Buyers search for an HDPE pipe weight chart when they need to load a bakkie, size a crane, or check whether a 50m coil will even fit on site. Outside diameter alone does not give kilograms per metre. Wall thickness (SDR), material density, and whether you ordered coils or 6m sticks all change the number.
This page is a method plus worked examples for PE100 pressure pipe. It is not a substitute for the current manufacturer mass table, the project specification, or a lifting plan. Confirm kilograms per metre on the datasheet attached to your quote.
Why OD is not enough
SDR is outside diameter divided by nominal wall thickness. A lower SDR is a thicker wall at the same OD, so more polyethylene per metre and a smaller bore.
Two 160mm PE100 lines can differ by kilograms per metre if one is PN6/SDR26 and the other is a heavier class. That is why a “160mm HDPE pipe weight” search still needs the class on the stamp.
Read HDPE pipe SDR and PN explained before you treat any web table as a design input.
How to estimate kg per metre (illustrative)
A common first-pass estimate uses the annular cross-section and a PE100 density around 950 kg/m³. Manufacturers publish minimum wall, not a single machined thickness, so treat this as planning only.
- Wall ≈ OD ÷ SDR (OD in millimetres).
- Inside diameter ≈ OD − (2 × wall).
- Cross-section area ≈ π/4 × (OD² − ID²), then convert mm² to m².
- Mass per metre ≈ area × density.
Worked example, 160mm SDR26 (illustrative): wall ≈ 6.2 mm, ID ≈ 148 mm, mass on the order of about 2.8 kg/m at 950 kg/m³. A 6m stick is then on the order of about 17 kg before sockets, water, or packing. Do not use this figure for a crane study. Ask for the manufacturer kg/m on the quote.
Illustrative PE100 planning masses
The table below applies that same first-pass method to the pipe classes we list as worked examples. Figures are planning estimates, not a SANS table and not a lifting plan. Confirm kilograms per metre on the manufacturer datasheet attached to your quote.
| Outside diameter | Catalogue class | Illustrative kg/m | Typical supply format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75mm | PN6 / SDR26 | about 0.6 | 50m coil |
| 110mm | PN8 / SDR21 | about 1.6 | 50m coil |
| 160mm | PN6 / SDR26 | about 2.8 | 6m stick |
| 200mm | PN6 / SDR26 | about 4.4 | 6m stick |
| 250mm | PN6 / SDR26 | about 6.9 | 6m stick |
| 355mm | PN8 / SDR21 | about 17 | 6m stick |
Density used here is about 950 kg/m³. Manufacturer minimum wall, ovality, water in the bore, and packing all move the number on the truck.
Coils versus 6m sticks
Smaller diameters often ship as 50m coils (for example 110mm PE100 PN8 coil and 75mm PE100 PN6 coil). The coil’s gross mass is length × kg/m plus drum or wrapping. A 50m coil is a different lifting problem from a bundle of sticks.
Larger OD usually ships as 6m sticks (160mm PN6, 200mm PN6, 250mm PN6, 355mm PN8). Count sticks, not “metres on a reel”. Offload needs dunnage and a plan for end caps.
What to send for a quote that matches the truck
From Alrode South, Alberton we quote PE100 pipe to trade once the class is clear. Send:
- Outside diameter, PE grade, SDR and PN as on the drawing
- Coil length or stick length and how many
- Site access, offload method, and whether you need kg/m printed on the quote
- Jointing method (butt fusion, electrofusion, compression on small OD)
Start from the high-pressure and electrofusion hub, then contact the branch. We will attach or cite the manufacturer mass line rather than invent a chart that pretends to be SANS.