🔩 Pipe Weight Calculator
Calculate pipe weight based on dimensions and metal type
Leave empty for solid pipe
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Pipe Dimensions
Input the outer diameter and length of your pipe in inches. For hollow pipes, also enter the inner diameter. For solid pipes, leave inner diameter empty.
Specify Pipe Length
Enter the pipe length in inches. The calculator will calculate total weight and weight per linear foot for easy reference.
Select Metal Type
Select the type of metal or material (steel, aluminum, copper, PVC, etc.). Different materials have different densities, which significantly affects weight.
Calculate and Review
Click "Calculate Pipe Weight" to see pipe weight, volume, and weight per linear foot. Use this information for transportation, handling, and cost estimation.
Formula
Outer Volume = π × (OD/2)² × Length
Inner Volume = π × (ID/2)² × Length (if hollow)
Pipe Volume = Outer Volume - Inner Volume
Weight (lbs) = Pipe Volume × Density (lbs/cu ft)
Example 1: Steel Pipe (4" OD, 3.5" ID, 120" length)
Step 1: Convert to feet: OD = 4/12 = 0.333 ft, ID = 3.5/12 = 0.292 ft, Length = 120/12 = 10 ft
Step 2: Calculate outer volume: π × (0.333/2)² × 10 = 0.871 cu ft
Step 3: Calculate inner volume: π × (0.292/2)² × 10 = 0.670 cu ft
Step 4: Calculate pipe volume: 0.871 - 0.670 = 0.201 cu ft
Step 5: Steel density: 490 lbs/cu ft
Step 6: Calculate weight: 0.201 × 490 = 98.5 lbs
Step 7: Weight per linear foot: 98.5 ÷ 10 = 9.85 lbs/ft
Example 2: Solid Aluminum Pipe (6" OD, 60" length)
Step 1: Convert to feet: OD = 6/12 = 0.5 ft, Length = 60/12 = 5 ft
Step 2: Calculate volume: π × (0.5/2)² × 5 = 0.982 cu ft
Step 3: Aluminum density: 169 lbs/cu ft
Step 4: Calculate weight: 0.982 × 169 = 166 lbs
About Pipe Weight Calculator
The Pipe Weight Calculator is an essential tool for plumbers, pipefitters, engineers, fabricators, and anyone who needs to accurately determine the weight of pipes for transportation, handling, cost estimation, and structural planning. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise weight calculations based on pipe dimensions and material type, helping you plan logistics and estimate costs accurately.
When to Use This Calculator
- Pipe Installation: Calculate pipe weight for installation and handling planning
- Transportation Planning: Determine pipe weight for truck and equipment capacity planning
- Cost Estimation: Calculate pipe weight for pricing and cost estimation
- Structural Planning: Estimate pipe weight for structural design and load calculations
- Inventory Management: Calculate pipe weight for inventory and stock management
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Weight Calculation: Precise calculations based on outer/inner diameter and material density
- ✅ Hollow and Solid Pipes: Supports both hollow pipes (with inner diameter) and solid pipes
- ✅ Multiple Materials: Supports steel, aluminum, copper, PVC, and more
- ✅ Weight per Linear Foot: Shows weight per linear foot for easy reference
- ✅ Volume Calculation: Shows pipe volume for additional calculations
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and measurements
Common Applications
Pipe Installation: Plumbers and pipefitters use this calculator to determine pipe weight for installation projects. Accurate weight calculations help plan material orders, transportation, and equipment capacity.
Transportation Planning: Engineers and logistics planners use this tool to estimate pipe weight for truck loading capacity planning. Heavier pipes like steel require stronger equipment and careful planning.
Cost Estimation: Estimators and project managers use this calculator to calculate pipe weight for pricing and cost estimation, helping create accurate project budgets.
Tips for Best Results
- Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for outer diameter, inner diameter (if hollow), and length
- Material Type: Different materials have different densities - steel is heaviest, aluminum and PVC are lightest
- Hollow vs Solid: Always specify inner diameter for hollow pipes; leave empty for solid pipes
- Wall Thickness: Wall thickness = (Outer Diameter - Inner Diameter) ÷ 2
- Transportation Capacity: Consider equipment and truck capacity limits when planning transportation
- Safety Margins: Add safety margins for equipment capacity to account for weight variations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pipe weigh?
Pipe weight depends on outer diameter, inner diameter (for hollow pipes), length, and material type. For example, a 4" OD steel pipe with 3.5" ID, 10 feet long weighs approximately 98.5 lbs. Use the calculator with your specific dimensions and material type.
What is the difference between outer and inner diameter?
Outer diameter (OD) is the outside measurement of the pipe. Inner diameter (ID) is the inside measurement (for hollow pipes). Wall thickness = (OD - ID) ÷ 2. For solid pipes, inner diameter is zero.
How do I calculate weight per linear foot?
Weight per linear foot = Total Weight ÷ Length. The calculator automatically calculates weight per linear foot for easy reference when planning pipe runs or estimating materials.
Does material type affect pipe weight?
Yes! Material type significantly affects pipe weight due to different densities. Steel pipes weigh almost 3× more than aluminum pipes of the same dimensions. PVC pipes are much lighter than metal pipes. Always specify the correct material type for accurate weight calculations.
Can I calculate weight for solid pipes?
Yes! For solid pipes, simply leave the inner diameter field empty or set it to 0. The calculator will calculate weight based on outer diameter only (solid cylinder).
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on standard material densities. Actual weight may vary slightly based on specific alloy composition, wall thickness variations, and manufacturing tolerances. Use the calculator as a guide and add safety margins for equipment capacity.