The short answer: The Empire State Building weighs roughly 365,000 metric tons (about 402,000 US tons), accounting for its steel frame, concrete floors, and masonry.
Skyscraper weight by type
Estimates for the Empire State Building's mass come from its known structural materials. The figure below breaks down the major components that make up its total weight.
| Component (example) | Typical share of weight |
|---|---|
| Structural steel frame | About 57,000 tons of steel |
| Concrete floors and core | Several hundred thousand tons |
| Limestone and granite facade | Tens of thousands of tons |
| Total estimated mass | Roughly 365,000 metric tons |
What affects skyscraper weight
- Steel skeleton. The riveted steel frame is the load-bearing backbone and represents a large fixed portion of the total weight.
- Concrete volume. Floor slabs and the central core add enormous mass spread across the building's 102 stories.
- Facade materials. The limestone, granite, and aluminum cladding contribute substantially to the overall figure.
- Measurement basis. Such totals are engineering estimates rather than a single weighed value, so figures vary between sources.
- Live versus dead load. Occupants, furniture, and equipment add changing weight on top of the fixed structural mass.
- Foundations. Whether deep foundations are included in a quote can shift the headline number.
How skyscraper weight compares
At roughly 365,000 metric tons, the building weighs about as much as 1,800 fully loaded Boeing 747 jumbo jets, or close to a million typical cars.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Empire State Building weigh?
It is estimated to weigh about 365,000 metric tons, or roughly 402,000 US tons. This is an engineering estimate based on its known materials rather than a measured figure.
How much steel is in the Empire State Building?
The building used roughly 57,000 tons of structural steel for its frame. This skeleton supports the concrete floors and stone facade.
Is the Empire State Building heavier than the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, by a wide margin. The Empire State Building's full masonry-and-concrete construction makes it far heavier than the open steel lattice of the Eiffel Tower.
