MS Rectangular Tube Weight Calculator
Accurate engineering tool for calculating Mild Steel (MS) Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) weights, volumes, and costs.
RHS Weight Estimator
Enter dimensions in millimeters and length in meters.
*Calculation assumes Mild Steel density of 7850 kg/m³. Actual weights may vary due to manufacturing tolerances (+/- 10%).
| Metric | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-Sectional Area | 0 | mm² |
| Single Tube Weight | 0 | kg |
| Total Batch Weight | 0 | kg |
| Total Painting Area | 0 | m² |
Comprehensive Guide to MS Rectangular Tube Weight Calculation
In the construction and fabrication industries, accuracy is paramount. Whether you are estimating material costs for a large structure or purchasing steel for a small DIY project, knowing the exact weight of your materials is critical. This ms rectangular tube weight calculator is designed to provide instant, precise weight estimates for Mild Steel (MS) Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS).
Understanding the weight of your steel tubing affects transportation logistics, structural load-bearing calculations, and project budgeting. This guide covers the mathematics behind the calculator, practical use cases, and key factors influencing steel weights.
What is an MS Rectangular Tube Weight Calculator?
An ms rectangular tube weight calculator is a specialized digital tool used by civil engineers, fabricators, and procurement officers to determine the mass of hollow rectangular steel sections. Unlike solid bars, tubes have a void center, making their weight calculation slightly more complex than simple length-times-width multiplication.
This tool uses the density of Mild Steel (standardized at approximately 7850 kg/m³) combined with the geometric dimensions of the tube—width, height, thickness, and length—to output a precise weight value. It helps users avoid the tedious task of manually consulting steel tables (known as the Blue Book in some regions) for every variation in size.
- Structural Engineers: To calculate dead loads on foundations.
- Fabricators: To estimate raw material requirements and scrap reduction.
- Logistics Managers: To plan truck loading capacities and adhere to transport weight limits.
- Cost Estimators: To convert price-per-kg quotes into total project costs.
MS Rectangular Tube Weight Formula
The core logic behind any ms rectangular tube weight calculator relies on calculating the volume of the steel material itself (excluding the hollow air gap) and multiplying it by the density of the material.
The Mathematical Logic
The formula derives from subtracting the inner volume from the outer volume. However, for practical purposes, we often calculate the cross-sectional area of the steel first.
Formula:
Weight (kg) = [Area (mm²) × Length (m) × Density (g/cm³)] / 1000
Where the Cross-Sectional Area (A) is calculated as:
A = (Width × Height) – ((Width – 2t) × (Height – 2t))
| Variable | Meaning | Standard Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Outer Width | Millimeters (mm) | 20mm – 400mm |
| H | Outer Height | Millimeters (mm) | 10mm – 300mm |
| t | Wall Thickness | Millimeters (mm) | 1.0mm – 16.0mm |
| ρ (rho) | Density of MS | kg/m³ | 7850 kg/m³ |
Practical Examples: Using the MS Rectangular Tube Weight Calculator
To understand how the ms rectangular tube weight calculator works in real-world scenarios, let's look at two distinct examples.
Example 1: Residential Gate Fabrication
A fabricator is building a main gate using standard RHS sections.
Inputs:
Width: 80 mm
Height: 40 mm
Thickness: 3 mm
Length: 6 meters
Quantity: 10 lengths
Calculation: The calculator determines the steel volume for one 6m length and applies the density factor.
Result: Approx 31.8 kg per piece.
Total Order Weight: 318 kg.
Impact: The fabricator now knows a small pickup truck can handle this load.
Example 2: Industrial Rack Support
An engineer is designing a heavy-duty storage rack.
Inputs:
Width: 150 mm
Height: 100 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Length: 3.5 meters
Quantity: 24 pieces
Result: Each beam weighs approximately 76 kg.
Total Weight: ~1,824 kg.
Impact: This exceeds the limit of a standard forklift in the facility (1.5 tons), requiring a heavier lifting solution or partial transport.
How to Use This MS Rectangular Tube Weight Calculator
- Enter Dimensions: Input the external Width (Side A) and Height (Side B) in millimeters. These are usually standard sizes like 50×25, 100×50, etc.
- Specify Thickness: Enter the wall thickness in mm. Ensure the thickness is physically possible (must be less than half the width or height).
- Set Length: Input the length of the tube in meters. Standard supply lengths are often 6m or 12m.
- Quantity: Enter how many pieces you require to get the total project weight.
- Review Results: The calculator instantly updates the 'Total Weight' and breakdown table.
Key Factors That Affect MS Rectangular Tube Weight Results
While this ms rectangular tube weight calculator provides a theoretical weight, real-world weights can vary slightly due to several factors:
1. Manufacturing Tolerances
Steel mills produce tubes within specific tolerance ranges (e.g., ASTM A500 or EN 10219). Thickness can vary by +/- 10%, which directly impacts the final weight per meter.
2. Corner Radii
Rectangular tubes are not perfect rectangles; they have rounded corners. The formula used here is a standard geometric approximation. The actual weight is slightly less than the theoretical sharp-cornered weight due to the missing material at the corners, though this is often negligible for general estimation.
3. Steel Density Variations
While 7850 kg/m³ is the standard engineering density for Mild Steel, different alloy compositions can cause slight fluctuations between 7750 and 8050 kg/m³.
4. Surface Coatings (Galvanization)
If your tube is Hot Dip Galvanized (HDG), the zinc coating adds weight. Typically, galvanization adds 3-5% to the weight of the bare steel. This calculator computes the weight of bare (black) steel.
5. Material Grade
Whether you use S235, S275, or S355 grade steel, the density remains consistent, but the structural strength differs. Do not confuse weight with strength.
6. Cost Implications
Steel is priced by weight. A small error in weight calculation—magnified over thousands of pieces—can lead to significant budget discrepancies. Using an accurate ms rectangular tube weight calculator mitigates this financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This tool uses the standard geometric formula for rectangular sections. It provides a "theoretical weight." Actual weights may be 1-2% lower depending on the corner radius specified by the manufacturing standard.
No. This calculator is calibrated for Mild Steel (Density ~7850 kg/m³). Aluminum is roughly one-third the weight of steel, and Stainless Steel is slightly heavier. You would need to adjust the density factor manually.
Standard mill lengths are typically 6 meters (approx 20 feet) or 12 meters (approx 40 feet). Custom lengths can be cut upon request.
The wall thickness cannot be greater than half of the smallest side dimension. For example, if your tube is 50mm wide, the max theoretical thickness is just under 25mm, or the tube would be solid.
It is highly accurate for theoretical weight. However, for commercial invoices, suppliers often weigh the truck or bundle directly. Always add a contingency margin of 5-10% for budget safety.
No. Weight per meter is determined solely by the cross-sectional dimensions (Width, Height, Thickness). Length only affects the total weight.
RHS stands for Rectangular Hollow Section. It is the technical term for what is commonly called rectangular tube or box section.
Yes. Simply enter the same value for both Width and Height inputs, and the calculator will function as a Square Hollow Section (SHS) calculator.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Expand your estimation toolkit with our other engineering calculators:
- Steel Weight Calculator (Universal) – Calculate weights for plates, rounds, and angles.
- Metal Weight Calculator – Switch between Aluminum, Brass, and Stainless Steel.
- SHS (Square Hollow Section) Calculator – Specialized tool for square tubing.
- Pipe Weight Chart & Calculator – For circular hollow sections (CHS) and standard pipes.
- Structural Steel Beam Calculator – Estimate weights for I-beams, H-beams, and channels.
- RHS Weight Calculator (Advanced) – Includes moment of inertia and section modulus calculations.