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Pipe Weight Calculator

Calculate pipe weight per foot and total weight by outer diameter, wall thickness, length, and material type.

What is a Pipe Weight Calculator?

The Pipe Weight Calculator computes the weight of pipe per foot and total weight based on outer diameter, wall thickness, length, and material. This is essential for structural engineering, shipping logistics, and material ordering. The calculation uses the standard pipe weight formula based on cross-sectional area and material density.

Formula

W_{\text{per ft}} = \frac{\pi}{4}(OD^2 - ID^2) \times \rho \times 12

Where OD is outer diameter, ID is inner diameter (OD - 2 × wall thickness), and ρ (rho) is the material density in lbs/cubic inch. Multiplying by 12 converts from per-inch to per-foot.

How to Calculate

1
Enter the outer diameter (OD) of the pipe in inches.
2
Enter the wall thickness in inches. You can find this in pipe schedule tables.
3
Enter the total pipe length in feet.
4
Select the pipe material to apply the correct density.
5
Click Calculate to see weight per foot, total weight, and inner diameter.

Worked Examples

4" Schedule 40 Carbon Steel Pipe — 20 ft

Input: OD: 4.500", Wall: 0.237", Length: 20 ft, Material: Carbon Steel

Inner diameter: 4.500 - 2(0.237) = 4.026"
Cross-section: π/4 × (4.500² - 4.026²) = 3.174 sq in
Weight/ft: 3.174 × 0.2836 × 12 = 10.802 lbs/ft
Total: 10.802 × 20 = 216.04 lbs

Result: Weight/ft: 10.802, Total: 216.04 lbs, ID: 4.026"

2" Aluminum Pipe — 10 ft

Input: OD: 2.375", Wall: 0.154", Length: 10 ft, Material: Aluminum

Inner diameter: 2.375 - 2(0.154) = 2.067"
Cross-section: π/4 × (2.375² - 2.067²) = 1.075 sq in
Weight/ft: 1.075 × 0.0975 × 12 = 1.258 lbs/ft
Total: 1.258 × 10 = 12.58 lbs

Result: Weight/ft: 1.258, Total: 12.58 lbs, ID: 2.067"

Frequently Asked Questions

Wall thickness is determined by the pipe schedule (e.g., Schedule 40, Schedule 80). You can look up standard dimensions in ASME B36.10 for steel pipes or manufacturer specifications.

Nominal pipe size (NPS) is a naming convention, not the actual measurement. For example, a 4" NPS pipe has an actual OD of 4.500". The OD stays constant across schedules; only wall thickness changes.

Different materials have different densities. Carbon steel (0.284 lb/cu in) is about 3× heavier than aluminum (0.098 lb/cu in) and about 6× heavier than PVC (0.049 lb/cu in).

This calculator uses standard engineering formulas and published material densities. Results are theoretical and may differ slightly from actual weights due to manufacturing tolerances and surface coatings.

Pipe schedule is a standardized system indicating wall thickness. Common schedules include Sch 5, 10, 40, 80, and 160. Higher schedule numbers mean thicker walls and heavier pipe for the same OD.