Construction Calculator - Materials and Specs

Pipe Weight Calculator

Estimate pipe weight from outside diameter, wall thickness, length, and density.

Reviewed: August 26, 2026

Calculate Pipe Weight

For the Pipe Weight Calculator, enter outside diameter, wall thickness, pipe length, material density, and price per pound. It subtracts the inner-cylinder volume from the outer-cylinder volume, multiplies by density, and reports weight and optional cost.

Construction measuring tools arranged beside a residential building project

Formula used

Pipe weight = π × (outside radius² − inside radius²) × length × density

Hollow pipe cross-section showing outside diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness, and pipe length.

Worked pipe weight example

Pipe Weight Calculator example: The outside radius is 0.175 ft and inside radius is 0.1542 ft. π × (rₒ² − rᵢ²) × 20.9 ft = 0.4503 ft³, or about 221 lb at 490 lb/ft³.

Use the weight for planning

Use empty straight-pipe weight for preliminary transport and support discussions, adding contained fluid and components separately.

Why scale or supplier weight may differ

Schedule tolerances, lining, coating, contents, fittings, flanges, corrosion allowance, and alloy density affect installed weight.

Questions specific to this calculation

Why must wall thickness be less than half the outside diameter?

Use actual outside diameter, wall thickness, pipe length, and material density. The inner diameter is derived by subtracting two wall thicknesses.