Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) Weight Calculator

The Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) Weight Calculator estimates the total mass of a steel section. Simply enter your outer dimensions, wall thickness, length, and material density to calculate your weight and volume. This tool helps engineers and builders understand the load and shipping weight of structural beams. This calculator also calculates cross-sectional area and total volume.

Enter the total width of the section in millimeters
Enter the total height of the section in millimeters
Enter the thickness of the wall in millimeters
Enter the length of the beam in meters
Enter material density (e.g., 7850 for steel)

This calculator is for informational purposes only. It does not account for corner radii, coatings, or manufacturing tolerances. Verify results with appropriate professionals for important engineering and construction decisions.

What Is RHS Weight

The RHS Weight is the total mass of a Rectangular Hollow Section. This type of steel beam has a hollow rectangular cross-section. Knowing the weight helps in planning transport, figuring out the load on a building, and estimating the cost of the steel. It is calculated by looking at the size of the walls, not the empty space inside.

How RHS Weight Is Calculated

Formula

Weight = [(B × H) − ((B − 2t) × (H − 2t))] × L × ρ

Where:

  • B = Outer Width (m)
  • H = Outer Height (m)
  • t = Wall Thickness (m)
  • L = Length (m)
  • ρ = Density (kg/m³)

We first find the area of the full outer rectangle. Then, we find the area of the empty inner space. By subtracting the inner space from the outer rectangle, we get the area of just the steel. We multiply this area by the length to get the volume. Finally, we multiply the volume by the material density to find the total weight.

Why RHS Weight Matters

Knowing the exact weight of a steel section is vital for safe construction. It helps ensure that a structure can hold the weight of the beams themselves, plus any extra load. It also helps in planning how to move the materials to the site.

Why Accurate Weight Is Important for Safety

If the weight is guessed wrongly, a building might not be strong enough. This can lead to the structure failing or being unsafe to use. Calculating the weight helps engineers pick the right size beams so the building stays standing and safe for everyone.

For Logistics and Cost

Transporting heavy steel is expensive and requires specific trucks. Knowing the exact weight helps in planning the delivery. It also allows for a better estimate of the total cost, as steel is often bought by weight.

For Structural Integrity

Engineers need to know the "dead load" or the weight of the structure itself. This number is used in safety checks to make sure the foundations and columns can support the building over a long time.

Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.

View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →