MS Rectangular Pipe Weight Calculator
Instant precision calculation for Mild Steel (MS) Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS).
Steel Weight Estimator
The wider outer dimension of the rectangular pipe.
Width must be a positive number.
The narrower outer dimension of the rectangular pipe.
Height must be a positive number.
Thickness of the steel wall. Must be less than half of smallest side.
Invalid thickness.
Standard commercial length is often 6m or 12m.
Length must be positive.
Number of pipe sections required.
Quantity must be at least 1.
Current market rate for Mild Steel per kilogram.
Total Project Weight
0.00 kg
Weight Per Meter
0.00 kg/m
Cross Section Area
0.00 cm²
Estimated Cost
0.00
Formula Used: Weight = Volume × Density.
Volume is calculated by subtracting the inner void volume from the outer box volume based on MS density (~7850 kg/m³).
Volume is calculated by subtracting the inner void volume from the outer box volume based on MS density (~7850 kg/m³).
Fig 1: Weight Distribution vs Standard 6m Length
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (W x H) | – |
| Wall Thickness | – |
| Weight/meter | – |
| Single Pipe Weight | – |
| Total Quantity | – |
| Total Weight | – |
What is an MS Rectangular Pipe Weight Calculator?
An ms rectangular pipe weight calculator is a digital tool used by structural engineers, fabricators, and procurement specialists to estimate the total mass of Mild Steel (MS) Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS). Unlike solid steel bars, these pipes are hollow, making the weight calculation slightly more complex as it involves determining the cross-sectional area of the metal wall itself.
This calculator is essential for anyone dealing with steel construction, as accurate weight estimation is critical for transport logistics, structural load analysis, and cost estimation. Whether you are building a warehouse frame, a gate, or furniture, knowing the exact weight helps in budgeting and safety planning.
A common misconception is that all steel pipes of the same outer dimension weigh the same. However, the wall thickness plays a massive role. A 100x50mm pipe with 2mm thickness weighs significantly less than one with 4mm thickness, drastically affecting both cost and structural integrity.
MS Rectangular Pipe Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The calculation relies on geometric subtraction and material density. To find the weight, we first determine the volume of steel used and then multiply it by the density of Mild Steel.
Step-by-Step Derivation
- Calculate Outer Volume: $V_{out} = Width \times Height \times Length$
- Calculate Inner Volume: $V_{in} = (Width – 2t) \times (Height – 2t) \times Length$
- Calculate Steel Volume: $V_{steel} = V_{out} – V_{in}$
- Calculate Weight: $Weight = V_{steel} \times Density$
For practical purposes, the formula is often simplified to calculate the weight per meter ($W_m$) first:
Weight (kg/m) = 2 × (Width + Height – 2×Thickness) × Thickness × 0.00785
(Note: Dimensions in mm)
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| $W$ | Outer Width | mm | 20mm – 400mm |
| $H$ | Outer Height | mm | 10mm – 300mm |
| $t$ | Wall Thickness | mm | 1.2mm – 16mm |
| $\rho$ (Rho) | Density of Mild Steel | g/cm³ | Approx 7.85 |
| $L$ | Length | meters | 6m, 12m standard |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Construction Support Beam
Scenario: A contractor needs 10 columns of RHS for a patio structure.
- Input: 100mm (W) x 50mm (H) pipe.
- Thickness: 4.0mm heavy duty.
- Length: 3 meters per column.
- Quantity: 10 pieces.
Calculation: Using the ms rectangular pipe weight calculator, the weight per meter is approximately 8.63 kg/m. For a 3m length, one pipe weighs 25.89 kg.
Total Project Weight: 258.9 kg.
Financial Impact: At $0.85/kg, the raw steel cost is approx $220.06.
Example 2: Light Furniture Frame
Scenario: A welder is fabricating table legs.
- Input: 40mm (W) x 20mm (H) pipe.
- Thickness: 1.6mm (light gauge).
- Length: 6 meters (standard stock length).
- Quantity: 5 lengths.
Calculation: The weight per meter is roughly 1.42 kg/m. A single 6m bar weighs 8.52 kg.
