Hollow Steel Section Weight Calculator
Accurately estimate the weight of Rectangular (RHS), Square (SHS), and Circular (CHS) hollow sections for structural engineering, logistics planning, and cost estimation.
Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS)
Square Hollow Section (SHS)
Circular Hollow Section (CHS)
Select the profile type of the steel section.
Outer dimension of the side.
Please enter a valid positive number.
Outer dimension of the adjacent side.
Please enter a valid positive number.
Total outer diameter of the pipe/tube.
Please enter a valid positive number.
Thickness of the steel wall.
Thickness cannot exceed dimensions.
Length of a single piece in meters.
Please enter a valid length.
Total number of sections.
Must be at least 1.
Standard Mild Steel is approx 7850 kg/m³.
Total Weight
0.00 kg
Formula: Weight = Volume × Density. Volume is calculated by subtracting the inner void volume from the outer volume.
| Metric | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Per Meter | 0.00 | kg/m |
| Cross-Sectional Area | 0.00 | cm² |
| Total Surface Area | 0.00 | m² |
| Total Volume | 0.00 | m³ |
Material Weight Comparison
Comparison of the calculated geometry across different common metals.
What is a Hollow Steel Section Weight Calculator?
A hollow steel section weight calculator is a specialized digital tool designed for structural engineers, fabricators, and logistics managers. It computes the theoretical mass of steel tubes and profiles—specifically Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), Square Hollow Sections (SHS), and Circular Hollow Sections (CHS)—based on their geometric dimensions and material density.
Accurate weight calculation is critical in the construction and manufacturing industries. It ensures that structures do not exceed load-bearing limits, cranes are rated correctly for lifting, and shipping costs are estimated precisely. Unlike solid bars, hollow sections offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them a preferred choice in modern architecture and machinery.
Common misconceptions include assuming all "steel" has the exact same weight or ignoring the impact of corner radii in RHS/SHS profiles. While this calculator provides a standard geometric estimation, it is essential for preliminary planning and cost analysis.
Hollow Steel Section Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core principle behind the hollow steel section weight calculator is volumetric mass density. The weight is derived by calculating the volume of the steel material itself (excluding the hollow air gap) and multiplying it by the density of the material.
The General Formula
The universal formula for weight is:
Weight (W) = Cross-Sectional Area (A) × Length (L) × Density (ρ)
1. Rectangular & Square Hollow Sections (RHS/SHS)
For box profiles, the cross-sectional area is found by subtracting the area of the inner rectangle from the outer rectangle.
- Outer Area: Width (W) × Height (H)
- Inner Width: W – (2 × Thickness)
- Inner Height: H – (2 × Thickness)
- Area (A): (W × H) – (Inner Width × Inner Height)
2. Circular Hollow Sections (CHS)
For pipes and tubes, the area is the difference between the outer circle and the inner circle.
- Area (A): π × ( (Outer Radius)² – (Inner Radius)² )
- Alternatively: (π / 4) × ( (Outer Diameter)² – (Outer Diameter – 2×Thickness)² )
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Standard Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| W / H | Width / Height | Millimeters (mm) | 20mm – 500mm+ |
| t | Wall Thickness | Millimeters (mm) | 1.0mm – 25mm |
| L | Length | Meters (m) | 6m, 12m (Standard) |
| ρ (Rho) | Density | kg/m³ | 7850 (Mild Steel) |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Structural Column (SHS)
A construction project requires 10 columns made of Square Hollow Section (SHS). The dimensions are 100mm x 100mm with a 5mm wall thickness. Each column is 4 meters high.
- Input: 100mm x 100mm x 5mm, Length = 4m, Qty = 10.
- Area Calculation: (0.1 × 0.1) – (0.09 × 0.09) = 0.01 – 0.0081 = 0.0019 m².
- Volume per piece: 0.0019 m² × 4m = 0.0076 m³.
- Weight per piece: 0.0076 × 7850 kg/m³ ≈ 59.66 kg.
- Total Weight: 596.6 kg.
Financial Interpretation: If structural steel costs $1.50 per kg, the material cost for these columns is approximately $895.
Example 2: Pipeline Logistics (CHS)
A logistics manager needs to ship 50 lengths of steel pipe. Each pipe is 12 meters long, with an outer diameter of 219.1mm and a thickness of 6.4mm.
- Input: OD 219.1mm, Thickness 6.4mm, Length 12m, Qty = 50.
