Tube Volume Calculator
Calculate the volume of a hollow cylinder (pipe or tube)
By Drew Budwin · Last updated July 2026 · Methodology
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Tube Volume Calculator Formula
Volume of a hollow cylinder (tube):
V = π × (R² − r²) × h
R = outer radius, r = inner radius, h = length
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the outer radius (R), measured from the center to the outside wall.
- Enter the inner radius (r), measured from the center to the inside wall. Must be less than R.
- Enter the length (h) of the tube.
- Click Calculate Volume to see the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this calculator measure?
It calculates the volume of the material making up the tube wall, not the hollow interior. To find the interior volume, use the cylinder volume calculator with the inner radius r and length h.
What if I know the wall thickness instead of the inner radius?
The inner radius r = outer radius R minus wall thickness t. Subtract the wall thickness from the outer radius to get r before entering it here.
What units does this calculator use?
This calculator is unit-agnostic. If R, r, and h are all in millimeters, the result is in cubic millimeters (mm³). Use the same unit for all inputs.
How do I calculate the weight of a tube?
Multiply the tube's material volume (from this calculator) by the material's density. For example, steel has a density of about 7,850 kg/m³, so a steel tube with a volume of 0.001 m³ weighs approximately 7.85 kg.
What is the difference between a tube and a pipe?
In everyday language they are interchangeable, but in engineering, pipes are specified by nominal bore (inside diameter) while tubes are specified by outside diameter. This calculator works for both since it uses outer radius, inner radius, and length.
How do I find the outer radius if I know the nominal pipe size?
Nominal pipe sizes are not the actual outer diameter. A 1-inch NPS pipe has an outer diameter of 1.315 inches (radius = 0.6575 in). Look up the pipe schedule for actual outer diameter and wall thickness, then use inner radius = outer radius − wall thickness.
Why does the tube formula subtract volumes rather than areas?
The tube's cross-sectional area is the annular ring π(R² − r²). Multiplying by length h gives the wall volume — the same as computing the outer cylinder's full volume πR²h and subtracting the hollow interior πr²h. Both approaches give identical results.
How do I calculate the weight of a steel tube?
Multiply the tube's wall volume (from this calculator) by steel's density of about 7,850 kg/m³. A steel tube with 0.001 m³ of material weighs approximately 7.85 kg. Use consistent units — enter R, r, and h all in meters to get volume in m³.