Calculators › Equipment Design › Pipe Weight
⚖️

Pipe Weight Calculator

Per ASME B36.10M/B36.19M & API 5L

Advertisement
Pipe Weight Calculator - Professional Engineering Tool
Calculates nominal and tolerance-bound pipe weight per ASME B36.10M/B36.19M standards. Includes material density verification, coating weight calculations per API RP 5L1, and manufacturing tolerance analysis (±12.5% WT). Results suitable for preliminary design, transportation planning, structural loading analysis, and procurement estimates. Temperature reference: 60°F (15.6°C).

Pipe Dimensions

in
Nominal OD per ASME standards
in
Nominal wall thickness per schedule
ft
Total length (typically 40 ft)

Material Properties

Select pipe material type
489.56 lb/ft³

Coating Options

Optional coating specification

📚 Learn the Theory

Understand pipe weight principles, calculations, and industry applications

Read Engineering Guide →

Quick Reference Guide

Common Pipe Sizes (Schedule 40):
NPS OD (in) WT (in) lb/ft
2"2.3750.1543.66
4"4.5000.23710.79
6"6.6250.28018.97
8"8.6250.32228.55
12"12.7500.37549.56
16"16.0000.50082.77
Coating Selection Guide:
Coating Application Max Temp
FBEGeneral corrosion200°F
3LPEBuried pipeline140°F
3LPPHigh temp service230°F
ConcreteNeg. buoyancyN/A
Weight Estimation Rules:
  • Carbon steel ≈ 10.68 × t × (D - t) lb/ft
  • 40 ft joint ≈ 40 × weight per foot
  • FBE adds 0.5-1.5 lb/ft
  • 3LPE adds 2-5 lb/ft

Formula

Pipe Weight (Bare):

W = ρ × π/4 × (OD² - ID²) × L / 1728
W
Weight (lb)
ρ
Density (lb/ft³)
L
Length (inches)
ID
OD - 2×WT

Engineering Notes & Best Practices

Material Properties (at 60°F):
  • Carbon Steel: 489.56 lb/ft³ (ASME B31.3)
  • SS 304/316: 499.42 lb/ft³ (ASME B36.19M)
  • Aluminum 6061: 168.56 lb/ft³
Manufacturing Tolerances:
  • Wall thickness: ±12.5% per ASME B36.10M
  • Weight tolerance: Typically ±10% per API 5L
  • Seamless pipe often on high side of tolerance
Coating Applications:
  • FBE: Corrosion protection, 12-35 mils typical
  • 3LPE: Moderate temp (140°F), 40-120 mils
  • 3LPP: High temp (230°F), better impact resistance
  • Concrete: Negative buoyancy, 1.5-3.5 inches
Standard Pipe Lengths:
  • Single Random (SRL): 16-25 ft average ~19 ft
  • Double Random (DRL): 38-45 ft average ~40 ft
  • Structural: 20-24 ft typical
Transportation & Handling:
  • DOT regulations: Truck capacity ~40,000-45,000 lb
  • OSHA lifting: 50 lb max for one person
  • Rigging: Use weight +20% safety factor
  • Storage: Support at 1/3 points, max 5-7 high
Design Considerations:
  • Structural loading: Use high tolerance weight
  • Submerged pipe: Consider buoyancy effects
  • Cold bending: Add straightener weight
  • Verify with certified mill test reports (MTRs)
Advertisement

Standards & References

  • ASME B36.10M
    Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe
  • ASME B36.19M
    Stainless Steel Pipe
  • API 5L
    Specification for Line Pipe
  • ASTM A53
    Standard Specification for Pipe
Advertisement

Related Calculators

💨

Gas Density

Calculate gas density with compressibility
💧

Pipeline Hydraulics

Calculate total pipeline pressure drop
📏

Line Sizing

Optimize pipeline diameter selection
📊

Pipe Volume

Calculate pipeline internal volume