Rectangular Tube Weight Calculator

Use this tool to calculate the theoretical weight of rectangular metal tubing (HSS) based on its dimensions, thickness, and material type.

Technical diagram of rectangular tube cross-section showing Height (H), Width (W), and Thickness (T)
H = Height | W = Width | T = Wall Thickness
Total Weight (Metric)
0.00
Kilograms (kg)
Total Weight (Imperial)
0.00
Pounds (lbs)

How is Rectangular Tube Weight Calculated?

The weight of a rectangular tube, often classified as Hollow Structural Sections (HSS), is a theoretical calculation based on the volume of the material used and its density. The calculation requires four key measurements (Height, Width, Thickness, and Length) and the specific gravity of the metal.

The calculation is performed in three steps:

  1. Calculate the Cross-Sectional Area: This involves finding the area of the outer rectangle and subtracting the area of the inner hollow rectangle.
  2. Calculate Total Volume: Multiply the cross-sectional area by the total length of the tube.
  3. Calculate Weight: Multiply the volume by the material’s density.
Rectangular Tube Weight Formula (Metric)

If all dimensions are in meters, the formula is:

Weight (kg) = [ (H × W) - ((H - 2T) × (W - 2T)) ] × L × Density

Where: H=Height, W=Width, T=Thickness, L=Length (all in meters), Density in kg/m³.

Standard Material Densities

The calculator uses standard theoretical densities for common metals. Actual weight may vary slightly based on manufacturing tolerances and specific alloys.

Material Density (kg/m³) Density (lb/ft³)
Carbon Steel (Standard)7,850490
Stainless Steel (304)8,000499
Aluminum (6061)2,710169
Copper8,960559

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is HSS in steel construction?
HSS stands for Hollow Structural Sections. It refers to high-strength welded or seamless steel tubing used as structural elements in buildings and bridges. HSS includes rectangular, square, and circular cross-sections. This calculator is designed for rectangular HSS.
Does this calculator account for rounded corners?
No. This calculator assumes a sharp, geometric rectangle for the cross-section. While most hot-rolled or cold-formed HSS have slightly rounded corners, standard theoretical weight calculations generally assume sharp corners for simplicity. The rounded corners reduce the material volume slightly, meaning the *actual* weight may be 1-3% lower than the *theoretical* weight provided here.
How do I convert imperial dimensions for this formula?
The calculator handles this automatically. However, if calculating manually, you must convert all dimensions (inches) to meters. 1 inch = 0.0254 meters. You must also convert length (feet) to meters. 1 foot = 0.3048 meters. The density must be in kg/m³.
Published On: March 31, 2026

Leave a Comment