Aluminium Square Hollow Section Weight Calculator

Accurately determine the weight of your aluminium SHS for any project.

Calculate Aluminium SHS Weight

Weight vs. Length Analysis

Weight Breakdown by Length

Length (m)	Estimated Weight (kg)
Enter dimensions to see table.

What is Aluminium Square Hollow Section (SHS) Weight Calculation?

The aluminium square hollow section weight calculator is a specialized tool designed to accurately determine the mass of aluminium profiles with a square cross-section and a hollow interior. Aluminium Square Hollow Sections (SHS) are widely used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Understanding the precise weight of these sections is crucial for various applications, including structural design, material procurement, transportation logistics, and cost estimation. This calculator simplifies the complex calculations involved, providing users with reliable weight figures based on key dimensional inputs and the density of aluminium.

Who should use it?

• Engineers and Architects: For structural load calculations and material specifications.
• Fabricators and Manufacturers: For accurate material ordering and costings.
• Procurement Managers: For budgeting and purchasing decisions.
• DIY Enthusiasts and Hobbyists: For smaller projects requiring precise material quantities.
• Logistics and Shipping Companies: For estimating transportation costs and capacities.

Common Misconceptions:

• Uniformity: It's often assumed that all aluminium SHS of the same external dimensions weigh the same. However, wall thickness variations significantly impact weight.
• Density: While aluminium's density is relatively constant, slight variations can occur due to alloys. This calculator uses a standard value, but specific alloy densities might differ marginally.
• Complexity: Many believe calculating SHS weight is overly complicated. This tool demystifies the process, making it accessible to everyone.

Aluminium Square Hollow Section Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The calculation of the weight for an aluminium square hollow section (SHS) relies on fundamental geometric principles and the material's density. The core idea is to determine the volume of the aluminium material used in the section and then multiply it by the density of aluminium.

Step-by-Step Derivation:

1. Calculate Inner Dimensions: Since the section is hollow, we need to find the dimensions of the internal void. The inner width and height are found by subtracting twice the wall thickness from the outer width and height, respectively.
   Inner Width = Outer Width – 2 × Wall Thickness
   Inner Height = Outer Height – 2 × Wall Thickness
2. Calculate Cross-Sectional Area: The area of the aluminium material in the cross-section is the difference between the area of the outer square and the area of the inner square (the void).
   Cross-Sectional Area = (Outer Width × Outer Height) – (Inner Width × Inner Height)
3. Calculate Volume: The volume of the aluminium material is obtained by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the total length of the section. Ensure all units are consistent (e.g., all in millimeters or meters).
   Volume = Cross-Sectional Area × Length
4. Calculate Weight: Finally, multiply the calculated volume by the density of aluminium. The density of aluminium is approximately 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). It's crucial to ensure unit consistency. If volume is in mm³, density needs to be converted accordingly (e.g., 0.0000027 g/mm³ or 2700 kg/m³).
   Weight = Volume × Density

Variable Explanations:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Outer Width	The external dimension of one side of the square profile.	mm	10 – 200+
Outer Height	The external dimension of the other side of the square profile (same as Outer Width for SHS).	mm	10 – 200+
Wall Thickness	The thickness of the aluminium material forming the walls of the hollow section.	mm	1 – 15+
Length	The total length of the aluminium square hollow section.	mm	100 – 12000+
Density of Aluminium	The mass per unit volume of aluminium. Standard value used is 2.7 g/cm³.	g/cm³ (or kg/m³)	~2.7 g/cm³ (varies slightly with alloy)
Cross-Sectional Area	The area of the aluminium material in a slice perpendicular to the length.	mm²	Calculated
Volume	The total space occupied by the aluminium material.	mm³ (or m³)	Calculated
Weight	The mass of the aluminium section.	kg (or lbs)	Calculated

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Understanding the aluminium square hollow section weight calculator is best done through practical examples:

Example 1: Structural Frame Component

An engineer is designing a lightweight frame for an industrial shed. They need to determine the weight of several aluminium SHS members.

• Inputs:
  • Outer Width: 75 mm
  • Outer Height: 75 mm
  • Wall Thickness: 4 mm
  • Length: 3000 mm (3 meters)
• Calculation:
  • Inner Width = 75 – 2 * 4 = 67 mm
  • Inner Height = 75 – 2 * 4 = 67 mm
  • Cross-Sectional Area = (75 * 75) – (67 * 67) = 5625 – 4489 = 1136 mm²
  • Volume = 1136 mm² * 3000 mm = 3,408,000 mm³
  • Weight = 3,408,000 mm³ * 0.0000027 g/mm³ = 9.20 kg (approx)
• Interpretation: Each 3-meter length of this 75x75x4mm SHS weighs approximately 9.20 kg. This information is vital for calculating the total material required, ensuring the supporting structure can handle the load, and estimating shipping costs.

Example 2: Decorative Balustrade Infill

A fabricator is creating decorative infill panels for a modern balustrade using smaller aluminium SHS.

