Pipe Weight and Volume Basics

What it is

Distributors and contractors often need a quick estimate of pipe weight for freight, handling and support planning, and of contained volume for filling, flushing or testing. Both can be worked out from the outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness. ASME B36.10M uses a standard formula for plain-end carbon steel pipe weight.

How to use it

1. Look up the OD and wall for the size and schedule.
2. Find the inside diameter: ID = OD − (2 × wall).
3. Use the formulas below.
4. Multiply by length for the total.

Formulas (inches in, results per foot):

• Plain-end steel pipe weight, lb/ft = 10.69 × (OD − wall) × wall
• Contained volume, gal/ft = 0.0408 × ID²
• Weight of water contained, lb/ft = 0.340 × ID²

Worked values, Schedule 40 carbon steel

Values are calculated from the formulas and rounded. Published tables may differ in the last digit.

Key points

• The weight formula is for plain-end carbon steel. Threaded and coupled pipe weighs slightly more per foot.
• Stainless steel is slightly denser than carbon steel. Expect roughly 2% more weight for the same dimensions.
• Other fluids: multiply the water weight by the fluid's specific gravity.
• For insulated lines, add the insulation and jacket weight from the insulation maker's data.
• Pipe support spacing and loads are set by the governing code and the support maker's data. This chart only gives the dead weight.

Common mistakes

• Using the nominal size instead of the ID in the volume formula.
• Forgetting the water weight when planning a hydrotest.
• Using carbon steel weights for plastic or copper pipe.
• Mixing up gallons per foot and gallons per hundred feet.

Governing standards: ASME B36.10M (dimensions and weights of wrought steel pipe); ASME B36.19M (stainless steel pipe).

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.