Aluminum Tube Weight Per Foot Chart (OD & Wall Thickness)

Publish on: 22-Jan-2026

Aluminum tubes are used in many projects, from home repairs to construction and fabrication. If you are buying aluminum tubing, planning a project, or calculating shipping cost, one common question is:

How much does an aluminum tube weigh per foot?

The answer depends on the tube size, wall thickness, and type of aluminum. This guide explains everything in simple terms and includes a clear aluminum tube weight per foot chart.

Aluminum Tube Weight Per Foot Chart (Round Tubing)

Below is a general reference chart for common round aluminum tubing used in the USA.

Outside Diameter (in)	Wall Thickness (in)	Weight per Foot (lbs)
1/2"	0.065	0.11
3/4"	0.065	0.17
1"	0.065	0.23
1"	0.125	0.41
1-1/4"	0.065	0.29
1-1/2"	0.065	0.35
1-1/2"	0.125	0.63
2"	0.065	0.47
2"	0.125	0.87
3"	0.125	1.34

👉 Values are approximate and may vary slightly by manufacturer.

Why Aluminum Tube Weight Matters

Knowing the weight per foot helps you:

Estimate total material weight
Calculate shipping and handling costs
Choose the right tube for your project
Avoid overloading frames or supports
Price aluminum for resale or scrap

Even small changes in tube size can change the weight a lot over long lengths.

What Is an Aluminum Tube?

An aluminum tube is a hollow, round aluminum shape.
It is different from a solid rod because the center is empty, which makes it lighter.

Aluminum tubes are commonly used for:

Frames
Railings
Furniture
Signs
Automotive and marine parts

What Affects Aluminum Tube Weight Per Foot?

1. Outside Diameter (OD)

This is the outside width of the tube.
A larger diameter means more material and more weight.

2. Wall Thickness

This is how thick the tube wall is.

Thin wall → lighter
Thick wall → heavier and stronger

3. Aluminum Grade

Most aluminum tubes use common grades like 6061 or 6063.

Weight difference between grades is small
Strength and finish are the main differences

Example: How to Calculate Tube Weight

Let’s say you have:

10 feet of aluminum tube
Weight per foot = 0.47 lbs

Calculation:

10 × 0.47 = 4.7 lbs

So the tube weighs about 4.7 pounds.

Aluminum Tube vs Aluminum Pipe

Many people confuse tube and pipe.

Tube	Pipe
Measured by OD and wall thickness	Measured by nominal size
Used in structural and design work	Used for fluid flow
Lighter and more precise	Usually heavier

Aluminum Tube Weight Compared to Steel

Aluminum is much lighter than steel.

Aluminum weighs about one-third of steel
Easier to lift and handle
Great for weight-sensitive projects

Common Uses by Tube Size

Small tubes (1/2” – 1”) → furniture, signs
Medium tubes (1-1/4” – 2”) → frames, railings
Large tubes (2”+) → structural projects

Aluminum Tube Weight for Shipping

Shipping costs are often based on weight.

Tips:

Measure total length
Multiply by weight per foot
Add packaging weight

This helps avoid surprise shipping charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 1-inch aluminum tube weigh per foot?

With 0.065" wall thickness: about 0.23 lbs per foot
With 0.125" wall thickness: about 0.41 lbs per foot

Does aluminum grade change the weight?

Not much. Most grades have similar density.

Is aluminum tube lighter than aluminum pipe?

Yes. Tubes are usually lighter because of thinner walls.

Can aluminum tubing support weight?

Yes, but strength depends on diameter, wall thickness, and design.

Final Thoughts

An aluminum tube weight per foot chart makes planning easier and saves time. By knowing the tube size and wall thickness, you can quickly estimate total weight and choose the right material for your project.

Always check supplier specs for exact numbers if your project needs precise weight.