Round MS pipes stacked at a steel yard, related to the MS pipe weight calculator.

MS Pipe Weight Calculator: Formula, Chart & How to Use It

MS pipe weight depends on outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT), not on diameter alone — two pipes with the same OD can differ significantly in weight if their wall thickness is different. The formula below lets you work out the weight per metre for any round MS pipe size instantly, without waiting on a supplier quote.

MS Pipe Weight Calculator Formula

The standard formula for round steel pipe weight, based on the density of mild steel (7,850 kg/m³), is:

Weight (kg/m) = (OD − WT) × WT × 0.02466

Where OD and WT (wall thickness) are both in millimetres.

Worked Example

For a pipe with 60mm outer diameter and 4mm wall thickness: (60 − 4) × 4 × 0.02466 = 5.52 kg/m. A 6-metre length would weigh approximately 33.1 kg. The same formula applies to any OD/WT combination, which is why it's the standard method used to cross-check delivered weight against invoiced quantity.

MS Pipe Weight Chart (Common Sizes)

Sizes shown follow common Nominal Bore (NB) pipe schedules with their typical wall thickness; actual stock can vary by schedule (light/medium/heavy) and by mill. For an exact size not listed here, or to convert a full order into total tonnage and freight cost, use our steel weight & freight calculator.

Why OD and Wall Thickness Both Matter

Pipe is often ordered by nominal size (like "2-inch pipe"), but nominal size does not by itself determine weight. Under IS 1239, the standard most MS pipe in India is sold against, pipes from ½" up to 6" nominal bore are classified by Class A (light), Class B (medium), or Class C (heavy) — the same nominal size in Class C has noticeably more wall thickness, and therefore more weight per metre, than the same size in Class A. From 8" up to 20" nominal bore, pipe is instead selected directly by wall thickness in mm rather than by class. Either way, always confirm the class or exact thickness before calculating an order's total weight, not just the nominal bore.

Common Grades & Standards

MS pipes for structural and general fabrication use are typically supplied against IS 1239 (Class A/B/C for water, gas, air line, and general engineering purposes) or IS 3601 / IS 1161 for structural tubing. ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) is the most common manufacturing process for MS pipe in this segment. A tolerance of up to -10% on nominal weight is permitted per IS 1239 and IS 3589, so a delivered batch may weigh slightly under the calculated figure without being out of spec. Confirm the applicable standard and request a Mill Test Certificate for structural or pressure-bearing applications.

Uses of MS Pipe

• Structural framing: columns, purlins, and bracing in industrial sheds, canopies, and light structural steel work.
• Water and gas conveyance: IS 1239-graded pipe for plumbing and utility distribution lines.
• Scaffolding and railings: a standard material for scaffold tubing, handrails, and staircase framing.
• Fencing and gates: posts and frames for boundary fencing and gate fabrication.
• Furniture and fabrication: frames for workbenches, racks, and general metal fabrication work.

Frequently Asked Questions