When to use this calculator
Estimate material mass of a rectangular hollow tube. Uses sharp ideal corners and uniform wall thickness; real hollow sections have corner radii.
Explore the material stock & weight calculators for other questions in this topic. For a related calculation, use the Round Bar Weight Calculator: Estimate mass of a solid circular bar.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Rectangular Tube Weight: a worked example
The values below are an illustrative example, not a recommendation. Replace them with measurements or assumptions that match your question.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Outside width (mm) | 100 |
| Outside height (mm) | 50 |
| Wall thickness (mm) | 5 |
| Length (m) | 2 |
| Density (kg/m³) | 7,850 |
| Result | 21.98 kg |
- Check the input labels and enter the example values above.
- Apply the relationship: Mass = (outside area−inside area) × length × density.
- The result is 21.98 kg, rounded for display.
How to interpret your result
Uses sharp ideal corners and uniform wall thickness; real hollow sections have corner radii.
Use actual dimensions and a density matching the material and condition. Rolled sections, corners and manufacturing tolerance can differ from sharp ideal geometry. Weight estimates do not establish structural capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Should nominal or actual material dimensions be used?
Use actual dimensions for a geometric mass estimate. Nominal product labels and finished dimensions can differ.
When is the rectangular tube weight calculator useful?
Estimate material mass of a rectangular hollow tube. Uses sharp ideal corners and uniform wall thickness; real hollow sections have corner radii.
How do I use the rectangular tube weight calculator?
Enter outside width (mm), outside height (mm), wall thickness (mm), length (m), density (kg/m³). The result updates automatically. Use the units shown beside each input; the example values illustrate the method.
Which formula does this calculator use?
Mass = (outside area−inside area) × length × density.
What should I check before using the result?
Uses sharp ideal corners and uniform wall thickness; real hollow sections have corner radii.
How are results rounded?
Scalar numbers display up to six decimal places, with scientific notation for very large or small values. Text, fraction, date and schedule outputs use the format described on the tool. Intermediate calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic. Keep sensible precision for your measurements.
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