Total width of the cylinder from outside edge to outside edge.
Outer diameter must be positive.
Width of the hollow center space.
Inner diameter must be less than Outer Diameter.
Total length of the cylinder/pipe.
Length must be positive.
Total Estimated Weight
0.00 kg
Formula: Mass = Volume × Density
Total Volume (Material Only)
0 cm³
Cross-Sectional Area
0 mm²
Weight in Pounds
0 lbs
Specification Summary
Parameter
Value
Material Density
–
Dimensions (OD x ID x L)
–
Wall Thickness
–
Quantity
–
Material Comparison Chart (Weight for same dimensions)
Comparison of your calculated cylinder weight vs. other common materials.
What is the Purpose to Calculate Weight of Hollow Cylinder Online?
When engineering structural components, estimating shipping costs, or planning material procurement, the ability to calculate weight of hollow cylinder online is essential. A hollow cylinder—commonly referred to as a pipe, tube, or bushing—differs from a solid rod because it has a void in the center. This void significantly reduces the total mass compared to a solid object of the same outer dimensions.
Engineers, machinists, and logistics coordinators use these calculations to determine load-bearing capacities, crane requirements for lifting, and raw material costs. Unlike generic calculators, a dedicated tool focuses on the specific geometry of concentric circles extended over a length.
Common Misconception: Many people assume that halving the wall thickness halves the weight. This is incorrect because the volume is based on the square of the radii ($r^2$), making the relationship non-linear.
Hollow Cylinder Weight Formula and Explanation
To calculate the weight, we must first determine the volume of the actual material (excluding the hollow center) and then multiply it by the material's density.
Step 1: Calculate Cross-Sectional Area
The cross-section of a hollow cylinder is an annulus (a ring). The area ($A$) is the difference between the area of the outer circle and the inner circle.
$$A = \pi \times (R^2 – r^2)$$
Where $R$ is the Outer Radius ($OD/2$) and $r$ is the Inner Radius ($ID/2$).
Step 2: Calculate Volume
Multiply the cross-sectional area by the length ($L$) of the cylinder.
$$V = A \times L = \pi \times (R^2 – r^2) \times L$$
Step 3: Calculate Mass (Weight)
Finally, multiply the volume by the density ($\rho$) of the material.
$$Weight = V \times \rho$$
Variables Table
Variable
Meaning
Typical Unit
OD
Outer Diameter
millimeters (mm)
ID
Inner Diameter
millimeters (mm)
L
Length
millimeters (mm)
$\rho$ (Rho)
Material Density
g/cm³ or kg/m³
Practical Examples
Example 1: Steel Pipe for Construction
A construction manager needs to order 50 steel columns. Each column is a hollow cylinder.
Material: Steel (Density ~7.85 g/cm³)
Outer Diameter: 200 mm
Inner Diameter: 180 mm
Length: 3000 mm (3 meters)
Using the tool to calculate weight of hollow cylinder online, the volume of steel per pipe is calculated. The wall thickness is 10mm. The resulting weight per pipe is approximately 140.7 kg. For 50 pipes, the total load is over 7 tonnes, requiring a heavy-duty flatbed truck.
Example 2: Brass Bushing for Machinery
A machinist is turning a bushing from a brass tube stock.
Material: Brass (Density ~8.5 g/cm³)
OD: 50 mm
ID: 25 mm
Length: 100 mm
The calculated weight is approximately 1.25 kg. Knowing this precise weight helps in quoting shipping costs for small parcel delivery services.
How to Use This Calculator
Select Material: Choose a standard material from the dropdown list (e.g., Steel, Aluminum). The density field will auto-populate. If your material isn't listed, select "Custom" and enter the specific density.
Enter Dimensions: Input the Outer Diameter (OD), Inner Diameter (ID), and Length in millimeters.
Validate Inputs: Ensure the Inner Diameter is smaller than the Outer Diameter. The tool will show an error if the geometry is physically impossible.
Review Results: The tool instantly updates the total weight in kilograms and pounds.
Analyze Data: Use the chart to see how your cylinder compares to other materials, and check the "Specification Summary" table for detailed metrics like wall thickness.
Key Factors That Affect Results
When you calculate weight of hollow cylinder online, several factors can influence the final accuracy and financial implications:
Material Density Variations: "Steel" is a generic term. Stainless steel (Grade 304) has a density of roughly 8.0 g/cm³, while mild steel is roughly 7.85 g/cm³. This 2% difference adds up on large orders.
Manufacturing Tolerances: Pipes are rarely perfect. A nominal 100mm pipe might actually be 100.5mm. Dimensional variations affect volume and weight.
Surface Coatings: Galvanization, painting, or powder coating adds weight that pure geometric formulas do not account for.
Temperature: Metals expand with heat. While mass remains constant, volume changes, affecting density calculations in precision environments.
Scrap & Waste: If you are calculating weight to purchase raw stock, remember to add a margin for cutting kerf (material lost during cutting) and end-piece waste.
Cost of Transport: Weight is the primary driver of logistics costs. Accurate calculation prevents underestimating freight charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I calculate the weight if I only know wall thickness?
Yes. If you know the Outer Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (t), you can calculate the Inner Diameter (ID) using the formula: $ID = OD – (2 \times t)$. You can then enter these values into the calculator.
2. Why does the calculator require density?
Volume represents how much space the object takes up, but weight depends on how heavy the material is per unit of volume. A plastic pipe weighs significantly less than a lead pipe of the exact same size.
3. What is the standard density for Steel?
Standard carbon steel is typically calculated at 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³). Stainless steels are slightly heavier, often around 8.0 g/cm³.
4. Does this calculator account for end caps?
No, this tool specifically handles open-ended hollow cylinders (tubes/pipes). If your cylinder has end caps, you would need to calculate those as solid disks and add their weight.
5. Can I use this for square tubing?
No, this calculator uses the formula for circular geometry ($\pi r^2$). Square tubing requires a different formula involving width, height, and wall thickness.
6. Is the result exact?
The result is a mathematical approximation based on the inputs. Real-world weight may vary due to material density inconsistencies and dimensional tolerances.
7. How do I convert the result to tonnes?
The calculator provides results in Kilograms (kg). To get tonnes (metric tons), divide the kg value by 1000.
8. Why do I get a negative weight?
This usually happens if the Inner Diameter entered is larger than the Outer Diameter, resulting in a negative volume. Ensure OD > ID.
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