Weight of Square Steel Tubing

The weight of square steel tubing is stated by manufacturers in pounds per linear foot. The factors that control the tubing's weight are its dimensions and the thickness of its walls.

Dimensions

Square steel tubing comes in a variety of sizes. Manufacturers state the size in terms of cross-sectional measurement (sometimes called "O.D." for outside diameter). Standard tubing sizes range from as small as 3/8 inch on a side up to 14 inches on a side.

Wall Thickness

Manufacturers supply square steel tubing with several different wall-thickness measurements. Small-dimension tubing is usually available in one or two thicknesses, while large dimension tubing has a wider range of options. The most widely used sizes (3-, 4- and 5-inches square) are generally available in several wall thicknesses.

Weight

The amount of steel used to make tubing controls its weight per linear foot. A small, thin-walled tube can weigh as little as 2 1/2 ounces per foot (3/8-by-3/8-inch tubing 0.035 inch thick). A larger, thick-walled tube can reach 75 pounds per linear foot (12-by-12-inch tubing 1/2 inch thick).

References

• Steel Tubing Institute: Hollow Structural Sections: Dimensions and Section Properties
• Aladdin Steel: Square Steel Tubing Catalog