• Inputs:
  • Outer Width: 25 mm
  • Outer Height: 25 mm
  • Wall Thickness: 2 mm
  • Length: 1200 mm (1.2 meters)
• Calculation:
  • Inner Width = 25 – 2 * 2 = 21 mm
  • Inner Height = 25 – 2 * 2 = 21 mm
  • Cross-Sectional Area = (25 * 25) – (21 * 21) = 625 – 441 = 184 mm²
  • Volume = 184 mm² * 1200 mm = 220,800 mm³
  • Weight = 220,800 mm³ * 0.0000027 g/mm³ = 0.60 kg (approx)
• Interpretation: Each 1.2-meter piece of this 25x25x2mm SHS weighs about 0.60 kg. This low weight makes it suitable for aesthetic applications where heavy loads aren't a concern, simplifying handling and installation. It also helps in precise material ordering to minimize waste.

How to Use This Aluminium Square Hollow Section Weight Calculator

Using our aluminium square hollow section weight calculator is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

1. Input Dimensions: Enter the precise measurements for your aluminium SHS into the respective fields:
   • Outer Width (mm): The measurement across one external face of the square section.
   • Outer Height (mm): The measurement across the adjacent external face (should be the same as the width for a square section).
   • Wall Thickness (mm): The thickness of the aluminium material forming the sides.
   • Length (mm): The total length of the SHS piece you are calculating the weight for.
2. Validate Inputs: Ensure all values are positive numbers. The calculator provides inline validation to flag any incorrect entries.
3. Calculate: Click the "Calculate Weight" button. The calculator will instantly process your inputs.
4. Read Results: The results section will display:
   • The primary calculated weight (in kg and lbs).
   • Key intermediate values: Cross-Sectional Area, Volume.
   • The formula used for transparency.
5. Analyze Supporting Data: Examine the generated table and chart, which show how weight changes with length, providing a broader perspective on material usage.
6. Copy Results: Use the "Copy Results" button to easily transfer the calculated weight, intermediate values, and key assumptions to your clipboard for reports or further calculations.
7. Reset: If you need to start over or input new dimensions, click the "Reset" button to clear all fields and results.

Decision-Making Guidance: The calculated weight helps in making informed decisions regarding material purchasing, structural integrity checks, transportation planning, and cost management for your projects.

Key Factors That Affect Aluminium SHS Weight Results

While the calculator provides a precise weight based on inputs, several real-world factors can influence the actual weight of aluminium square hollow sections:

1. Alloy Composition: Different aluminium alloys have slightly varying densities. While 2.7 g/cm³ is standard, specific alloys (e.g., 6061, 7075) might have densities that differ by a small percentage, leading to minor weight variations.
2. Manufacturing Tolerances: Extrusion processes have inherent tolerances. The actual outer dimensions and wall thickness might deviate slightly from the specified values, impacting the final weight.
3. Surface Finish and Coatings: Processes like anodizing or powder coating add a thin layer to the surface. While usually negligible for weight calculations, significant coatings on very thin sections could introduce minor increases.
4. Temperature Effects: Aluminium expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Density is temperature-dependent. However, for standard weight calculations at ambient temperatures, this effect is usually insignificant.
5. Internal Surface Roughness: The internal surface of extruded SHS isn't perfectly smooth. This microscopic roughness means the actual internal volume might be slightly larger than calculated, leading to a marginal decrease in weight.
6. Section Length Variations: Standard lengths are often produced, but custom lengths might have slight overages or underages depending on the cutting process and tolerances.
7. Material Defects: Although rare in quality-controlled products, internal voids or inconsistencies within the aluminium material itself could theoretically affect weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard density of aluminium used for these calculations?

A: The standard density of aluminium used in this calculator is 2.7 g/cm³, which is equivalent to 2700 kg/m³.

Q2: Does the calculator account for different aluminium alloys?

A: This calculator uses a standard density for aluminium. While alloys have slightly different densities, the variation is usually minimal and the standard value provides a highly accurate estimate for most common applications.

Q3: Can I calculate the weight for rectangular hollow sections?

A: This specific calculator is designed only for *square* hollow sections. A separate calculator would be needed for rectangular profiles, as the width and height inputs would differ.

Q4: What units should I use for the inputs?

A: All input dimensions (Outer Width, Outer Height, Wall Thickness, Length) should be entered in millimeters (mm).

Q5: The calculator shows weight in both kg and lbs. How is the conversion done?

A: The conversion is based on the standard factor: 1 kg ≈ 2.20462 lbs.

Q6: What does the "Cross-Sectional Area" represent?

A: It represents the area of the aluminium material itself in a slice perpendicular to the length of the SHS. It's calculated by subtracting the area of the hollow void from the total area of the outer square.

Q7: How accurate is the weight calculation?

A: The calculation is highly accurate based on the provided dimensions and the standard density of aluminium. Minor discrepancies may arise due to manufacturing tolerances or specific alloy compositions, as detailed in the "Key Factors" section.

Q8: Can I use this calculator for steel hollow sections?

A: No, this calculator is specifically for aluminium. Steel has a significantly different density (approx. 7.85 g/cm³), and a different calculator would be required.