Pipe weight matters for hanger spacing, rack design, shipping and handling, and a full pipe can weigh far more than the empty one. Steel pipe charts list weight per foot by schedule; this calculator works for any material, size and wall thickness so you can check odd sizes and plastic pipe too.
How to use the Pipe Weight Calculator
- Pipe material
- Custom density
- Outside diameter
- Wall thickness
- Length of one pipe
- Number of pipes
- Contents
- Every result field is editable: type into Weight of one pipe (empty) or any other result and Length of one pipe plus every other field update to match.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose the pipe material, enter the outside diameter, wall thickness, length and number of pipes, and optionally a fluid. The calculator subtracts the bore from the outside area to get the metal (or plastic) cross-section and multiplies by length and density.
Common steel pipe sizes
| NPS | OD (in) | Sch 40 wall (in) | Sch 40 lb/ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½ | 0.840 | 0.109 | 0.85 |
| ¾ | 1.050 | 0.113 | 1.13 |
| 1 | 1.315 | 0.133 | 1.68 |
| 2 | 2.375 | 0.154 | 3.65 |
| 3 | 3.500 | 0.216 | 7.58 |
| 4 | 4.500 | 0.237 | 10.79 |
| 6 | 6.625 | 0.280 | 18.97 |
| 8 | 8.625 | 0.322 | 28.55 |
Tips for an accurate estimate
- Sketch the job and split irregular areas into rectangles, circles and triangles before you measure.
- Add a waste allowance – typically 5–10% for simple layouts and 15–20% for diagonal, curved or heavily cut work.
- Check the coverage or yield printed on the product, because sizes and densities vary between manufacturers.
- Buy all units of a finished material (tile, brick, siding) from the same batch so colours match, and keep a few spares for repairs.
- Confirm local prices – quarry, lumber and steel prices vary widely by region and season.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering exactly the calculated amount with no allowance for breakage, offcuts and settlement.
- Forgetting to subtract doors, windows and other openings – or subtracting small ones that still need cutting around.
- Confusing US short tons (2,000 lb) with metric tonnes (1,000 kg) when comparing quotes.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Pipe material | Choose one: Carbon steel, Stainless steel, Cast iron, Ductile iron … |
| Custom density | Units: kg/m³, lb/ft³, g/cm³, lb/yd³ |
| Outside diameter | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Wall thickness | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Length of one pipe | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Number of pipes | A number |
| Contents | Choose one: Empty, Water, Seawater, Diesel … |
What each result means
- Inside diameter = [Outside diameter] – 2×[Wall thickness]
- Weight of one pipe (empty) = [Pipe weight per length]×[Length of one pipe]
- Weight of contents = pi÷4×[Inside diameter]^2×[Length of one pipe]×[Contents]×[Number of pipes]
- Total weight = [Weight of one pipe (empty)]×[Number of pipes] + [Weight of contents]
Formula
Wall area = π/4 × (OD² − ID²), ID = OD − 2 × wallPipe weight = wall area × length × densityContents = π/4 × ID² × length × fluid densityWorked example
Inputs — Pipe material: Carbon steel; Custom density: 7,850 kg/m³; Outside diameter: 4.5 in; Wall thickness: 0.237 in; Length of one pipe: 20 ft; Number of pipes: 1; Contents: Empty.
Results — Inside diameter = 4.026 in; Pipe weight per length = 10.802 lb/ft; Weight of one pipe (empty) = 216.04 lb; Weight of contents = 0 lb; Total weight = 216.04 lb.
Key terms
- Schedule
- A number (10, 40, 80…) that sets the wall thickness for a given nominal pipe size.
- OD
- Outside diameter; for NPS ⅛–12 the OD is fixed and the bore changes with schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How much does 4-inch schedule 40 steel pipe weigh?
About 10.8 lb per foot (16 kg/m) empty, and about 16.3 lb/ft full of water.
How do I calculate pipe weight per foot?
10.69 × (OD − wall) × wall, with dimensions in inches, gives lb/ft for carbon steel.
Why include the contents?
Pipe supports must carry the pipe plus whatever is in it; water roughly doubles the load of small plastic pipes.
What formula does the Pipe Weight Calculator use?
Wall area = π/4 × (OD² − ID²), ID = OD − 2 × wall.