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Pipe Weight Calculator

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

Pipe Weight Calculator
Calculates pipe weight per ASME B36.10M/B36.19M with coating weight per ISO 21809/API RP 5L1. Includes manufacturing tolerance analysis per ASME B36.10M (-12.5% minimum WT). Supports carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, PVC, and HDPE materials. Results for preliminary design, rigging plans, transportation planning, and structural analysis. 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

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Quick Reference - Carbon Steel (ASME B36.10M)

Standard Weights (Sch 40) per ASME B36.10M:
NPS OD (in) WT (in) lb/ft
2"2.3750.1543.65
4"4.5000.23710.79
6"6.6250.28018.97
8"8.6250.32228.55
12"12.7500.40653.52
16"16.0000.50082.77
24"24.0000.500125.49
External Coating (ISO 21809 / API RP 5L1):
Coating Thickness Max Temp
FBE Single14-25 mil185°F
FBE Dual20-40 mil185°F
3LPE1.8-3.0 mm140°F
3LPP1.8-3.0 mm230°F
Concrete1.5-4.0 in—
Quick Formulas:
  • Steel: W = 10.68 × (D - t) × t lb/ft
  • Joint wt = lb/ft × length (DRL ~40 ft)
  • Truck capacity: ~40,000-45,000 lb max
  • Rigging: Use calculated wt × 1.2 safety factor

Formulas

Steel Pipe Weight (simplified):

W = 10.68 × (D - t) × t lb/ft

General Formula (any material):

W = rho x pi/4 x (OD^2 - ID^2) x L / 1728
W
Weight (lb or lb/ft)
D, OD
Outside diameter (in)
t
Wall thickness (in)
ID
= OD - 2t (inside diameter)
rho
Material density (lb/ft^3)
10.68
= 0.2833 x pi x 12 (steel constant)

Engineering Notes & Best Practices

Material Densities (at 60F reference):
  • Carbon Steel: 490 lb/ft^3 (0.2833 lb/in^3) - ASME B36.10M
  • SS 304/316: 501 lb/ft^3 (0.290 lb/in^3) - ASME B36.19M
  • Aluminum 6061-T6: 169 lb/ft^3
Manufacturing Tolerances (ASME/API):
  • Wall thickness: -12.5% min per ASME B36.10M (no max)
  • Weight tolerance: +/-3.5% per API 5L (direct)
  • OD tolerance: +/-1% (varies by size)
  • Seamless pipe typically runs at or above nominal
External Coatings (ISO 21809 / API RP 5L1):
  • FBE single: 14-25 mil, max 185F service
  • FBE dual: 20-40 mil, improved impact resistance
  • 3LPE: 1.8-3.0 mm, max 140F (buried pipelines)
  • 3LPP: 1.8-3.0 mm, max 230F (high temp)
  • Concrete: 1.5-4.0 in (negative buoyancy)
Standard Pipe Lengths (API 5L):
  • Single Random (SRL): 16-25 ft, avg ~19 ft
  • Double Random (DRL): 38-45 ft, avg ~40 ft
  • Line pipe: Typically DRL for efficiency
Transportation and Handling:
  • DOT legal limit: ~48,000 lb gross (varies by state)
  • OSHA manual lift: 50 lb max per person
  • Rigging: Use calculated weight x 1.2 safety factor
  • Storage: Support at 1/3 points, max 5-7 tiers high
Design Notes:
  • Structural supports: Use nominal weight (conservative)
  • Submerged/buried: Include buoyancy/soil load
  • Always verify with mill test reports (MTRs)

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

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