#1 vs #2 Copper Calculator: Compare Scrap Value | 1Dollars

Free #1 vs #2 Copper Calculator

Compare buyer-accepted No. 1 and No. 2 copper scenarios using the same payable weight. Enter separate rates, payout percentages and fixed deductions to see the expected net-value difference.

Compare No. 1 vs No. 2 Copper Value

Compare two buyer-accepted grade scenarios for the same payable weight. The tool records grade labels and entered terms; it does not inspect material, choose a grade or fetch live prices.

Common comparison basis

Use rates only for grades already accepted or quoted by the buyer.

No. 1 copper scenario

No. 2 copper scenario

This is a hypothetical or buyer-quote comparison—not a material inspection, grade decision, live price or promise that one lot qualifies for both grades.

Reviewed on 15 July 2026 using ReMA copper-grade specification materials and NIST 2026 mass conversions.

No. 1 and No. 2 copper are buyer-accepted trade grades with different material requirements and prices. This calculator compares the financial result of two quoted grade scenarios without deciding which grade the material meets.

Quick answer: choose wire or solids/tubing, enter one accepted comparison weight, add the matching No. 1 and No. 2 rates, then enter each scenario's payout percentage and total fixed deductions.

#1 vs #2 Copper Comparison Formulas

Gross grade value = same accepted weight × normalized grade rate
Scenario net payout = gross grade value × buyer payout % − fixed deductions
Net payout difference = No. 1 net payout − No. 2 net payout
Raw No. 1 premium % = (No. 1 rate − No. 2 rate) ÷ No. 2 rate × 100

Each scenario's payout is floored at zero. The raw rate premium ignores payout adjustments and fees; the net difference includes them.

How to Use the #1 vs #2 Copper Calculator

  1. Select copper wire, solids/tubing or custom buyer grade labels.
  2. Enter the same accepted payable weight for both hypothetical scenarios.
  3. Enter the current No. 1 rate and its price unit.
  4. Enter the current No. 2 rate; it may use a different price unit.
  5. Use one currency code for a valid comparison.
  6. Enter each scenario's buyer payout percentage and total fixed deductions.
  7. Compare raw rate premium, gross values, net payouts and fee-cover weights.

No. 1 vs No. 2 Copper Grade Mapping

Comparison basisNo. 1 scenarioNo. 2 scenario
Copper wireBerry: clean, untinned, uncoated and unalloyed wire/cable under agreed conditionsBirch: miscellaneous unalloyed copper wire under a different assay and condition specification
Solids and tubingCandy: clean, unalloyed and uncoated heavy copper solids/tubingCliff: miscellaneous unalloyed copper solids/tubing under a different assay and condition specification
Bare bright wireBarley is a distinct No. 1 bare-bright wire specificationDo not treat bare bright as a generic No. 2 comparison
Custom buyer labelsEnter the exact accepted No. 1 wordingEnter the exact accepted No. 2 wording

ReMA's published specification materials list Berry, Birch, Candy and Cliff separately. Buyer inspection and current written terms determine grade acceptance; this calculator does not infer grade from color, shape or appearance.

Same material cannot be assumed to qualify for both grades: use this page to compare buyer quotes, downgrade impact or hypothetical outcomes—not to certify a lot.

Worked #1 vs #2 Copper Example

Assume the same 100-pound accepted weight. The No. 1 scenario uses an illustrative USD 4.00/lb rate, 98% payout and USD 15 fixed deductions. The No. 2 scenario uses USD 3.60/lb, 100% payout and USD 10 fixed deductions:

  • No. 1 gross value = USD 400.00
  • No. 1 net payout = USD 400 × 98% − USD 15 = USD 377.00
  • No. 2 gross value = USD 360.00
  • No. 2 net payout = USD 360 × 100% − USD 10 = USD 350.00
  • No. 1 raw rate premium = approximately 11.11%
  • No. 1 net payout advantage = USD 27.00
  • No. 1 net per accepted pound = USD 3.77; No. 2 = USD 3.50

The prices and terms are examples only, not live rates or guaranteed grade differences.

