The Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) Weight Calculator is a powerful online tool designed for fabricators, engineers, architects, contractors, and metal suppliers. Using width, height, wall thickness, length, and material density, this tool instantly computes the accurate weight of any RHS steel or aluminium section.
Whether you work with structural steel, pipeline frames, metal fabrication, or construction design, this calculator saves time and avoids manual errors while providing precise, engineering-grade results.
What Is a Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS)?
A Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) is a steel profile with a rectangular cross-section and hollow interior. It is widely used because of its:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Smooth surface finish
- Uniform wall thickness
- Easy fabrication and welding
- Excellent structural stability
RHS tubes are commonly used in:
- Buildings & steel structures
- Frames, racks, gates & furniture
- Mechanical and automotive components
- Industrial & fabrication projects
- Construction of trusses and supports
Because RHS comes in many sizes and thicknesses, accurately knowing its weight is crucial for project planning.
Why the RHS Weight Calculation Is Important
Accurate Material Estimation
Avoid under-ordering or over-ordering steel.
Cost Calculation
Steel is priced per kg; knowing the weight helps in budgeting.
Transportation & Handling
Weight affects load capacity and logistics planning.
Structural Engineering Calculations
Design loads, stress calculations, and safety factors depend on weight.
Fabrication & Manufacturing
Helps estimate welding, cutting, and bending requirements.
Your tool simplifies all these calculations automatically.
How the RHS Weight Calculator Works
Users simply enter:
- Width (mm)
- Height (mm)
- Wall Thickness (mm)
- Length (mm)
- Material Density (kg/m³)
- Decimal precision
The calculator instantly outputs:
- Total Weight (kg)
- Volume
- Dimensions used
- Density applied
This gives a complete and transparent breakdown of the calculation.
RHS Weight Calculation Formula (Technical)
RHS weight is calculated using the cross-sectional area and the material density.
1. Convert mm to meters
W = w / 1000
H = h / 1000
T = t / 1000
L = len / 1000
2. Cross-sectional Area
Outer Area = W × H
Inner Area = (W − 2T) × (H − 2T)
Net Area = Outer Area − Inner Area
3. Volume
Volume = Net Area × L
4. Weight
Weight (kg) = Volume × Density
Material Density
Mild Steel = 7850 kg/m³
Stainless Steel = 7850 to 8000 kg/m³
Aluminium = 2700 kg/m³
- ρ\rhoρ = density of material (kg/m³)
- For Mild Steel: 7850 kg/m³
- For Stainless Steel: 7850–8000 kg/m³
- For Aluminium: 2700 kg/m³
Example RHS Weight Calculation
Input:
- Width = 100 mm
- Height = 50 mm
- Wall Thickness = 5 mm
- Length = 1000 mm
- Density = 7850 kg/m³
Steps:
- Convert to meters
- Outer Area = 0.100 × 0.050 = 0.0050 m²
- Inner Area = (0.100-0.010) × (0.050-0.010) = 0.0036 m²
- Net Area = 0.0050 – 0.0036 = 0.0014 m²
- Volume = 0.0014 × 1 = 0.0014 m³
- Weight = 0.0014 × 7850 = 10.99 kg
Output:
Estimated Weight = 10.99 kg
Your tool performs all these steps instantly.
Common RHS Material Densities
| Material | Density (kg/m³) |
|---|---|
| Mild Steel (MS) | 7850 |
| Stainless Steel | 7900–8000 |
| Aluminum | 2700 |
| Brass | 8500 |
| Copper | 8900 |
| Titanium | 4500 |
Applications of RHS Weight Calculator
This tool is ideal for:
Engineers
Structural planning & steel design.
Fabricators
Estimating raw material requirements.
Manufacturers
Planning production batches.
Contractors & Vendors
Calculating steel cost per meter/ton.
Logistics
Weight-based shipping & load planning.
Benefits of This Online RHS Calculator
- Super fast & easy to use
- Accurate engineering-grade formula
- Works for any material density
- Supports custom precision
- Helps in budgeting and planning
- Eliminates manual calculation errors
- Fully browser-based, no installation required
FAQ – RHS Weight Calculator
1. What is RHS used for?
RHS is used in construction, fabrication, automotive parts, frames, and mechanical structures.
2. How is the RHS weight calculated?
By calculating its cross-sectional area, multiplying by the length, and then multiplying by the material density.
3. Can I calculate stainless steel RHS weight?
Yes, just enter the correct density (e.g., 8000 kg/m³).
4. What is the density of mild steel?
7850 kg/m³ (default in your tool).
5. Can I calculate the weight for a 6-meter section?
Yes—enter 6000 mm in length.
6. Is the result 100% accurate?
It is an accurate engineering estimate; slight variation may occur due to manufacturing tolerances.
