The short answer: The Golden Gate Bridge weighs roughly 887,000 US tons (about 804,000 metric tonnes), including its towers, cables, and roadway.
Suspension bridge weight by type
The bridge's weight is the sum of several large steel and concrete elements. The table shows the major parts that account for most of its mass.
| Component (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Two main towers | Tens of thousands of tons of steel |
| Main cables | About 24,500 tons each |
| Roadway deck | Many tens of thousands of tons |
| Total structure | Roughly 887,000 US tons |
What affects suspension bridge weight
- Main cables. The two enormous spinning-wire main cables are among the heaviest single components of the bridge.
- Steel towers. The twin 227-meter towers carry the cable loads and add substantial steel mass.
- Roadway deck. The suspended roadway, including pavement and stiffening trusses, is a major contributor.
- Anchorages and approaches. Whether massive concrete anchorages are counted strongly affects the total figure.
- Retrofits. Seismic upgrades and deck replacements have altered the bridge's weight over the decades.
- Estimate variation. Published figures differ depending on which structural elements are included.
How suspension bridge weight compares
At roughly 800,000 metric tonnes, the bridge weighs about the same as 8 large aircraft carriers, or more than 130,000 African elephants.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Golden Gate Bridge weigh?
It is estimated at about 887,000 US tons, or roughly 804,000 metric tonnes. This includes the towers, cables, and roadway but figures vary by source.
How heavy are the main cables?
Each of the two main cables weighs roughly 24,500 tons. Together they contain about 80,000 miles of wire.
Has the bridge's weight changed over time?
Yes. A 1980s deck replacement and ongoing seismic retrofits have modified the structure and its overall mass.
