← Back to Bead BoardSteel square tube weight calculator
Square HSS (hollow structural section) is the workhorse of small shop fabrication. Frames, trailers, railings, hitches. Enter the outside size and the wall thickness. 2×2×1/8 HSS is 3.05 lb/ft. 3×3×1/4 is 9.42 lb/ft. Weight shows up instantly.
Weights are calculated from published densities and standard section geometry. Real plate and bar stock runs ±2–3% from spec.
Common HSS square tube weights
HSS dimensions are published per ASTM A500. Weight = (OD² − (OD − 2×wall)²) × length × 0.2836. Real HSS runs ±3% from nominal due to corner radius and wall tolerance.
Questions welders ask about this one
How much does 2×2×1/8 square tubing weigh?
About 3.05 lb per foot. Math: (2² − 1.75²) × 12 × 0.2836 = 3.05 lb/ft. ASTM A500 HSS tables list slightly different values (typically 2.99 lb/ft) because they account for the corner radius. For quoting, the 3.05 number is fine.
What is HSS?
Hollow Structural Section. Square and rectangular tubing made to ASTM A500 with specific yield strength, wall thickness, and corner radius requirements. It is what most fab shops call "square tube" when they order it. Mechanical tubing (non-structural) uses slightly different specs but the weight math is the same.
Is there a difference between A500 Grade B and Grade C for weight?
No. Grade B and Grade C are different chemistry and yield strength, not different density. The weight per foot is identical for the same nominal size and wall thickness.
Other metal weight calculators
Steel Plate Weight
A36 mild steel plate. Every common thickness.
Steel Pipe Weight
NPS + Schedule 40/80/XXS, first principles.
Steel Round Bar Weight
1018, A36, hot-rolled round stock.
Aluminum Plate Weight
6061-T6 and 5052 plate, 4×8 and custom sizes.
Stainless Plate Weight
304 and 316 stainless plate, lb or kg.