When it comes to the construction of buildings, manufacturing sector and infrastructure development work, steel pipes, especially square pipes or square hollow sections are commonly used. The material of the pipe, usually mild steel square pipe, stainless steel square pipe, and galvanised steel square pipes affects its weight, making it absolutely critical for builders and construction professionals to plan their requirements accurately. Here, we take a look at how to calculate square pipe weight and in the process, prepare a sq pipe weight chart, to enable professionals do precise weight calculations, project cost estimation, and budget allocation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purpose only. The focus here is to explain the process of weight calculation and sizes and numbers are for reference only. Please check with your steel manufacturer for actual sizes, dimensions, weight and other details.

How to build a square pipe weight chart?

Square pipes are strong, durable and used in a wide range of applications. While MS sq pipes are used in building frames and for supporting steel beams, stainless steel sq pipes are used in architectural faces, decorative steel railings, and panels.

For building a sq pipe weight chart, accurate dimensions are required, i.e., length (or height), width and thickness. In the next section, we’ll understand the steps in sq pipe weight calculator. But first, here’s a sq pipe weight chart for your reference (sample).

Square pipe weight chart

Here’s a quick sample sq pipe weight chart. We’ve kept the length of the pipe constant at 6 meters with variations in the external side length and wall thickness. (Note: Chart is for reference only)

Length = 6 m

Using a similar chart will enable you to make precise material choices for construction and manufacturing projects. It will enable you to understand the capacities for load bearing and structural integrity. Also consider using a sq pipe weight calculator for customising dimensions and getting quick estimates.

Also read: Difference between steel pipes and steel tubes

How to calculate square pipe weight?

While having access to a steel pipe weight chart is vital, what’s equally important is to understand how to calculate the weight of a sq steel pipe. This will enable you to plan your project requirements with precision and not risk wastage, over stocking, and even save on transport costs and keep to the project cost estimation.

Note: For calculations, the standard density of steel is considered at 7850 kg/m³. Density of steel however varies based on the type of steel (i.e., mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel). Please check with your steel manufacturer for actual sq pipe weight chart.

Steps to calculate square pipe weight:

The formula for calculating the weight of the sq pipe is:

Weight = Cross sectional area (m²) x length (m) x Density (kg/m³)

Step 1: Measure the steel pipe accurately

Take the measurements of the outer length and width of the square pipe and its thickness. All measurement units should be in meters (m).

Length = 1 m, Width = 1 m, Thickness = 5 mm or 0.005 m, External side length = 0.1 m

Step 2: Calculate the area of the cross-section

Since these are square pipes, the length and width are the same (e.g., 1 m).

Internal side length = External length – 2 x pipe thickness

= (0.1) m – 2 x 0.005 m = (0.1) m – 0.01 m = 0.09 m

Cross section area = (Area of outer square)² – (Area of inner square)²

= (0.1 m)² – (0.09 m)² = 0.01 m² – 0.0081 m² = 0.0019 m²

Step 3: Find the weight of the square pipe

Now calculate the weight of the square pipe with the help of the formula:

Weight = Cross sectional area x length x density

= 0.0019 m² x 1 m x 7850 kg/m³

= 14.915 kg or 14.92 kg (rounded)

What is the weight of pipe in kg?

MS square pipe weight in kg will depend on its dimensions. From the previous calculations, we know that for a square pipe of 1 meter length, and 5 mm wall thickness, the weight is approximately 14.92 kgs.

However, the total weight of the pipe will change based on changes in dimensions.

Below is a table with different Lengths of MS square pipes. The wall thickness ( 5mm) and the external side length (50 mm) are the same for all.

Weight of Pipe in kg (for different lengths)

This table provides the total weight of steel square pipes at various lengths and is helpful for logistics planning and structural design considerations.

Also read: ERW pipes – All you need to know about them

What is the weight of square pipe?

The weight of a sq pipe will vary based on its dimensions. For example, for a sq pipe of 3 meters length, 5 mm wall thickness, and 50 mm external side length, total weight of the square pipe is 21.195 kg, while the weight per meter is 7.065 kg/m.

Note: The total weight and weight per meter will remain the same if the length of the pipe is only 1 meter.

Here’s how we can calculate the weight of square pipe in kg and kg/meter.

External side length = 50 mm or 0.05 m

Wall thickness = 5 mm or 0.005 m

Length of square pipe = 3 m

Density of steel = 7850 kg/m³

Internal side length = 0.05 m – 2 x 0.005 m = 0.04 m

Cross section area = (0.05 m)² – (0.04m)² = 0.0025 m² – 0.0016 m² = 0.0009 m²

Total weight of square pipe = Cross section area x length x density

= 0.0009 m² x 3 m x 7850 kg/m³ = 21.195 kg

Weight per meter (kg/m) = 0.0009 m² x 1 m x 7850 kg/m³ = 7.065 kg

Also read: APL Apollo steel pipe price range

What is the weight of 50 mm square MS pipe?

We’ve explained how to calculate the weight of MS square pipes using the formula. You can refer to any sq pipe weight chart with varying dimensions to know the weight of 50 mm square MS pipes. For instance, in our example of a sq pipe of length 3 meters and wall thickness of 5 mm, a 50 mm square pipe will weight 21.195 kg.

Below, we show the different weight of a meter long, 50 mm square MS pipe with varying wall thickness.

Length = 6 m

External side length = 50 mm

Wall thickness = 1.2 mm to 4.5 mm

Also read: 20 feet steel pipe price

What is the weight of 25mm * 25mm square pipe?

Listed below is the weight of a 25×25 mm square pipe of 6 meters length and varying wall thickness of 1.2 mm to 4.5 mm.

When you understand square pipe weights, you can estimate project costs, plan logistics accurately, and adhere to project safety and compliance standards.

Square pipe weight calculator: Tips and Importance

Whether you are referring to a sq pipe weight chart or using a calculator, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Always verify the density of steel (i.e., whether standard steel or galvanised steel as the density varies)
• Measure accurately as minor differences can lead to major differences in total weight
• Ensure all dimensions are converted to the right units before calculations
• Refer to weight charts for guidance (Note: There will be slight variations)
• Check quality and grade of steel and ensure you are using the right type of pipe as per compliance and your requirements
• Buy steel from reliable sellers and suppliers to get timely deliverables and quality steel