Circular Hollow Section (CHS): Sizes, Weight Chart, Prices & Specifications<\/h2>
Circular hollow sections — commonly called CHS pipe, round hollow section, or steel tube — are the most structurally efficient hollow profile available: a circle distributes load evenly around its axis, giving CHS the best strength-to-weight ratio of all open and closed sections. CHS is the default choice for columns, bracing, trusses, handrails, and mechanical applications worldwide. This page is the complete buying reference from Sino East Steel Group — a direct steel structure manufacturer in Tianjin, China, exporting since 1993: CHS pipe sizes, circular hollow section weight charts, material and galvanizing options, 2026 FOB price ranges, and the exact way to order CHS for your project.
1. What Is a Circular Hollow Section (CHS)?
A circular hollow section is a steel tube with a hollow, circular cross-section, produced in two main ways: hot-finished seamless or welded (to EN 10210) and cold-formed welded (to EN 10219). The closed, symmetric profile gives CHS outstanding resistance to torsion, buckling, and compression — which is why engineers use it for columns, crane booms, offshore structures, and scaffold tubes. Because there are no sharp corners, CHS also has a smaller external surface area per unit of strength, which means less paint, less galvanizing cost, and a lower effective wind area on exposed structures.
CHS is manufactured and dimensioned to international standards including EN 10210-1/-2 (hot-finished structural hollow sections), EN 10219-1/-2 (cold-formed structural hollow sections), GB/T 6728 and GB/T 13793 (Chinese welded square/round tubes), ASTM A500 (cold-formed welded carbon steel tubing), and BS 1387 (legacy steel tubes and tubulars). Wall thicknesses range from 1.5 mm light tubes to 25 mm heavy structural sections, and outside diameters from 21.3 mm to 1,219 mm.
2. CHS vs SHS vs RHS: Which Hollow Section Do You Need?
| Comparison | CHS (Circular) | SHS (Square) | RHS (Rectangular) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-section | Circle — uniform in all directions | Equal sides, 90° corners | Two long sides, two short sides |
| Strength | Best in compression, torsion, and buckling | Good bending in two axes | Best in one-direction bending (deep section) |
| Wind / drag | Lowest wind drag coefficient | Moderate | Moderate |
| Joints & welding | Curved surfaces — harder to fit; usually gusset or saddle joints | Flat faces — simple welding and bolting | Flat faces — simple welding and bolting |
| Best for | Columns, trusses, bracing, railings, mechanical parts | Columns, posts, beams in 2-axis frames | Beams, lintels, frames with a deep section |
| Typical use | Transmission towers, cranes, offshore, handrails | Portal frames, columns, towers | Building frames, bridges, mezzanines |
For most steel structures, the engineer’s load and connection design decides the profile. If you are comparing profiles, see our Square Hollow Section (SHS) and Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS) pages for their full size and weight tables.
3. CHS Sizes & Dimensions (Pipe Sizes)
Standard CHS outside diameters follow international series from 21.3 mm (about ½ inch) through 508 mm (20 inch) and up to 1,219 mm for large-diameter pipe. The table below lists the most commonly exported CHS pipe sizes with typical wall thicknesses. Custom diameters, heavier walls, and long lengths (up to 12 m, or random mill lengths) are produced to order.
| Outside Diameter (mm) | Imperial Equivalent | Typical Wall Thicknesses (mm) | Common Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.3 | ½″ | 2.0–3.2 | 6 / 12 m |
| 26.9 | ¾″ | 2.0–3.2 | 6 / 12 m |
| 33.7 | 1″ | 2.0–4.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 42.4 | 1¼″ | 2.5–4.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 48.3 | 1½″ | 3.2–5.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 60.3 | 2″ | 3.2–5.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 76.1 | 3″ | 3.2–5.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 88.9 | 3½″ | 4.0–6.3 | 6 / 12 m |
| 114.3 | 4″ | 4.0–6.3 | 6 / 12 m |
| 139.7 | 5½″ | 5.0–8.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 168.3 | 6″ | 5.0–8.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 219.1 | 8″ | 6.3–10.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 273.0 | 10″ | 6.3–10.0 | 6 / 12 m |
| 323.9 | 12″ | 8.0–12.5 | 6 / 12 m |
| 406.4 | 16″ | 8.0–12.5 | 6 / 12 m |
| 508.0 | 20″ | 8.0–12.5 | 6 / 12 m |
Dimension tolerances follow EN 10210-2 and EN 10219-2 (Class A/B). If your CHS pipe size is not listed, send your drawing — we can schedule large-diameter or heavy-wall production on our tube mills with short lead times.
