4130 Tubing Weight Chart and Calculation
The weight of 4130 tubing follows from its dimensions, so any size can be calculated in seconds. Knowing the weight per foot lets you compare designs, estimate the weight of a finished structure and work out freight.
The Weight Calculation Formula
You do not need an exhaustive chart to find the weight of any 4130 tube; you only need the standard steel tube weight formula.
Weight (lbs/foot) = (OD - Wall) × Wall × 10.69
Where OD and Wall are in decimal inches.
Example for 1.500" OD × 0.083" wall:
(1.500 - 0.083) × 0.083 × 10.69
= 1.417 × 0.083 × 10.69
= 1.25 lbs per foot.
Reference Weights for Common Motorsport Sizes
Below are calculated reference weights for some of the most common 4130 structural tube sizes.
| OD (Inches) | Wall (Inches) | Approx. Weight (lbs/ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.000" | 0.065" | 0.65 lbs/ft |
| 1.250" | 0.065" | 0.82 lbs/ft |
| 1.500" | 0.083" | 1.25 lbs/ft |
| 1.500" | 0.120" | 1.77 lbs/ft |
| 1.750" | 0.095" | 1.68 lbs/ft |
| 1.750" | 0.120" | 2.09 lbs/ft |
Using Tube Weight in Practice
To convert pounds per foot to kilograms per metre, multiply by 1.488. To estimate a job, multiply the weight per foot of each size by the total length of that size and add the results. A cage using 100 ft of 1.750" × 0.095" at 1.68 lb/ft carries about 168 lb of tube before off-cuts.
The formula uses the density of carbon and low alloy steel, so 4130 and mild steel of the same size weigh the same. The weight saving from 4130 comes from using a thinner wall, as the 4130 vs mild steel comparison explains. Shipping weight will be a little higher than the calculated figure because of packing and because tube is supplied within a tolerance. Tables for single diameters are linked from the size chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4130 tubing lighter than mild steel tubing of the same size?
No. A 1.50" x 0.120" 4130 tube weighs virtually similar depending on specification as a 1.50" x 0.120" mild steel tube. 4130 saves weight because its higher strength allows you to design with a thinner wall (e.g., using 0.083" 4130 instead of 0.120" mild steel).
How do I convert lb/ft to kg/m?
Multiply by 1.488. For example 1.25 lb/ft is about 1.86 kg/m.
Does the actual weight match the calculated weight?
It is close. Wall and OD tolerances mean the real tube can be slightly lighter or heavier than the theoretical figure.
What is the weight formula in metric units?
Weight in kg/m equals (OD − wall) × wall × 0.02466, with dimensions in millimetres.
Why calculate weight before ordering?
It lets you compare design options, estimate freight and check the delivered quantity.
Calculate Your Material Requirement
Provide your OD, wall, and total footage. We will calculate the total weight for shipping and quotation.
- OD & Wall
- Total Footage
- Standard
- MTC required
- Delivery address (for freight calculation)