How to Calculate Steel Pipe Weight per Metre
Steel pipe weight formula (OD − WT) × WT × 0.02466 with worked examples for common schedules, weight per 6 m length, galvanized allowance and stainless pipe.
Saudi Steel Work Editorial Team · · 3 min read
Short answer: Steel pipe weight in kg per metre = (outside diameter − wall thickness) × wall thickness × 0.02466, with dimensions in millimetres. For example, a 114.3 × 6.02 mm pipe weighs (114.3 − 6.02) × 6.02 × 0.02466 ≈ 16.07 kg/m.
Pipe weight is needed for pricing, transport, support design and lifting plans. The calculation uses only the outside diameter and wall thickness.
The formula
The cross-sectional area of the pipe wall is π × (OD − t) × t (mm²). Multiplying by steel density gives:
kg/m = (OD − t) × t × 0.02466
where OD and t are in millimetres.
Worked examples
| Pipe | OD × wall (mm) | kg/m |
|---|---|---|
| 1" SCH 40 | 33.4 × 3.38 | 2.50 |
| 2" SCH 40 | 60.3 × 3.91 | 5.44 |
| 4" SCH 40 | 114.3 × 6.02 | 16.07 |
| 6" SCH 40 | 168.3 × 7.11 | 28.26 |
| 8" SCH 40 | 219.1 × 8.18 | 42.55 |
| 4" SCH 80 | 114.3 × 8.56 | 22.32 |
Results match published ASME tables closely.
Weight per length
Multiply kg/m by length. A 6 m length of 4" SCH 40 weighs about 96.4 kg; 12 m about 192.8 kg.
Total weight for an order
- Calculate kg/m for each size
- Multiply by length per pipe and number of pipes
- Sum and divide by 1,000 for tonnes
Our steel weight calculator does this automatically for pipes and hollow sections.
Stainless steel pipe
Stainless density is slightly higher, so multiply the carbon steel result by about 1.01–1.02, or use the calculator's stainless option.
Why actual weight differs
- Wall thickness tolerance (ASTM pipe standards permit under-thickness of up to 12.5%, and over-thickness occurs)
- Coatings and linings
- Weld bead on ERW pipe
Agree whether invoicing is on theoretical or actual weight (comparing quotations).
Need pipes? See steel pipes and the pipe schedule chart.