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Rectangular steel tube dimensions are normally specified by outside height, outside width, and wall thickness. The following rectangular steel tube sizes chart lists representative carbon steel RHS and HSS dimensions with estimated weights in kg/m and lb/ft. It can help buyers compare sizes, calculate order weight, and prepare preliminary material estimates.
However, the figures in this guide are theoretical. Final dimensions, dimensional tolerances, steel grade, unit weight, and mechanical properties should be confirmed against the applicable standard, project specification, and manufacturer’s documentation.
How to Read Rectangular Steel Tube Dimensions
A rectangular steel tube is generally specified in the following format:
Outside height × outside width × wall thickness
For example:
100 × 50 × 3 mm
This means:
- Outside height: 100 mm
- Outside width: 50 mm
- Nominal wall thickness: 3 mm
Both 100 × 50 mm and 50 × 100 mm describe the same physical section when only material quantity is considered. However, orientation affects the section’s bending performance, so engineers must distinguish the major and minor axes during structural design.
The term rectangular hollow section, or RHS, is commonly used in European and international markets. In North America, rectangular structural tubing is often described as HSS. You can read more about the terminology and common applications in BAOLAI’s guide to steel hollow sections.
Rectangular Steel Tube Sizes Chart in kg/m and lb/ft
The table below contains representative metric sizes rather than a complete manufacturing range. Each weight is calculated using a steel density of 7,850 kg/m³ and a simplified sharp-corner section formula.
| Outside Dimensions H × B (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Approx. Area (mm²) | Weight (kg/m) | Weight (lb/ft) |
| 20 × 10 | 1.2 | 66.2 | 0.52 | 0.35 |
| 25 × 15 | 1.5 | 111.0 | 0.87 | 0.59 |
| 30 × 20 | 1.5 | 141.0 | 1.11 | 0.74 |
| 30 × 20 | 2.0 | 184.0 | 1.44 | 0.97 |
| 40 × 20 | 1.5 | 171.0 | 1.34 | 0.90 |
| 40 × 20 | 2.0 | 224.0 | 1.76 | 1.18 |
| 40 × 25 | 2.0 | 244.0 | 1.92 | 1.29 |
| 50 × 25 | 1.5 | 216.0 | 1.70 | 1.14 |
| 50 × 25 | 2.0 | 284.0 | 2.23 | 1.50 |
| 50 × 25 | 2.5 | 350.0 | 2.75 | 1.85 |
| 50 × 30 | 2.0 | 304.0 | 2.39 | 1.60 |
| 50 × 30 | 2.5 | 375.0 | 2.94 | 1.98 |
| 60 × 40 | 2.0 | 384.0 | 3.01 | 2.03 |
| 60 × 40 | 2.5 | 475.0 | 3.73 | 2.51 |
| 60 × 40 | 3.0 | 564.0 | 4.43 | 2.98 |
| 80 × 40 | 2.0 | 464.0 | 3.64 | 2.45 |
| 80 × 40 | 3.0 | 684.0 | 5.37 | 3.61 |
| 80 × 40 | 4.0 | 896.0 | 7.03 | 4.73 |
| 100 × 50 | 2.0 | 584.0 | 4.58 | 3.08 |
| 100 × 50 | 3.0 | 864.0 | 6.78 | 4.56 |
| 100 × 50 | 4.0 | 1,136.0 | 8.92 | 5.99 |
| 100 × 50 | 5.0 | 1,400.0 | 10.99 | 7.38 |
| 120 × 60 | 3.0 | 1,044.0 | 8.20 | 5.51 |
| 120 × 60 | 4.0 | 1,376.0 | 10.80 | 7.26 |
| 120 × 60 | 5.0 | 1,700.0 | 13.34 | 8.97 |
| 150 × 100 | 4.0 | 1,936.0 | 15.20 | 10.21 |
| 150 × 100 | 5.0 | 2,400.0 | 18.84 | 12.66 |
| 150 × 100 | 6.0 | 2,856.0 | 22.42 | 15.07 |
| 200 × 100 | 5.0 | 2,900.0 | 22.76 | 15.30 |
| 200 × 100 | 6.0 | 3,456.0 | 27.13 | 18.23 |
| 200 × 100 | 8.0 | 4,544.0 | 35.67 | 23.97 |
| 250 × 150 | 6.0 | 4,656.0 | 36.55 | 24.56 |
| 250 × 150 | 8.0 | 6,144.0 | 48.23 | 32.41 |
| 250 × 150 | 10.0 | 7,600.0 | 59.66 | 40.09 |
| 300 × 200 | 8.0 | 7,744.0 | 60.79 | 40.85 |
| 300 × 200 | 10.0 | 9,600.0 | 75.36 | 50.64 |
| 300 × 200 | 12.0 | 11,424.0 | 89.68 | 60.26 |
Important: Inclusion in this table does not confirm that every size is available under every standard, steel grade, production method, or surface finish. Ask the supplier to confirm the applicable size range before ordering.
