durability, and performance. Our advantages include:
High-precision extrusion technology – Ensuring exact dimensions and consistent quality.
Strict weight control – Profiles are produced to international standards with verified weight per meter.
Wide range of finishes – From anodized to powder-coated, matching modern architectural aesthetics.
Flexible pricing options – Whether by kg, meter, or piece, we offer transparent quotes.
Trusted expertise – As a leading WJW Aluminum manufacturer, we supply profiles worldwide for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Conclusion
So, how is the price of aluminium profiles calculated—by kg, meter, or piece? The answer is that all three methods exist, but by kg remains the industry standard for raw extrusions, by meter works well for construction and door/window profiles, and by piece is convenient for finished products.
Understanding these methods helps buyers compare quotations fairly and choose the right supplier. With WJW Aluminum manufacturer, you can expect transparent pricing, high-quality WJW aluminium profiles, and professional support to ensure your investment delivers long-term value.
