Pipe Weight Calculator – Metal Pipe Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight of metal pipes based on dimensions and material
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Select the pipe material (steel, copper, aluminum, etc.)
- Choose your unit of measurement
- Enter outer diameter of the pipe
- Enter wall thickness
- Enter pipe length
- Click calculate to see total weight and weight per unit length
What is Pipe Weight?
Pipe weight is the mass of a pipe based on its dimensions (outer diameter, wall thickness, length) and the material it's made from. Knowing pipe weight is essential for structural calculations, shipping costs, installation planning, and material handling.
Different materials have different densities, so two pipes with identical dimensions can have significantly different weights. For example, a steel pipe weighs nearly three times as much as an aluminum pipe of the same size.
Pipe Weight Formula
The weight of a pipe is calculated using the formula:
Weight = Volume × Density
Where Volume = π × ((OD/2)² - (ID/2)²) × Length
- OD = Outer Diameter
- ID = Inner Diameter = Outer Diameter - (2 × Wall Thickness)
- π = 3.14159...
- Density varies by material (steel: 7,850 kg/m³, aluminum: 2,700 kg/m³, etc.)
Common Material Densities
| Material | Density (kg/m³) | Density (lb/ft³) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | 7,850 | 490 |
| Stainless Steel | 8,000 | 500 |
| Copper | 8,960 | 559 |
| Aluminum | 2,700 | 169 |
| Brass | 8,500 | 531 |
| PVC | 1,380 | 86 |
| Cast Iron | 7,200 | 450 |
Common Applications
- Structural engineering: Load calculations for pipe supports
- Shipping and logistics: Freight cost estimation
- Construction: Crane capacity and lifting equipment selection
- Manufacturing: Material cost estimation
- Installation planning: Determining manpower and equipment needs
- Inventory management: Storage space and weight capacity planning
Calculation Tips
- Always measure wall thickness, don't assume standard sizes
- For schedule pipes (SCH 40, SCH 80), use manufacturer weight tables
- Add 5-10% for fittings, flanges, and welds in total weight estimates
- Consider coating weight for galvanized or lined pipes
- Use weight per foot/meter values for quick estimates of long pipe runs
- Verify material grade as densities can vary slightly
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I measure wall thickness accurately?
- Wall thickness can be measured with calipers on a pipe cross-section, or calculated by subtracting the inner diameter from the outer diameter and dividing by 2. For installed pipes, ultrasonic thickness gauges are commonly used.
- What's the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pipe?
- Schedule numbers indicate wall thickness. Schedule 80 has a thicker wall than Schedule 40 for the same nominal pipe size, making it heavier and able to handle higher pressures. Use manufacturer tables for exact weights.
- Why is my calculated weight different from catalog values?
- Slight variations can occur due to manufacturing tolerances, different alloy compositions, and whether the catalog weight includes coatings or linings. Our calculator uses standard material densities; always verify critical applications with manufacturer specifications.
- Can I use this calculator for pipe capacity (how much liquid it holds)?
- No, this calculator gives the weight of the pipe material itself. For internal capacity, you need to calculate volume using only the inner diameter: V = π × (ID/2)² × Length.
Related Calculators
construction
Air Changes Per Hour Calculator
construction
Area Moment of Inertia Calculator