4. CHS Weight Chart (kg per Metre)
Indicative weights for common CHS sizes, calculated with the standard formula weight = π × (D − t) × t × 7.85 / 1000 kg/m (D = outside diameter, t = wall thickness, 7.85 = density of steel in g/cm³). Actual weights per EN 10219 are within ±4% of these values:
| OD (mm) | 2.0 mm | 2.5 mm | 3.2 mm | 4.0 mm | 5.0 mm | 6.3 mm | 8.0 mm | 10.0 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.3 | 0.95 | 1.16 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 26.9 | 1.23 | 1.50 | 1.87 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 33.7 | 1.56 | 1.92 | 2.41 | 2.93 | — | — | — | — |
| 42.4 | — | 2.46 | 3.09 | 3.79 | — | — | — | — |
| 48.3 | — | — | 3.56 | 4.37 | 5.34 | — | — | — |
| 60.3 | — | — | 4.51 | 5.55 | 6.82 | — | — | — |
| 76.1 | — | — | 5.75 | 7.11 | 8.77 | — | — | — |
| 88.9 | — | — | — | 8.38 | 10.35 | 12.83 | — | — |
| 114.3 | — | — | — | 10.88 | 13.48 | 16.78 | — | — |
| 139.7 | — | — | — | — | 16.61 | 20.73 | 25.98 | — |
| 168.3 | — | — | — | — | 20.14 | 25.17 | 31.63 | — |
| 219.1 | — | — | — | — | — | 33.06 | 41.65 | 51.57 |
| 273.0 | — | — | — | — | — | 41.44 | 52.28 | 64.86 |
| 323.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 62.32 | 77.41 |
| 406.4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 78.60 | 97.76 |
| 508.0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 98.65 | 122.81 |
Use the circular hollow section weight chart to calculate total tonnage for freight and quotation: multiply the kg/m figure by the total length. For example, 1,000 m of 114.3 × 4.0 mm CHS weighs about 10.88 tonnes. A 40 ft container holds roughly 22–25 tonnes of CHS, which covers between 800 m of 406 mm pipe and 20,000 m of 21.3 mm tube depending on diameter.
5. CHS Material Grades & Corrosion Protection
| Option | Specification | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Structural carbon steel | Q235B / S235JR — yield 235 MPa | Railings, fences, general fabrication |
| High-strength steel | Q355B / S355JR / S355J2 / S355J2H — yield 355 MPa | Structural columns, trusses, heavy loads |
| ASTM grade | ASTM A500 Gr B / Gr C | US project specifications |
| Galvanized (pre-galvanized strip) | Z180 / Z275 / Z350 g/m² per EN 10346 | Corrosive atmospheres, fencing, handrails |
| Hot-dip galvanized (after forming) | HDG 70–85 µm (ISO 1461) | Coastal and industrial exposure |
| Surface finish | Black, oiled, painted, or 3PE coated (large-diameter pipe) | Bare structural, buried, or marine pipe |
For humid coastal markets — much of Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia — we recommend at least Z275 galvanizing or full HDG. Every batch ships with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates showing chemical composition and mechanical properties.
6. CHS Prices in 2026 (FOB China)
Indicative export pricing from our Tianjin factory (FOB Tianjin Port, 2026):
| Product | Indicative Price | MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Black CHS, S235JR/Q235B, standard sizes (21.3–168.3 mm) | USD 620–780 per tonne FOB | 5 tonnes (mix sizes OK) |
| High-strength CHS S355 (S355JR/S355J2H), heavy wall | USD 700–880 per tonne FOB | 5 tonnes |
| Galvanized CHS (Z275 or HDG) | USD 750–980 per tonne FOB | 10 tonnes |
| Large-diameter pipe (≥323.9 mm) / special coatings | USD 850–1,100 per tonne FOB | 10 tonnes |
| Cutting to length, chamfering, drilling | Included or nominal charge | — |
Prices move with global hot-rolled coil markets and exchange rates, so treat these as planning ranges. For a firm quotation send your CHS pipe sizes, wall thicknesses, quantities, and destination port to paul@sinoeaststeel.com.
7. CHS Applications
- Structural columns and compression members — CHS has the highest buckling resistance per kilogram of any section, ideal for tall columns in industrial and commercial buildings.
- Trusses and lattice girders — welded tubular trusses give clean, lightweight long-span roofs for arenas, airports, and warehouses.
- Bracing members — round tubes perform equally well in tension and compression, simplifying wind-bracing design.
- Handrails, balustrades, and street furniture — smooth surfaces, no sharp edges, and low cost make CHS the global default for railings.
- Scaffolding and access systems — BS 1387 and EN 39 tubes for scaffolding, couplers, and temporary works.
- Mechanical and agricultural parts — rollers, shafts, machine frames, and conveyor structures.
- Piling and piles — large-diameter CHS used as driven pipe piles in foundations.
CHS is part of our complete steel structure product range — if your project needs square or rectangular profiles instead, compare our Square Hollow Section and Rectangular Hollow Section pages, or add Round Bars and Flat Bars for fabrication details.
8. Why Buy CHS Direct from Sino East Steel Group
Sino East Steel Group is a direct China steel structure manufacturer, not a trader. Since 1993 we have operated a 50,000 m² fabrication facility in Tianjin Industrial Park, Daqiuzhuang — China’s largest steel processing hub — with our own tube mills, slitting lines, and hot-dip galvanizing capacity.
- Factory-direct pricing — no middleman; typically 20–40% below regional re-seller prices.
