Pipe Weight Calculator

Work out pipe weight instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Pipe Weight Calculator

Pipe weight per metre is the annular area times density, which simplifies neatly to pi x (OD - t) x t x density because the mean diameter of the wall is OD minus t. The water-filled weight matters for pipe supports, since a large water main can weigh more full of water than it does empty.

Formulas

Unit weight

kg/m = pi x (OD - t) x t x density / 10^6 (mm, kg/m³)

Bore volume

Litres = pi/4 x ID² x length, with ID in metres

Worked example

With the default values below, Pipe Weight Calculator returns Weight per metre of 16.025. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Outside diameterminimum 1 mm: 114.3 mm
Wall thicknessminimum 0.1 mm: 6 mm
Pipe lengthminimum 0.1 m: 6 m
Material densityminimum 100 kg/m³: 7,850 kg/m³

Results

Weight per metre: 16.025 kg/m
Total empty weight: 96.15 kg
Weight when full of water: 145.47 kg
Internal volume: 49.32 L

Step by step

1Values used
2Unit weight
3Bore volume
4Weight per metre= 16.025 kg/m
5Total empty weight= 96.15 kg
6Weight when full of water= 145.47 kg
7Internal volume= 49.32 L

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Pipe Weight figure worked out?

kg/m = pi x (OD - t) x t x density / 10^6 (mm, kg/m³). Pipe weight per metre is the annular area times density, which simplifies neatly to pi x (OD - t) x t x density because the mean diameter of the wall is OD minus t.

Should supports be sized on the empty or full weight?

Full, plus any insulation and test water. Hydrostatic testing often produces the heaviest condition the supports will ever see.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Outside diameter, Wall thickness, Pipe length, Material density. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.