Pipe Weight Calculator
Calculate pipe weight by NPS size, schedule, and material. Includes wall thickness, ID, and flow area. See also our Metal Weight Calculator, Pipe Volume Calculator, and Flow Rate Calculator.
Pipe Specifications
How to Use the Pipe Weight Calculator
Select the nominal pipe size (NPS), choose the schedule (wall thickness), enter the pipe length in feet, and select the material. The calculator determines weight per foot, total weight, actual wall thickness, inside diameter, and flow area. This information is essential for piping system design, support spacing calculations, crane lifts, and shipping estimates.
Formula
Pipe Weight/ft = π × (OD² - ID²) / 4 × Density × 12
ID = OD - 2 × Wall Thickness
Flow Area = π × (ID/2)²
Total Weight = Weight/ft × Length
Carbon Steel: 10.69 × (OD - Wall) × Wall (lbs/ft)
Example Calculation
2" NPS Schedule 40 Carbon Steel, 20 ft length
OD = 2.375", Wall = 0.154", ID = 2.067"
Area = π × (2.375² - 2.067²) / 4 = 1.075 in²
Weight/ft = 1.075 × 0.2836 × 12 = 3.66 lbs/ft
Total Weight = 3.66 × 20 = 73.1 lbs
Flow Area = π × (2.067/2)² = 3.356 in²
Reference Table — Standard Pipe Schedules (Carbon Steel)
| NPS | OD (in) | Sch 40 Wall | Sch 40 Wt/ft | Sch 80 Wall | Sch 80 Wt/ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 0.840 | 0.109 | 0.85 | 0.147 | 1.09 |
| 3/4" | 1.050 | 0.113 | 1.13 | 0.154 | 1.47 |
| 1" | 1.315 | 0.133 | 1.68 | 0.179 | 2.17 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.900 | 0.145 | 2.72 | 0.200 | 3.63 |
| 2" | 2.375 | 0.154 | 3.65 | 0.218 | 5.02 |
| 3" | 3.500 | 0.216 | 7.58 | 0.300 | 10.25 |
| 4" | 4.500 | 0.237 | 10.79 | 0.337 | 14.98 |
| 6" | 6.625 | 0.280 | 18.97 | 0.432 | 28.57 |
| 8" | 8.625 | 0.322 | 28.55 | 0.500 | 43.39 |
| 10" | 10.750 | 0.365 | 40.48 | 0.594 | 64.43 |
| 12" | 12.750 | 0.406 | 53.52 | 0.688 | 88.63 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pipe schedule 40 and 80?
Schedule 40 is standard wall thickness suitable for most applications up to 150 psi. Schedule 80 has thicker walls for higher pressure service (up to 300+ psi). The outside diameter is the same for both — only the wall thickness and inside diameter differ.
What does NPS mean for pipe sizing?
NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) is a North American standard for pipe sizing. For pipes 14" and larger, NPS equals the actual outside diameter. For smaller pipes, NPS is a nominal designation that doesn't directly correspond to any physical dimension — you must use a schedule table to find actual OD and wall thickness.
How much does a 20-foot length of 2-inch pipe weigh?
A 2" NPS Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe weighs 3.65 lbs/ft, so a 20-foot length weighs approximately 73 lbs. Schedule 80 of the same size weighs 5.02 lbs/ft or about 100 lbs for 20 feet. Standard pipe comes in 21-foot random lengths.
What is the standard length for pipe?
Standard pipe lengths are 21 feet (random length) for carbon steel. Stainless steel pipe typically comes in 20-foot lengths. PVC pipe is sold in 10-foot and 20-foot lengths. Custom cut-to-length is available from most suppliers for an additional charge.
How do I calculate pipe support spacing?
Pipe support spacing depends on pipe size, material, and contents. For carbon steel: 1" pipe = 7 ft spacing, 2" = 10 ft, 4" = 12 ft, 6" = 14 ft, 8"+ = 17 ft. These are for horizontal runs with water. Reduce spacing for heavier fluids or insulated pipe.
What is the difference between pipe and tube?
Pipe is specified by NPS and schedule (standardized OD with variable wall thickness). Tube is specified by actual OD and wall thickness. Pipe is designed for fluid transport and has standardized fittings. Tube is used for structural applications and heat exchangers where precise dimensions matter.