What formula is used for a rectangular glass tube?

The formula is: Weight = (OD_w × OD_h − ID_w × ID_h) × Length × Density. OD_w and OD_h are the outer width and height. ID_w = OD_w − 2×t and ID_h = OD_h − 2×t, where t is wall thickness. All dimensions are converted to meters; multiplying the cross-sectional area (m²) by length (m) gives volume (m³), and multiplying by density (kg/m³) gives weight in kg.

What is the difference between a glass tube and a glass pipe?

Glass pipes have a circular cross-section; glass tubes (in this context) have a square or rectangular cross-section. The weight formula differs: circular pipes use π/4 × (OD² − ID²), while square/rectangular tubes use OD_w × OD_h − ID_w × ID_h for the cross-sectional area.

Which glass density should I use?

For laboratory and chemical-process applications use Borosilicate (2230 kg/m³). For general construction and display glass use Soda-Lime (2500 kg/m³). For high-temperature or optical applications use Fused Quartz (2200 kg/m³). For specialty or unknown glass, enter a custom density from the manufacturer data sheet.

What if my tube is not perfectly square?

Enter the actual outer width and outer height separately. The calculator handles rectangular (non-square) tubes by using both outer dimensions independently. For a square tube, simply enter the same value for both width and height.

Can I calculate weight for multiple tubes at once?

Yes. Enter the number of tubes in the Quantity field. The calculator shows the per-tube weight and the total batch weight separately.

What units are supported?

Width, height, and wall thickness can be entered in mm, cm, or inches. Length can be entered in meters, mm, feet, or inches. All values are converted to meters internally before calculation.

Glass Tube Weight Calculator

Name: Glass Tube Weight Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter outer width, wall thickness, and length to instantly calculate square hollow glass tube weight in kg and lbs.

Tube Dimensions

Outer Width (OW)

Outer Height (OH) — same as OW for a square tube

Wall Thickness

Length

Glass Type

Quantity (tubes)

Formula Reference

W = (OW × OH − IW × IH) × L × ρ

Where OW = outer width (m), OH = outer height (m), IW = OW − 2t, IH = OH − 2t, t = wall thickness, L = length (m), ρ = glass density (kg/m³), W = weight (kg).

Enter tube dimensions on the left and click Calculate.

Glass Type Densities

Glass Type	Common Use	kg/m³	g/cm³
Borosilicate	Pyrex / Duran / Lab glass	2230	2.23
Soda-Lime	Float glass / Containers	2500	2.50
Fused Quartz	High-temp / Optical	2200	2.20
Aluminosilicate	High-temp / Halogen lamps	2530	2.53
Borosilicate 3.3	Pharmaceutical / Process piping	2460	2.46

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Summary

Enter outer width, wall thickness, and length to instantly calculate square hollow glass tube weight in kg and lbs.

How it works

Enter the outer width and outer height of the tube cross-section (equal for a square tube).
Enter the wall thickness and select the dimension unit (mm, cm, or in).
Enter the tube length and select the length unit (m, mm, ft, or in).
Choose the glass type, or enter a custom density in kg/m³.
Optionally set a quantity to calculate total batch weight.
Click Calculate — weight is shown in kg and lb using W = (OD_w × OD_h − ID_w × ID_h) × L × ρ.

Use cases

Estimating weight of glass extrusions for architectural glazing frames.
Calculating freight and shipping weight for rectangular glass tube orders.
Structural load planning when specifying hollow glass profiles.
Bill-of-materials (BOM) preparation for glass fabrication projects.
Comparing wall thickness options to balance weight and structural rigidity.
Checking handling requirements for large hollow glass tube sections.
Material cost estimation based on volume and density for custom glass.
Validating glass tube specifications against load ratings in industrial assemblies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu