Calculate square hollow section (SHS) tube weight instantly using side size, wall thickness, length, and material density. Get total weight, weight per meter, and weight per foot in both metric and imperial units.
Enter dimensions and choose material to compute accurate square tube weight.
A square tube weight calculator estimates how much a square hollow metal tube weighs based on geometry and material density. You enter the outer side dimension, wall thickness, tube length, and material. The calculator then computes the hollow cross-sectional area, total volume, and final mass.
This is useful in structural steel design, fabrication, logistics, estimating, procurement, and workshop planning. Whether you call it a square tube, box tube, SHS (square hollow section), or square pipe profile, the core weight calculation is the same: metal area multiplied by length and density.
The standard engineering relationship for square hollow tube weight is:
All dimensions must be converted into consistent units before calculation. In this calculator, everything is converted internally to meters and kg/m³, then shown in practical outputs such as kg/m and lb/ft.
If you prefer a hand calculation, follow these steps:
To convert kilograms to pounds, multiply by 2.20462. To get weight per foot from kg/m, divide by 3.28084.
| Material | Typical Density (kg/m³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | 7850 | Most common structural square tube density |
| Stainless Steel | 7900–8000 | Grade-dependent; 304/316 often near 8000 |
| Aluminum | 2650–2750 | Much lighter than steel |
| Titanium Alloy | 4400–4600 | High strength-to-weight ratio |
Always verify density for the exact alloy or specification in your project documentation, especially for aerospace, marine, pressure vessel, and precision manufacturing applications.
Example 1: Mild steel square tube
Outer side = 50 mm, thickness = 3 mm, length = 6 m, density = 7850 kg/m³.
Inner side = 50 − 2×3 = 44 mm.
Area = 50² − 44² = 564 mm² = 0.000564 m².
Volume = 0.000564 × 6 = 0.003384 m³.
Weight = 0.003384 × 7850 ≈ 26.56 kg.
Example 2: Aluminum square tube
Outer side = 2 in, thickness = 0.125 in, length = 12 ft, density = 2700 kg/m³.
Convert to meters first, then run the same formula. You will see a significantly lower weight than steel because aluminum density is about one-third of steel.
A good practice is to keep 4–6 decimal places in intermediate values and round only at final output for reporting.
Weight per meter is one of the most useful outputs because it lets you estimate bundles quickly. Once you know kg/m, total batch weight is straightforward:
Total batch weight = weight per meter × total meters ordered.
This helps buyers and fabricators compare profiles quickly, control delivery weight limits, and optimize inventory planning.
In construction and manufacturing projects, square tube profiles are often selected for their clean geometry, torsional stiffness, and easy connection detailing. But profile selection is always a compromise between strength, weight, weldability, and cost. A fast square tube weight calculator supports early option studies and detailed purchasing stages alike. Engineers can compare alternatives, estimators can validate material take-offs, and fabrication teams can verify shop handling limits before production starts.
Is this calculator for square pipe and square hollow section (SHS)?
Yes. As long as the geometry is square and hollow, the formula applies.
Can I use inches and feet?
Yes. The calculator accepts imperial units and converts automatically.
Why is my calculated weight slightly different from a catalog?
Mill tolerances, corner radius assumptions, and exact material density can create small differences from theoretical values.
Does coating or galvanizing change weight?
Slightly, yes. Coatings add small mass, which may matter in large-volume or strict-weight projects.
Can I calculate custom alloys?
Yes. Select custom density and enter your alloy value in kg/m³.
This square tube weight calculator is intended for fast engineering estimation and planning. For critical structural, pressure, aerospace, or code-governed use, validate results with official material standards, supplier data, and project-specific engineering checks.