Steel Tube Weight Per Foot Calculator
Accurate Financial and Engineering Estimation for Metal Projects
Carbon Steel (Density: 0.2833 lb/in³)
Stainless Steel 304 (Density: 0.2900 lb/in³)
Aluminum 6061 (Density: 0.0975 lb/in³)
Brass (Density: 0.3070 lb/in³)
Copper (Density: 0.3220 lb/in³)
Select the alloy to adjust density calculations automatically.
The total width of the tube from outside edge to outside edge.
Diameter must be positive.
The thickness of the tube metal. Must be less than half the OD.
Wall thickness is too large for this diameter.
Used to calculate total piece weight and estimated cost.
Enter current market price per pound for financial estimation.
2.41 lbs/ft
Weight Per Foot
24.10 lbs
Total Weight
0.709 in²
Cross-Section Area
$20.49
Est. Total Cost
Formula Used: Weight = 12 × Density × π × (OD × t – t²)
Calculated based on geometric volume minus the void.
Calculated based on geometric volume minus the void.
Weight Analysis
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter | 2.000 in |
| Inner Diameter | 1.760 in |
| Wall Thickness | 0.120 in |
| Material Density | 0.2833 lbs/in³ |
Comparison of Weight Per Foot vs Total Length Weight
What is a Steel Tube Weight Per Foot Calculator?
A steel tube weight per foot calculator is an essential digital tool used by engineers, fabricators, and purchasing agents to estimate the mass of structural tubing. Unlike simple piping, steel tubes are often measured by their Outer Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness. Knowing the exact weight per foot is critical for calculating shipping costs, determining structural loads, and estimating raw material prices in financial budgets.
Whether you are budgeting for a large construction project or a small fabrication job, this tool eliminates the guesswork. By inputting precise dimensions, the steel tube weight per foot calculator derives the mass based on the specific density of the alloy selected, ensuring your logistics and financial planning are accurate.
Steel Tube Weight Per Foot Calculator Formula
To understand how the calculator works, we must look at the geometry of a hollow cylinder. The weight is essentially the volume of the steel multiplied by its density.
The mathematical derivation is as follows:
- Calculate Cross-Sectional Area (A): $A = \pi \times (OD \times t – t^2)$ OR $A = \frac{\pi}{4} \times (OD^2 – ID^2)$
- Calculate Volume Per Foot: Multiply Area ($in^2$) by 12 inches.
- Calculate Weight: Multiply Volume by Material Density.
Simplified Industry Formula for Carbon Steel:
Weight (lbs/ft) = $10.69 \times (OD – Wall) \times Wall$
| Variable | Meaning | Typical Unit | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| OD | Outer Diameter | Inches | 0.5″ – 24″ |
| t | Wall Thickness | Inches | 0.049″ – 2.0″ |
| ID | Inner Diameter | Inches | OD – 2t |
| Density | Material Mass | lbs/in³ | 0.28 – 0.29 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Roll Cage Fabrication
A fabricator needs 120 feet of 1.75″ OD DOM tubing with a 0.120″ wall for a roll cage. Using the steel tube weight per foot calculator:
- Input: OD = 1.75, Wall = 0.120, Material = Carbon Steel.
- Calculation: $10.69 \times (1.75 – 0.120) \times 0.120 \approx 2.09 \text{ lbs/ft}$.
- Financial Impact: If steel is $1.00/lb, the material cost is $2.09/ft. For 120 feet, the total weight is ~251 lbs, and the cost is $251.
Example 2: Structural Column Support
An architect specifies a 6-inch square tube (often calculated similarly, but assuming round for this example) with a 0.250″ wall.
- Input: OD = 6.00, Wall = 0.250.
- Result: $\approx 15.35 \text{ lbs/ft}$.
- Application: If the column is 20 feet tall, the dead load added to the foundation is 307 lbs per column.
How to Use This Steel Tube Weight Per Foot Calculator
- Select Material: Choose between Carbon Steel, Stainless, or Aluminum. Density drastically affects the result.
- Enter Dimensions: Input the Outer Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness in inches. Ensure the wall thickness is less than half the diameter.
- Input Length & Cost: To get a total project estimate, enter the total footage and price per pound.
- Analyze Results: View the "Weight Per Foot" for logistics planning and "Est. Total Cost" for budgeting.
Key Factors That Affect Steel Tube Weight Per Foot Results
Several variables can influence the final calculation and financial bottom line:
- Alloy Density: Stainless steel is slightly heavier (0.290 lbs/in³) than standard mild steel (0.283 lbs/in³), while aluminum is about 1/3 the weight.
- Manufacturing Tolerances: ASTM standards allow for slight variations in wall thickness. A nominal 0.120″ wall might actually be 0.115″ or 0.125″, affecting the actual weight by +/- 5%.
- Galvanization & Coatings: Plating or painting adds weight not accounted for in the raw steel calculation.
- Price Volatility: The "Price Per Pound" input is crucial because steel markets fluctuate. A 10% increase in raw material costs directly impacts the project budget calculated here.
- Scrap & Cut Loss: When calculating total financial cost, always add a margin (e.g., 10%) for cuts and waste, which this calculator displays as raw weight.
- Shipping Limits: Knowing the total weight helps determine if you can use a standard flatbed truck (approx 48,000 lbs max) or need specialized heavy haulers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between Pipe and Tube?
Pipe is measured by "Nominal Pipe Size" (an interior flow rating) and Schedule, whereas Tube is measured by exact Outer Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness. This steel tube weight per foot calculator is designed for Tube dimensions.
2. How accurate is the 10.69 formula?
It is the industry standard rule of thumb for carbon steel and is accurate to within 1-2% for most standard sizes. Our calculator uses precise geometric volume for higher accuracy across different materials.
3. Does this calculator work for square tubing?
No, this specific tool is for round tubing. Square tubing uses a different formula: $Weight = 13.6 \times (Width – Wall) \times Wall$.
4. Can I use this for Stainless Steel?
Yes, select "Stainless Steel 304" from the dropdown. Stainless is denser than mild steel, so the weight per foot will increase slightly.
5. How do I find the Inner Diameter (ID)?
ID is calculated as: $ID = OD – (2 \times Wall \text{ Thickness})$. The calculator displays this in the results table.
6. Why is my result NaN or Error?
Ensure your Wall Thickness is less than half of the Outer Diameter. If the wall is too thick, the hole in the middle disappears, mathematically creating a solid bar or an impossible shape.
7. How does weight affect shipping costs?
Freight is often billed by weight or by truckload. Accurate weight estimates help prevent overloading trucks and incurring fines or needing extra vehicles.
8. Is aluminum strong enough to replace steel to save weight?
Aluminum is roughly 1/3 the weight of steel but also has lower tensile strength. Consult a structural engineer before swapping materials based solely on the weight reduction shown in the calculator.