Pipe Weight Calculator
A pipe weight calculator determines the weight per foot and total weight of pipe based on the outside diameter, wall thickness, material density, and pipe length. Pipe weight is needed for structural support design, transportation planning, crane lift calculations, and purchasing. The weight formula is derived from the annular cross-sectional area of the pipe wall multiplied by the material density. This tool supports carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum pipe, and allows custom density input for other materials. Enter the pipe outside diameter, wall thickness, length, and select the pipe material to calculate the result.
Pipe weight formula
Wall Area = pi x (OD - t) x t [annular area in sq in]
Weight per foot (lb/ft) = Wall Area x density (lb/in^3) x 12
Total Weight = Weight per foot x Length (ft)
Simplified for carbon steel: W = 10.69 x (OD - t) x t [lb/ft]
The constant 10.69 = pi x 12 x 0.2836 lb/in^3 for carbon steel. Use the general formula for other materials by entering the correct density.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the weight of a pipe?
Pipe weight per foot = 10.69 x (OD - t) x t for carbon steel, where OD is the outside diameter in inches and t is the wall thickness in inches. This formula gives lb/ft. For total weight, multiply by pipe length in feet. The constant 10.69 is derived from the density of carbon steel (0.2836 lb/in^3) times pi.
What is pipe schedule?
Pipe schedule is a designation for wall thickness. Common schedules for steel pipe include Schedule 40 (standard), Schedule 80 (extra strong), and Schedule 160 (extra extra strong). Higher schedule numbers indicate thicker walls. The wall thickness for each schedule varies by nominal pipe size (NPS).
How much does Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe weigh?
A 4-inch NPS Schedule 40 pipe has an OD of 4.500 inches and a wall thickness of 0.237 inches, weighing about 10.79 lb/ft. A 6-inch NPS Schedule 40 pipe weighs about 18.97 lb/ft. Weights are tabulated in ASME B36.10M for all standard sizes and schedules.
What is the difference between NPS and OD?
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is a nominal designation, not the actual diameter. For NPS 1/2 through NPS 12, the OD does not equal the NPS number. For example, NPS 4 has an OD of 4.500 inches, not 4 inches. NPS 14 and larger have OD equal to the NPS number in inches.
Does pipe weight include contents or just the pipe?
The pipe weight formula calculates the empty (bare) pipe weight only. To find the full-pipe weight for support or transportation, you must add the weight of the contents (water = 0.0361 lb/in^3) plus the pipe weight. For insulated pipe, also add the insulation weight.
Official sources
- ASME: ASME B36.10M Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe (dimensions and weights).
- ASTM International: ASTM A53 Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.