How Much Is 2 Pounds of Copper Worth?

Copper is a highly sought-after metal, often found in homes and businesses, leading many to consider its scrap value. Its worth is not static; it fluctuates daily due to various influences. Understanding these dynamics and identifying your specific copper type is essential for accurately estimating its worth and making informed selling decisions.

Understanding Copper Market Pricing

The price of copper is determined globally, reflecting its status as a widely traded commodity. Its value is influenced by supply and demand, global economic health, and industrial activity. Geopolitical events, monetary policy shifts, and market speculation also significantly impact its price. For example, a strong global economy typically increases demand for copper in construction and manufacturing, pushing prices higher.

Individuals can track market prices through financial news websites or commodity exchanges like the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the COMEX. As of late August 2025, copper futures traded around $4.45 per pound on COMEX. These figures represent benchmark prices for large-scale trading of pure copper, indicating the wholesale value. Local scrap yards will offer a percentage of these benchmark prices, factoring in their operational costs and profit margins.

Identifying Different Copper Grades

The purity and condition of copper significantly impact its scrap value. Scrap copper is categorized into various grades, with cleaner forms commanding higher prices. Bare Bright copper is the most valuable grade, consisting of clean, unalloyed, and uncoated wire, typically 16 gauge or thicker, with a bright, shiny appearance.

Following Bare Bright, #1 Copper includes clean, unalloyed copper tubing, bus bars, or wire free of insulation, paint, or excessive oxidation. #2 Copper is a lower grade, which may include copper with minor impurities like solder, paint, or tarnishing, or thinner unalloyed wire. Insulated Copper Wire, as its name suggests, is copper wire with its protective casing still intact, and its value depends on the percentage of copper within the insulation and the ease of its removal.

Calculating the Value of 2 Pounds

Estimating the worth of two pounds of copper involves combining the current market price with the specific grade of your material. Scrap yards purchase copper based on its purity and form, so the grade directly influences the price per pound they offer. Their buying price will be lower than the COMEX benchmark to account for processing, transportation, and profit.

For Bare Bright copper, scrap yards might pay approximately $3.80 to $4.20 per pound. For #1 Copper, the rate could be around $3.50 to $3.90 per pound, and for #2 Copper, perhaps $3.00 to $3.40 per pound. Therefore, two pounds of Bare Bright copper could be worth $7.60 to $8.40, while two pounds of #2 Copper might yield $6.00 to $6.80. These figures are illustrative; actual prices vary by location, demand, and the individual scrap yard.

Selling Your Copper for Scrap

Selling copper scrap typically involves visiting a local scrap yard or recycling center. Before your visit, separating your copper by grade can lead to a higher payout. Upon arrival, the material will be weighed and its grade assessed by facility staff.

Many jurisdictions require sellers to provide a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, to prevent metal theft and ensure traceability. Some locations may also record vehicle information or require a thumbprint. Payment methods for scrap metal often involve checks or electronic transfers rather than cash, creating a traceable transaction record. The price offered by the scrap yard reflects current market conditions, the specific grade and quantity of your copper, and the yard’s operational costs.