How to Use a Rectangular Tubing Size Chart
A rectangular tubing size chart is most useful for preliminary comparison, purchasing estimates, transportation planning, and inventory control.
To estimate the total order weight, use:
Total weight (kg) = Weight per meter (kg/m) × Length per piece (m) × Quantity
For example, the estimated weight of a 100 × 50 × 3 mm tube is 6.78 kg/m. For 100 pieces, each measuring 6 meters:
6.78 × 6 × 100 = 4,068 kg
The estimated order weight is therefore approximately 4.07 metric tons.
This calculation does not include packaging, protective wrapping, pallets, or other shipping materials. For purchasing and freight documentation, use the manufacturer’s confirmed weight or the actual weighed quantity.
How to Calculate Rectangular Tube Weight
When the required size is not listed in the chart, theoretical weight can be estimated from its cross-sectional area.
Step 1: Calculate the cross-sectional area
For a simplified rectangular tube with sharp corners:
A = H × B − (H − 2t) × (B − 2t)
This can also be written as:
A = 2t × (H + B − 2t)
Where:
- A = cross-sectional area in mm²
- H = outside height in mm
- B = outside width in mm
- t = nominal wall thickness in mm
Step 2: Convert the area into weight per meter
Using a steel density of 7,850 kg/m³:
Weight (kg/m) = A × 0.00785
For a 100 × 50 × 3 mm tube:
A = 2 × 3 × (100 + 50 − 6) = 864 mm²
Weight = 864 × 0.00785 = 6.78 kg/m
Step 3: Convert kg/m into lb/ft
Use the following conversion:
Weight (lb/ft) = Weight (kg/m) × 0.67197
Therefore:
6.78 × 0.67197 = 4.56 lb/ft
This formula is intended for estimating rectangular tubing. Circular products require a different equation, which is explained in BAOLAI’s steel pipe weight calculation guide.
Why Chart Weight and Actual Weight May Differ
A calculated value should not be treated as an exact shipping or inspection weight. Several factors can cause the actual mass to differ from the chart:
- Rounded corners: Manufactured rectangular tubes do not have perfectly sharp internal and external corners.
- Wall thickness tolerance: Actual thickness may vary within the limits allowed by the applicable standard.
- Dimensional tolerance: Outside height, width, straightness, and corner profile may vary within specified limits.
- Weld seam geometry: Welded tubing contains a longitudinal seam that can slightly influence the finished section.
- Coating weight: Galvanizing, paint, oil, and other surface treatments add mass.
- Length tolerance: Actual delivered length may differ slightly from the ordered nominal length.
ASTM A500 covers cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in round, square, rectangular, and special shapes [1]. EN 10219-2 and EN 10210-2 address dimensions, tolerances, and sectional properties for cold-formed and hot-finished structural hollow sections respectively [2][3].
For commercial orders, theoretical weight is suitable for initial planning, but the purchase contract should clearly define whether settlement is based on theoretical or actual weight.
Rectangular Hollow Section Sizes Under ASTM and EN Standards
Available rectangular hollow section sizes depend on the manufacturing standard, steel grade, wall thickness, dimensional tolerance, and mill capability. A size listed under one standard should not automatically be assumed to meet another.
ASTM A500 Rectangular HSS
ASTM A500 applies to cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing. It covers rectangular and other structural shapes used in buildings, bridges, and general structural applications [1].
BAOLAI supplies ASTM A500 square and rectangular steel pipe in different dimensions, grades, lengths, and surface conditions. Buyers should specify the required grade and dimensional units when requesting a quotation.