- Certified quality — ISO 9001:2015, ISO 3834-2, EN 1090 EXC3/EXC4, AWS D1.1; mill test certificates on every batch.
- Full size range — 21.3 mm to 1,219 mm OD, walls from 1.5 mm to 25 mm, lengths to 12 m and beyond.
- Value-added processing — cutting, chamfering, drilling, painting, and galvanizing under one roof.
- Export documentation — invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, EN 10204 3.1 certificates for smooth clearance.
- 100,000+ tonnes annual capacity — standard CHS sizes ship in 1–2 weeks; custom sections in 3–4 weeks.
Before committing to any factory, use our manufacturer verification checklist — we welcome third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV) at any stage.
9. How to Order CHS from China
- Send your outside diameter, wall thickness, length, quantity, and destination port.
- Receive an itemized quotation within 24–48 hours (FOB/CIF).
- Confirm the steel grade, coating, and mill certificate requirements.
- We produce and test (SGS/BV/TÜV inspection optional).
- We ship FCL from Tianjin with full export documentation.
For complete projects — CHS columns plus primary steel frames — see our procurement guide for importers.
10. CHS Section Property Notes for Designers
Three quick design facts help when specifying CHS: (1) the radius of gyration is equal in all directions, so CHS columns do not have a weak axis — useful for slender, unbraced columns; (2) the torsional constant is far higher than open sections such as I-beams or channels of similar mass, so CHS resists twisting without additional bracing; (3) the compactness limits in EN 1993-1-1 and AISC 360 allow many CHS sections to reach full plastic moment, which makes them ideal for moment frames. When CHS is used in trusses, the joints are usually welded with the branch member cut to the chord profile (saddle cut) — EN 10219 cold-formed sections are preferred for small-diameter truss chords because of tighter dimensional tolerance.
For galvanized outdoor structures, always specify the coating mass per EN ISO 1461 and confirm the minimum average coating thickness (70 µm for wall thickness above 6 mm). Our engineers can provide section properties, joint details, and a full CHS schedule free of charge with your quotation request.
11. Packing, Shipping & Delivery
CHS is bundled in hexagonal or square packs, strapped with steel bands, and loaded into 40 ft containers or break-bulk holds at Tianjin Port. Each bundle carries a tag with your project name, diameter, wall thickness, and length for easy site sorting. Standard export documentation — commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates — is provided with every shipment.
Typical transit times: 3–4 weeks to the Middle East (Jebel Ali), 4–6 weeks to East and West Africa (Mombasa, Lagos), 4–5 weeks to Europe, and 3–5 weeks to North America. For full-project shipping details, read our international shipping and installation guide.
12. CHS FAQ
Q: What are the standard CHS pipe sizes?
A: Standard outside diameters run from 21.3 mm (½″) to 508 mm (20″), with large-diameter pipe up to 1,219 mm. Common walls are 2.0–12.5 mm, and lengths are 6 m or 12 m (custom available).
Q: How do I calculate CHS weight per metre?
A: Use the formula π × (D − t) × t × 7.85 / 1000 kg/m. For example, 114.3 × 4.0 mm CHS weighs about 10.88 kg/m. Our weight chart above covers the full range.
Q: How much does CHS pipe cost in 2026?
A: Indicative FOB China prices are USD 620–780 per tonne for black S235JR/Q235B CHS, USD 700–880 for S355, and USD 750–980 per tonne for galvanized. Freight and duty vary by destination.
Q: What is the difference between EN 10210 and EN 10219?
A: EN 10210 covers hot-finished (seamless or welded) sections with specified room-temperature impact properties; EN 10219 covers cold-formed welded sections. EN 10219 gives tighter dimensional tolerances; EN 10210 is preferred where through-thickness or impact toughness matters, such as offshore work.
Q: Which steel grades are available for CHS?
A: S235JR, S355JR, S355J2, and S355J2H per EN 10210/10219; Q235B and Q355B per GB/T; ASTM A500 Gr B and Gr C for US projects.
Q: Can CHS be galvanized?
A: Yes. We supply pre-galvanized CHS (Z180–Z450 per EN 10346) or hot-dip galvanized CHS (HDG 70–85 µm per ISO 1461) for coastal and industrial environments.
Q: What is the maximum length of CHS?
A: Standard lengths are 6 m and 12 m; longer random mill lengths up to 16 m are available for large diameters, and we can cut to any specified length.
Q: Do you provide mill test certificates?
A: Yes — every batch ships with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates showing chemical composition and mechanical properties, plus certificate of origin and full export documentation.
Q: How do I get a CHS quotation?
A: Email your diameter, wall thickness, length, quantity, and destination port to paul@sinoeaststeel.com or message us on WhatsApp — you will receive an itemized FOB/CIF quotation within 48 hours.
Get a CHS Quote — Direct from the Factory
Send your pipe sizes, wall thicknesses, and quantities for an itemized FOB/CIF quotation within 48 hours.
Email: paul@sinoeaststeel.com | WhatsApp: +86 186 2208 8833