Total Order Weight: 42.6 kg.
This lower weight significantly reduces shipping costs compared to the heavier structural beams in Example 1.
How to Use This MS Rectangular Pipe Weight Calculator
Follow these steps to get an accurate estimation:
- Measure Dimensions: Enter the outer Width and Height in millimeters (mm). Ensure you are measuring the outside edges.
- Select Thickness: Input the wall thickness in mm. This information is usually stamped on the pipe or found in the supplier's catalog.
- Input Length: Enter the total length required in meters. If you are buying standard stock, this is usually 6m or 12m.
- Set Quantity: Enter the number of pipes you intend to purchase.
- Review Results: The calculator instantly updates the "Total Project Weight" and "Estimated Cost".
Decision Making: If the total weight exceeds your truck's payload capacity, you may need to arrange for heavy transport or split the delivery. Use the "Weight Per Meter" figure to compare different thickness options if you are trying to save weight for a non-load-bearing structure.
Key Factors That Affect MS Rectangular Pipe Weight Results
While the mathematical formula is precise, real-world weights can vary due to several factors:
1. Manufacturing Tolerances
Steel mills produce pipes with a tolerance range (usually ±5-10%). A pipe sold as 3mm thick might actually be 2.85mm or 3.15mm. This affects the final tonnage purchased.
2. Corner Radius
The calculator assumes a sharp 90-degree corner for simplicity. In reality, RHS pipes have rounded corners. This removes a small amount of material, often making the actual weight slightly lighter (1-3%) than the theoretical sharp-corner calculation.
3. Steel Density Variations
While 7850 kg/m³ is the standard density for Mild Steel, different alloys or galvanization coatings can slightly alter this figure. Galvanized pipes (GI) will weigh slightly more due to the zinc coating.
4. Corrosion and Rust
For older pipes, rust can reduce the wall thickness, reducing weight. Conversely, heavy layers of paint or protective coatings add non-structural weight.
5. Procurement Costs & Taxes
The "Estimated Cost" output is a raw material estimate. It does not account for VAT, delivery fees, or cutting charges, which can add 20-30% to the final invoice.
6. Scrap and Cutting Waste
If you need 2.5m lengths but buy 6m standard bars, you are left with 1m of offcut per bar. You pay for the weight of the full 6m bar, not just the 2.5m you use. Always calculate based on the stock length purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard density of MS Rectangular Pipe?
The industry standard density used for mild steel weight calculations is 7850 kg/m³ (or 7.85 g/cm³).
Does this calculator apply to Stainless Steel (SS) or Aluminum?
This specific tool uses the density of Mild Steel. Stainless Steel is slightly heavier (approx 8000 kg/m³), while Aluminum is much lighter (approx 2700 kg/m³). You would need to adjust the density factor for those materials.
Why is the calculator result different from the supplier's weight chart?
Suppliers often account for the corner radius in their charts, which reduces volume slightly. This calculator uses a geometric box formula, providing a "theoretical weight" which is generally a safe, conservative upper estimate.
How do I convert feet to meters for this calculator?
1 foot = 0.3048 meters. If you need 10 feet, multiply 10 by 0.3048 to get 3.048 meters.
What is the difference between RHS and SHS?
RHS stands for Rectangular Hollow Section (Width ≠ Height). SHS stands for Square Hollow Section (Width = Height). This calculator works for both; simply enter the same value for Width and Height for SHS.
Does galvanization affect the weight?
Yes. Hot-dip galvanization adds a zinc layer that typically increases the total weight by 3% to 5% depending on the surface area and coating thickness.
Can I calculate weight for solid steel bars here?
No. If you enter a thickness equal to half the width/height, it approximates a solid bar, but it is designed for hollow tubes. A solid bar calculator is recommended for solid stock.
Why is accurate weight calculation important for pricing?
Steel is almost exclusively sold by weight (per kg or per ton). Even a small error in thickness estimation (e.g., 2.5mm vs 3.0mm) can lead to a 20% difference in the invoice price.