🚗 Finance calculator

Car Scrap Value Calculator

Estimate the rough scrap value of a vehicle using curb weight, recoverable metal percentage, scrap metal price per ton, and optional deductions for towing or processing. Useful for rough planning before contacting a licensed scrapyard, recycler, or salvage buyer.

Enter vehicle scrap inputs

Enter the vehicle's curb weight, estimated recoverable metal percentage, current scrap metal price per ton, and any likely deductions. The calculator converts weight into an estimated net scrap payout.

⚡ Quick preset
🟢 Vehicle details
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Typical curb weight — check owner's manual or door jamb sticker
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Typically 70–80% — rest is plastic, glass, fluids, rubber
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Check local scrapyard or iScrap App for current rates
🔵 Deductions (optional)
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Charged by yard if vehicle cannot be driven in
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Processing fees, missing parts, condition penalties
⚠️ Estimate only — not a guaranteed offer. Actual value depends on local scrap prices, vehicle composition, catalytic converter status, title, parts value, regional demand, and yard policies.
💡 Tip: if the vehicle still has valuable reusable parts, a salvage buyer may offer more than pure scrap value.

How to use this car scrap value calculator

  1. Enter the vehicle's curb weight in pounds — check the door jamb sticker, owner's manual, or manufacturer spec sheet.
  2. Estimate the recoverable metal percentage. Most passenger cars fall in the 70–80% range; the rest is plastic, glass, rubber, and fluids.
  3. Enter the local scrap price per ton. Check iScrap App or call a local yard for current rates in your area.
  4. Add deductions for towing, pickup, or processing fees if applicable.
  5. Click Calculate to see the estimated gross value, total deductions, and net payout.

Car scrap value formula

The calculator works through four steps to arrive at an estimated net payout:

Recoverable Weight (lb) = Curb Weight × (Metal Recovery % ÷ 100)
Recoverable Tons = Recoverable Weight ÷ 2,000
Gross Scrap Value = Recoverable Tons × Scrap Price Per Ton
Net Scrap Value = Gross Scrap Value − Total Deductions

Scrap prices are quoted per short ton in the US (1 short ton = 2,000 lb). The recoverable weight excludes non-metal material that yards do not pay for as bulk scrap.

Typical curb weight and recovery rate reference

Use these figures as a starting point if you do not have the exact weight handy:

Vehicle type Curb wt (lb) Metal rec. Notes
Subcompact / city car 2,200–2,600 72–74% More plastic body panels
Compact sedan 2,600–3,000 74–76% Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla range
Mid-size sedan 3,000–3,600 75–77% Accord, Camry, Altima range
Compact SUV / crossover 3,200–4,000 75–77% CR-V, RAV4, Rogue range
Full-size SUV 4,500–6,000 76–78% Tahoe, Expedition, Suburban range
Half-ton pickup truck 4,500–5,500 77–80% F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500 range
Heavy-duty truck 6,000–8,000+ 78–82% More steel frame, higher metal ratio

Why scrap value estimates vary

Vehicle scrap pricing is highly local and changes frequently. The same vehicle can get very different quotes depending on a number of factors:

  • Local scrap metal prices — rates fluctuate with commodity markets and vary by region
  • Catalytic converter status — converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium; removal can add significant value separately
  • Title availability — most yards require a clean title; missing or salvage titles often reduce payout
  • Vehicle completeness — missing parts, drained fluids, or stripped interiors typically reduce the offer
  • Whether it runs and rolls — driveable vehicles may be worth more to a salvage buyer than a scrapyard
  • Reusable parts value — a dismantler may offer above scrap value if the vehicle has in-demand parts

This calculator gives a rough planning benchmark — always get at least two to three quotes from local yards before making a final decision.

FAQ

Is this a real offer from a scrapyard?

No. This is an educational estimate only. Actual quotes depend on local scrap metal prices, vehicle condition, title status, yard policies, and many other factors. Use this as a rough benchmark before calling a licensed recycler or salvage buyer.

Why do you use a recoverable metal percentage?

Not all vehicle weight converts to paid scrap metal. A typical passenger car is roughly 65–75% steel and iron, with the remaining weight coming from aluminum, copper wiring, fluids, plastic body panels, rubber seals, glass, and upholstery. Scrapyards pay for the metal portion, so the estimate uses a recovery rate to approximate the payable weight.

Can a salvage yard pay more than scrap value?

Yes — often significantly more. If the vehicle has reusable parts in demand, a functional drivetrain, a clean catalytic converter, or low-mileage components, a dismantler or salvage buyer may offer well above pure metal scrap value. It is worth getting quotes from both a scrapyard and a salvage buyer.

Should I use curb weight or shipping weight?

Use curb weight — it represents the vehicle as typically driven, including all standard fluids and equipment. Shipping weight (also called gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR) includes maximum payload and is not the right input for a scrap estimate.

How often do scrap metal prices change?

Scrap metal prices change frequently — sometimes weekly or even daily for ferrous (steel and iron) and non-ferrous (aluminum, copper) metals. Always check current local rates via iScrap App, local yard websites, or by calling directly before making a decision based on any estimate.

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Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. It does not provide a guaranteed scrap offer, appraisal, or financial advice. Actual scrap value depends on local market conditions, vehicle-specific factors, and individual scrapyard policies. Always contact a licensed recycler, dismantler, or salvage buyer for a real quote.