STRUCTURAL STEEL DRAWINGS COMPUTER The edges of these plates may be cut by shears sheared plates or be rolled square universal mill plates Frequently plates are referred to by their thickness and width in inches as plate 1/2 inch x 24 inches The length in all cases is given in inches Notice in Figure 7 4 that 1 cubic foot of steel weighs 490 pounds This weight divided by 12 equaling which is the weight in