How to Calculate the Wall Thickness of a Pipe

How to Calculate the Wall Thickness of a Pipe
Published: Mar 11, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

The formula used for calculating the thickness of a pipe's wall is fairly simple, as is the method for figuring out the pipe's wall measurements.

  1. Place your ruler or measuring tape over the mouth of the pipe.

  2. Measure the diameter of the pipe from the top of the outer wall to the bottom of the outer wall. Note this down on a piece of paper.

  3. Measure the diameter from the top inner wall to the bottom inner wall. Note this number down on a piece of paper as well.

  4. Plug the two numbers into the following formula:

  5. (Diameter of Outer Wall - Diameter of Inner Wall)/2. The resulting number is the thickness of the pipe wall.

The Drip Cap

  • Pipes are divided into different categories based on both length and the thickness of their walls.
  • A pipe's wall thickness is especially important to know during construction projects, as a pipe with too thin a wall may burst under pressure.
  • Measure the diameter from the top inner wall to the bottom inner wall.

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Joshua Benjamin

Joshua Benjamin began as a professional freelance writer in 2009. He has successfully published numerous articles spanning a broad range of topics. Benjamin's areas of expertise include auto repair, computer hardware and software, firearms…

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