Accurate Weight Estimation for SHS (Square Hollow Sections)
Steel (Mild/Carbon) – 7850 kg/m³
Stainless Steel (304/316) – 8000 kg/m³
Aluminum (6061) – 2700 kg/m³
Copper – 8960 kg/m³
Brass – 8500 kg/m³
Titanium – 4500 kg/m³
Select the material to determine density automatically.
The external width of the square cross-section.
Please enter a valid positive number.
Thickness of the pipe wall. Must be less than half the side width.
Thickness must be less than half of width.
Total length of the pipe.
Please enter a valid length.
Number of pipe pieces.
Total Estimated Weight
0.00 kg
Based on your inputs
Weight Per Meter0.00 kg/m
Total Volume0.00 m³
Cross-Section Area0.00 cm²
Material Weight Comparison (Same Dimensions)
Specification Summary
Parameter
Value
*Calculations assume standard theoretical density and nominal dimensions. Actual manufacturing tolerances may vary.
What is a sq pipe weight calculator?
A sq pipe weight calculator is an essential engineering tool designed to determine the theoretical mass of Square Hollow Sections (SHS). Whether you are estimating shipping costs for a construction project, calculating structural loads for engineering approval, or purchasing raw materials for fabrication, knowing the exact weight of your piping is critical.
Unlike round pipes, square pipes offer flat surfaces that are easier to join and weld, making them popular in framing, columns, and gates. However, because steel and other metals are sold by weight, slight miscalculations in the sq pipe weight calculator can lead to significant budget variances or structural failures.
This tool is widely used by civil engineers, steel fabricators, logistics coordinators, and DIY enthusiasts to get instant, accurate weight data without manual textbook math.
Square Pipe Weight Formula
The core logic behind any accurate sq pipe weight calculator relies on determining the volume of the material used in the pipe walls and multiplying it by the material's density.
Weight (kg) = [ (A² – (A – 2t)²) ] × L × ρ
Where:
Variable
Meaning
Typical Unit
A
Outer Side Width
Meters (converted from mm)
t
Wall Thickness
Meters (converted from mm)
L
Length of Pipe
Meters
ρ (rho)
Material Density
kg/m³ (e.g., 7850 for Steel)
Note: In practice, the formula often includes conversions. For example, if inputs are in millimeters, we divide by 1,000,000 to convert the area to square meters before multiplying by the density.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Heavy Duty Steel Column
A contractor needs to install a support column using a mild steel Square Hollow Section.
Material: Mild Steel (Density ~7850 kg/m³)
Dimensions: 100mm x 100mm outer width
Thickness: 5mm wall
Length: 4 meters
Using the sq pipe weight calculator, the cross-sectional area is calculated by subtracting the inner area (90x90mm) from the outer area (100x100mm). The resulting weight is approximately 59.66 kg per piece.
Example 2: Aluminum Framing
An architect is designing a lightweight frame for a solar panel structure using aluminum to reduce load.
Material: Aluminum (Density ~2700 kg/m³)
Dimensions: 50mm x 50mm
Thickness: 3mm
Length: 6 meters
Aluminum is roughly 1/3 the weight of steel. The calculator yields a total weight of approximately 9.1 kg for the 6-meter length, significantly lighter than a steel equivalent.
How to Use This sq pipe weight calculator
Select Material: Choose the metal type from the dropdown. This sets the density (ρ). Steel is the default (7850 kg/m³).
Enter Dimensions: Input the Outer Side Width and Wall Thickness in millimeters. Ensure thickness is less than half the width (otherwise, it would be a solid bar).
Set Length: Enter the total length of the pipe in meters.
Quantity: If you are ordering a batch, enter the quantity to get the total shipment weight.
Review Results: The tool instantly displays the total weight, weight per meter, and total volume. Use the "Copy Results" button to save the data for your invoice or bill of materials.
Key Factors Affecting Results
When using a sq pipe weight calculator, keep these real-world factors in mind:
Corner Radius: SHS pipes are not perfect squares; they have rounded corners. This reduces the actual material volume slightly compared to a sharp-corner theoretical calculation (usually 1-3% less weight).
Manufacturing Tolerances: Standards like ASTM A500 or EN 10219 allow for thickness variations of +/- 10%. Your actual pipe might be slightly heavier or lighter than the theoretical value.
Density Variations: "Steel" is a broad term. Stainless steel (8000 kg/m³) is denser than mild steel (7850 kg/m³). Always select the correct grade.
Coatings: Galvanization adds zinc to the surface, increasing the weight by 3-5% depending on the coating thickness.
Cut Loss: If you are calculating raw material needs, remember to account for kerf (material lost during cutting) if you are cutting long stock into smaller pieces.
Unit Consistency: Ensure you aren't mixing inches and millimeters. This calculator standardizes inputs to mm for precision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard density of steel for pipe calculations?
The industry standard density for carbon steel is 7850 kg/m³ (or 7.85 g/cm³). Stainless steel is typically calculated at 8000 kg/m³.
Does this calculator account for hollow sections?
Yes. The formula subtracts the inner void volume from the outer volume to calculate only the material weight.
Why is the corner radius important?
Standard theoretical calculators (like this one) often assume sharp corners. Real square pipes have rounded corners, which slightly reduces the weight. For high-precision aerospace or shipping applications, a corner radius factor should be applied.
Can I calculate the cost using this tool?
While this tool gives you the weight, you can easily calculate cost by multiplying the result (Total Weight) by your supplier's price per kilogram or ton.
What happens if Wall Thickness is exactly half of the Width?
If the wall thickness is half the width (e.g., 50mm width, 25mm wall), the inner void becomes zero, effectively making it a solid square bar, not a pipe.
Is Aluminum stronger than Steel for the same weight?
Aluminum has a higher strength-to-weight ratio in some alloys, but steel is generally stronger by volume. However, because aluminum is lighter, you can use a thicker wall for the same weight to achieve high stiffness.