Select the material to automatically set the density.
Enter the specific material density in kilograms per cubic meter.
Rectangular (RHS)
Square (SHS)
Please enter a valid width.
Please enter a valid height.
Must be less than half of width/height.
Thickness is too large for these dimensions.
Please enter a positive length.
Total Estimated Weight
0.00 kg
Weight Per Meter0.00 kg/m
Total Surface Area0.00 m²
Cross-Sectional Area0.00 cm²
Calculation Basis: Weight = (Outer Volume – Inner Volume) × Material Density.
Values assume nominal dimensions and standard densities. Corner radii are approximated.
Material Weight Comparison (Per Meter)
Chart compares your selected profile across common materials.
Detailed Weight Specification
Parameter
Value
Unit
Profile Size
–
mm
Wall Thickness
–
mm
Single Length
–
m
Total Quantity
–
pcs
Total Weight
–
kg
This table summarizes the inputs and the resulting calculated mass based on volume density.
What is a Rectangular Square Tube Weight Calculator?
A rectangular square tube weight calculator is a specialized digital tool designed for engineers, fabricators, and procurement managers to estimate the theoretical mass of hollow structural sections (HSS). Whether you are working with Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS) or Square Hollow Sections (SHS), accurate weight calculation is critical for logistics planning, structural load analysis, and cost estimation.
Unlike generic calculators, a dedicated rectangular square tube weight calculator accounts for the specific geometry of hollow profiles—subtracting the inner void volume from the outer dimensions to determine the actual volume of material. This tool is essential for anyone dealing with metals like steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, ensuring that project estimates align with physical realities before materials are ordered.
Rectangular Square Tube Weight Calculator Formula
The mathematical foundation of this calculator relies on determining the volume of the material and multiplying it by its density. The formula treats the tube as a long prism with a hollow center.
The Core Formula:
Weight = Volume × Density
Expanded Formula for Rectangular/Square Tubes:
$$ Weight = L \times \rho \times [ (W \times H) – ( (W – 2t) \times (H – 2t) ) ] $$
Calculation: The calculator determines the cross-sectional area of steel is roughly 5.64 cm². Multiplying by length and density gives a weight of approximately 4.43 kg per post.
Result: Total weight for 10 posts is 44.3 kg. This helps the contractor know they can transport these in a standard pickup truck.
Example 2: Aluminum Beam (RHS)
An engineer is designing a lightweight frame using aluminum rectangular tubing.
Inputs: – Material: Aluminum 6061 (2700 kg/m³)
– Size: 100mm x 50mm
– Thickness: 5mm
– Length: 6 meters
Calculation: The volume of aluminum is calculated by subtracting the inner void (90x40mm) from the outer block (100x50mm).
Result: The single beam weighs approximately 22.68 kg. If this were steel, it would weigh over 65 kg, demonstrating the value of using the calculator for material comparison.
How to Use This Rectangular Square Tube Weight Calculator
Select Material: Choose from standard metals like Steel, Aluminum, or Stainless Steel. The density updates automatically.
Choose Shape: Select "Square" for equal sides or "Rectangular" for differing width and height.
Enter Dimensions: Input the Width, Height, and Wall Thickness in millimeters.
Set Length & Quantity: Enter the length of a single tube (in meters) and the total number of pieces required.
Analyze Results: Review the Total Weight and Weight per Meter. Use the "Copy Results" button to paste data into your procurement spreadsheets.
Key Factors That Affect Rectangular Square Tube Weight Results
While the theoretical formula is precise, several real-world factors influence the actual weight of rectangular square tube weight calculator results:
Corner Radius: Standard cold-formed hollow sections have rounded corners, not sharp 90-degree angles. This slightly reduces the actual weight compared to a pure geometric box calculation (often by 1-3%).
Manufacturing Tolerances: Mills produce tubes within tolerance ranges (e.g., +/- 10% on thickness). A tube nominally 5mm thick might be 4.8mm or 5.2mm, affecting the final weight.
Material Density Variations: "Steel" is not a single density. Mild steel is ~7850 kg/m³, but varying alloy content can shift this slightly.
Surface Coatings: Galvanization (zinc coating) or painting adds weight. Hot-dip galvanization can add 300-600 g/m² to the surface area weight.
Weld Seam: The internal weld seam in welded tubes adds a small amount of material that isn't present in seamless tubes.
Scrap & Cut Loss: If you need 10 pieces of 1.2m length, you might buy two 6m lengths. The calculator gives the net weight of the final parts, but your purchasing weight (gross weight) will be higher due to offcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How accurate is this rectangular square tube weight calculator?
It provides a theoretical weight based on nominal density and dimensions. Actual weight may vary by +/- 5% due to manufacturing tolerances and corner radii.
2. Does this calculator account for rounded corners?
This tool uses the standard "box subtraction" method. It does not subtract the mass lost at the corners, meaning it provides a slightly conservative (heavier) estimate, which is safer for load planning.
3. Can I calculate weights for custom materials?
Yes. Select "Custom Density" in the material dropdown and enter the density value in kg/m³.
4. What is the density of mild steel?
The standard density used for mild steel is 7850 kg/m³ (7.85 g/cm³).
5. Why is the wall thickness limited?
The wall thickness (multiplied by 2) cannot exceed the width or height of the tube, or else the tube would be solid or physically impossible.
6. Can I calculate weight in pounds (lbs)?
This calculator outputs in Kilograms (kg). To convert to pounds, multiply the result by 2.20462.
7. Is SHS lighter than RHS?
It depends entirely on the dimensions. A 50x50x3 SHS has the same perimeter and weight as a 60x40x3 RHS. Weight is driven by cross-sectional area, not just shape name.
8. Does this include the weight of galvanizing?
No, the result is for bare metal. For galvanized steel, add approximately 5-8% to the final weight as a safe buffer.