Why Net Payout Can Differ from Rate Premium

Raw grade rateThe entered unit price before payout adjustments or fees.
Buyer payout percentageThe share of gross grade value payable before fixed deductions.
Fixed deductionsScenario-specific charges such as handling, sorting or transport.
Accepted weightHeld equal here so the comparison isolates grade rate and settlement terms.

A higher raw No. 1 price does not guarantee a higher net payout if its percentage or fixed deductions are materially worse. The calculator reports both raw and net differences.

Fee-Cover Weight

Each fee-cover weight is the accepted weight required for that scenario's percentage-adjusted value to equal its fixed deductions:

Fee-cover weight = fixed deductions ÷ (normalized grade rate × payout fraction)

It covers entered fixed fees only. It is not a profit, labor or hauling break-even calculation.

Weight and Price Unit Conversions

Common accepted weight and the two prices can use different units. All are normalized through kilograms using NIST conversion factors.

  • 1 pound = exactly 0.45359237 kg
  • 1 regular ounce = 0.028349523125 kg
  • 1 short ton = 907.18474 kg
  • 1 metric tonne = exactly 1,000 kg
  • 1 long ton = 1,016.0469088 kg

Both prices must use the same currency. Convert currencies externally using one consistent exchange-rate date before comparison.

How to Compare Buyer Quotes Fairly

  1. Confirm the exact grade names and preparation requirements.
  2. Use the same accepted weight and scale basis.
  3. Normalize both rates to the same currency and unit.
  4. Record payout percentages, minimum quantity and fixed fees.
  5. Clarify whether rejected or downgraded material is returned or repriced.
  6. Compare final net payout, not headline rate alone.

Safe Copper Sorting and Preparation

Do not burn insulation or coatings, cut energized cable, or process pressurized and unknown equipment. Use appropriate material identification and trained facilities. Grade preparation must also comply with ownership, scrap-sale, environmental and workplace-safety rules.

#1 vs #2 Calculator and Related Tools

#1 vs #2 CopperCompares two accepted-grade price and payout scenarios for one common weight.
Bare Bright CopperValues buyer-accepted Barley/bare-bright wire directly.
Copper Pipe ScrapThe next page models clean, soldered or painted copper pipe/tubing value.
Wire and Cable RecoveryModels insulated cable recovery instead of accepted clean-grade weight.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I compare #1 and #2 copper value?
Use the same accepted weight, enter both matching grade rates, then apply each scenario's payout percentage and fixed deductions. Compare the resulting net payouts.
What is the difference between No. 1 and No. 2 copper?
They are separate trade-grade specifications with different permitted material condition, composition and preparation requirements. Wire uses Berry versus Birch; solids/tubing uses Candy versus Cliff in this tool.
Does the calculator decide whether copper is #1 or #2?
No. It compares accepted or quoted scenarios only. Buyer inspection, applicable specification and written terms determine the grade.
Does it provide today's #1 and #2 copper prices?
No. Enter current rates for the exact buyer grades, location, quantity, preparation and settlement basis.
Why does the calculator use the same weight for both grades?
Holding accepted weight constant isolates the effect of the two grade rates and settlement terms. Actual accepted weights may differ and should then be evaluated separately.
Can the two copper prices use different units?
Yes. Each price can be per gram, kilogram, regular ounce, pound, short ton, metric tonne or long ton. Both must use the same currency.
What is the raw No. 1 price premium?
It is the normalized No. 1 rate minus the No. 2 rate, divided by the No. 2 rate. It excludes payout percentages and fixed fees.
Can the No. 2 scenario pay more?
Yes. A lower No. 2 headline rate can still produce a higher net payout if the No. 1 scenario has worse payout terms or larger fixed deductions.
Is bare bright copper the same as generic No. 1 wire?
Bare bright is associated with the separate Barley No. 1 wire specification. Confirm the exact grade rather than treating all No. 1 wire labels as interchangeable.
Is the expected payout difference guaranteed?
No. Grade acceptance, payable weight, scale results, preparation, market timing, taxes, deductions and buyer terms can change settlement.

Official Reference Sources

Disclaimer: This calculator and guide provide general educational comparisons, not a live market quote, material inspection, grade determination, assay, certified scale result, guaranteed buyer offer, safety instruction, tax advice or legal advice. Verify grades, accepted weight, units, rates, deductions, lawful ownership/preparation and buyer terms independently.