EN 10219 Cold-Formed RHS
EN 10219 covers cold-formed welded structural hollow sections. Part 1 specifies technical delivery conditions, while Part 2 covers tolerances, dimensions, and sectional properties [2].
The EN 10219 square and rectangular steel pipe range is suitable for structural fabrication and general engineering projects requiring cold-formed hollow sections.
EN 10210 Hot-Finished RHS
EN 10210 applies to hot-finished structural hollow sections. Its scope includes circular, square, rectangular, and elliptical forms, while the dimensional requirements are addressed separately in Part 2 [3].
For projects requiring hot-finished sections, review BAOLAI’s EN 10210 square and rectangular steel pipe specifications.
The applicable standard affects more than the nominal size. It may also define steel grades, mechanical properties, tolerances, testing, marking, and delivery requirements. The required standard should therefore be stated directly in the inquiry and purchase order.
How to Select the Right Rectangular Tube Size
Choosing a tube based only on its outside dimensions or weight can lead to an unsuitable specification. Buyers should evaluate the following information together:
- Intended application: Identify whether the tube will be used for structural framing, machinery, fabrication, furniture, fencing, or another purpose.
- Required standard and grade: Specify ASTM A500, EN 10219, EN 10210, or another applicable standard, along with the required steel grade.
- Outside dimensions: Select the height and width based on design, connection, installation, and space requirements.
- Wall thickness: A thicker wall generally increases weight and section properties, but the required thickness must be determined from engineering and fabrication requirements.
- Length and quantity: Confirm standard or custom lengths, the number of pieces, and the permitted length tolerance.
- Surface condition: State whether the order requires black, oiled, painted, pre-galvanized, or hot-dip galvanized tubing.
- Processing requirements: Include cutting, drilling, punching, welding, threading, or other fabrication requirements in the inquiry.
- Documentation: Confirm whether the project requires mill test certificates, inspection reports, third-party inspection, or other quality records.
Structural capacity cannot be determined from a weight chart alone. A qualified engineer should verify section properties, loads, connections, buckling resistance, and the applicable design code. AISC also provides technical resources for the design and use of structural HSS [4].
FAQs About Rectangular Steel Tubing
Are rectangular steel tube dimensions measured inside or outside?
They are normally stated as outside height × outside width × nominal wall thickness. For example, 100 × 50 × 3 mm refers to outside dimensions of 100 mm and 50 mm with a nominal 3 mm wall.
What does RHS mean in steel sizes?
RHS means rectangular hollow section. It describes a hollow steel profile with unequal outside height and width. A square section is generally called SHS, while HSS is a broader North American term that can include round, square, and rectangular structural tubing.
Are rectangular steel tubes and rectangular steel pipes the same?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in commercial communication, but “tube” usually emphasizes outside dimensions and shape, while “pipe” is commonly associated with fluid conveyance and nominal pipe sizes. BAOLAI explains the distinction in its guide to steel pipe and tube differences.
Why do suppliers show different weights for the same tube size?
The values may be based on different corner-radius assumptions, dimensional standards, nominal or design wall thicknesses, steel densities, or rounding methods. Some tables show theoretical weight, while others use manufacturer-specific sectional data.
Can this size and weight chart be used for structural design?
No. The table is intended for preliminary weight estimation and product comparison. Structural design requires verified section properties, material grades, tolerances, loads, connection details, and the applicable design standard.
BAOLAI Standard and Custom Rectangular Tubes
BAOLAI supplies square and rectangular steel pipes for structural fabrication and general engineering applications. Product options include ASTM A500, EN 10219, and EN 10210 specifications, with different dimensions, grades, lengths, and surface treatments available according to project requirements.
For an accurate quotation, provide the required standard, grade, outside dimensions, wall thickness, length, quantity, surface finish, processing requirements, and destination port.
Conclusion: Using the Size and Weight Chart
Understanding rectangular steel tube dimensions makes it easier to compare products and estimate material requirements. Use the chart and formulas for preliminary calculations, but confirm the final size range, tolerances, unit weight, grade, and technical requirements with the manufacturer before ordering.
Sources
[1] ASTM International: ASTM A500/A500M Standard Specification
[2] BSI: BS EN 10219-2 Cold-Formed Structural Hollow Sections
[3] BSI: BS EN 10210-2 Hot-Finished Structural Hollow Sections
[4] American Institute of Steel Construction: Hollow Structural Section