- Weight per Meter: Approx 33.5 kg/m.
- Weight per Pipe: 33.5 × 12 = 402 kg.
- Total Load: 402 kg × 50 = 20,100 kg (20.1 Tonnes).
Decision: A standard truck often has a limit of 24 tonnes. This load (20.1 tonnes) fits safely on a single truck, optimizing shipping costs.
How to Use This Hollow Steel Section Weight Calculator
- Select Shape: Choose between Rectangular, Square, or Circular based on your steel profile.
- Enter Dimensions: Input the width, height (for RHS), or diameter (for CHS) in millimeters.
- Define Thickness: Enter the wall thickness in millimeters. Ensure thickness is less than half the width/diameter.
- Set Length & Quantity: Input the length of a single piece in meters and the total number of pieces required.
- Verify Density: The default is set to 7850 kg/m³ for mild steel. Adjust this if you are calculating for Stainless Steel (approx 7900) or Aluminum (approx 2700).
- Analyze Results: Review the Total Weight for logistics and the Surface Area for painting or coating estimations.
Key Factors That Affect HSS Weight Results
Several variables can influence the final calculated weight and the associated financial implications:
- Material Density: Not all steel is created equal. Stainless steel is slightly denser than mild steel, while aluminum is roughly one-third the weight. Using the correct density is vital for accurate results.
- Corner Radius: In real-world manufacturing (cold forming), the corners of RHS and SHS are rounded, not sharp. This slightly reduces the actual weight compared to a theoretical "sharp corner" calculation.
- Manufacturing Tolerances: Steel mills produce sections within tolerance ranges (e.g., +/- 5% on thickness). A "nominal" 5mm thickness might actually be 4.8mm or 5.2mm, affecting the total tonnage significantly on large orders.
- Galvanization: Hot-dip galvanizing adds a layer of zinc to the steel to prevent rust. This can add 3-5% to the total weight of the section, which must be accounted for in lifting and transport.
- Scrap & Waste: When calculating raw material needs, always account for cutting kerf and unusable offcuts. The calculator gives the net weight of the finished part, not the gross weight of the raw stock required.
- Cost Implications: Steel is traded by weight. An error in weight calculation directly translates to a budget variance. Overestimating weight leads to wasted budget on logistics; underestimating can lead to structural failure or shipping fines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard density of steel used in this calculator?
The calculator uses a default density of 7850 kg/m³, which is the industry standard for mild carbon steel. You can adjust this value for other metals.
Does this calculator account for the corner radius of RHS/SHS?
This calculator uses a geometric "box" subtraction method. It does not subtract the mass lost at the rounded corners. For most estimation purposes, this difference is negligible (usually < 2%), but for precise engineering, specific manufacturer tables should be consulted.
Can I calculate the weight of Aluminum or Stainless Steel?
Yes. Simply change the "Material Density" input. Use ~2700 kg/m³ for Aluminum and ~7930 kg/m³ for Stainless Steel (Grade 304).
Why is the surface area result important?
Surface area is crucial for estimating the cost of secondary operations like painting, powder coating, or galvanizing, which are often charged per square meter.
What is the difference between RHS, SHS, and CHS?
RHS is Rectangular Hollow Section, SHS is Square Hollow Section, and CHS is Circular Hollow Section (pipe/tube). They have different structural properties and aesthetic uses.
How do I convert the result to Tonnes?
Divide the result in Kilograms (kg) by 1000. For example, 2500 kg is equal to 2.5 Metric Tonnes.
Is the weight calculated per meter or total length?
The calculator provides both. The "Main Result" shows the total weight for the total quantity, while the table below shows the "Weight Per Meter" for a single section.
Why does the calculator show an error for thickness?
The wall thickness cannot be greater than or equal to half of the width or diameter. If the walls are too thick, they would overlap in the center, which is physically impossible for a hollow section.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore more engineering and financial calculators to assist with your project planning:
- Steel Beam Load Calculator – Determine the maximum load capacity for I-beams and H-beams.
- Concrete Volume Calculator – Estimate the cubic meters of concrete required for foundations and slabs.
- General Metal Weight Calculator – Calculate weights for plates, bars, and solid rounds.
- Construction Cost Estimator – Budget your entire building project including materials and labor.
- Freight Class Calculator – Determine shipping classifications based on density and dimensions.
- Material Density Chart – A comprehensive reference list of densities for common construction materials.