Table of Contents
If you have ever searched for MS rectangular pipe for a gate frame, a structural project, or an industrial rack, you already know the confusion that comes with it: dozens of size options, multiple grade names, and suppliers quoting wildly different prices. This guide cuts through all of that.
MS rectangular pipe — short for Mild Steel Rectangular Hollow Section — is one of the most commonly used structural materials in India. Whether you are a fabricator, a civil contractor, or a procurement manager, understanding the difference between primary and secondary steel pipe is the foundation of every smart purchase.
In the sections below, you will find a complete size and weight chart (IS 4923 compliant), a weight calculation formula, grade comparisons, application guidance, pricing context, and a step-by-step checklist to help you buy right the first time.
What Is an MS Rectangular Pipe?
An MS rectangular pipe is a hollow structural section (HSS) made from mild steel, with a rectangular cross-section — meaning two sides are longer than the other two. It is manufactured by cold-forming or hot-rolling steel strips into a closed rectangular profile and then welding the seam.
The term 'MS' (Mild Steel) refers to the steel grade — carbon content typically below 0.25%, making it easy to weld, cut, and form without special pre-heating. This is what distinguishes it from high-carbon or alloy steel pipes used in pressure or high-stress applications.
MS Rectangular Pipe vs MS Square Pipe vs Round Pipe
Understanding the difference is important for choosing the right section for your project:
- MS Rectangular Pipe: Two pairs of sides with unequal lengths (e.g., 100 mm × 50 mm). Stronger in one axis, ideal for beams and lintels.
- MS Square Pipe (SHS): All four sides equal (e.g., 50 mm × 50 mm). Uniform strength in all directions; used in columns and frames.
- MS Round Pipe: Circular cross-section. Best for fluid conveyance, railings, and poles.
For structural applications where bending load is applied in a specific direction — such as horizontal beams, frames, and supports — rectangular pipe offers better performance at lower material cost than a square or round section of comparable weight.
MS Rectangular Pipe Size Chart and Weight Table
This is the most referenced data in the industry. The table below lists the most common MS rectangular pipe sizes available in India, along with their wall thicknesses, theoretical weights per metre, and the applicable IS standard.
| Size (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | IS Standard | Grade | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 × 25 | 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.2 | 1.88 – 2.92 | IS 4923 | YST 240/310 | ±1% |
| 60 × 40 | 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.2 | 2.56 – 3.94 | IS 4923 | YST 310/355 | ±1% |
| 75 × 50 | 2.5 / 3.2 / 4.0 | 3.87 – 5.96 | IS 4923 | YST 310/355 | ±1% |
| 100 × 50 | 2.5 / 3.2 / 4.0 | 5.19 – 8.04 | IS 4923 | YST 310/355 | ±1% |
| 100 × 75 | 3.2 / 4.0 / 5.0 | 7.08 – 10.53 | IS 4923 | YST 355/410 | ±1% |
| 150 × 100 | 4.0 / 5.0 / 6.0 | 12.47 – 17.68 | IS 4923 | YST 355/410 | ±1% |
Note: Weights are theoretical and calculated using the standard steel density of 7.85 g/cm³. Actual weights may vary by ±2% depending on the manufacturer and rolling tolerance.
How to Calculate MS Rectangular Pipe Weight
If you cannot find your size in the table above, use this formula to calculate the weight per metre yourself:
Weight (kg/m) = [2 × (W + H) - 4t] × t × 0.00785
Where: W = Width (mm), H = Height (mm), t = Wall Thickness (mm)
Worked Example
For a 100 mm × 50 mm pipe with 3.2 mm wall thickness:
- 2 × (100 + 50) - 4 × 3.2 = 300 - 12.8 = 287.2
- 287.2 × 3.2 = 919.04
- 919.04 × 0.00785 = 7.21 kg/m
MS Rectangular Pipe Grades and Specifications
IS 4923 Grade Overview
IS 4923 is the most commonly referenced standard for structural hollow sections in India. It defines three primary yield strength grades:
- YST 240 — Minimum yield strength 240 MPa. Suitable for light-duty fabrication and furniture-grade applications.
- YST 310 — Minimum yield strength 310 MPa. The most widely used grade for general structural work, gates, grills, and mid-span beams.
- YST 355 — Minimum yield strength 355 MPa. High-strength grade for load-bearing columns, heavy structures, and infrastructure projects.
- YST 410 — Minimum yield strength 410 MPa. Special-grade for heavy engineering and bridge structures.
For most civil and fabrication work in India, YST 310 is the default choice. Specify YST 355 when your structural engineer's calculation requires it — not by default, as it costs 5–8% more.
IS 4923 vs IS 1161: Which Standard Applies?
- IS 4923: Structural hollow sections. Use this for beams, columns, frames, gates, grills, and any load-bearing application.
- IS 1161: Steel tubes for structural purposes, including both circular and rectangular. Often used where plumbing-grade pipe is being substituted in light structural use — not recommended for primary structural members.
Always ask your supplier for the Mill Test Certificate (MTC) confirming compliance with IS 4923 for structural applications. BIS certification mark (ISI mark) on the pipe is an additional quality assurance.
Applications of MS Rectangular Pipe
MS rectangular pipe is one of the most versatile structural sections available. Here is how it is used across industries:
| Industry | Application | Recommended Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Structural frames, columns, beams | 75×50 to 150×100 mm |
| Fabrication | Gates, grills, railings, doors | 50×25 to 75×50 mm |
| Automotive | Chassis, support brackets | 60×40 to 100×50 mm |
| Agriculture | Greenhouse frames, equipment | 50×25 to 100×75 mm |
| Furniture | Industrial shelving, racks | 50×25 to 60×40 mm |
| Infrastructure | Bridges, towers, walkways | 100×50 to 150×100 mm |
The asymmetric cross-section of Rectangular pipe makes it particularly valuable when loads are predominantly one-directional. Orient the longer face of the section perpendicular to the load for maximum efficiency — for example, use a 100×50 pipe with the 100 mm face vertical in a beam application.
MS Rectangular Pipe Price in India: What to Expect
Prices for MS rectangular pipe in India are quoted per kg or per tonne and fluctuate based on raw material costs (hot-rolled coil prices), demand, location, and grade. Here is a general indicative range as of 2024:
- YST 240 / IS 4923 (Primary): INR 58–68 per kg (ex-mill / ex-warehouse, major cities)
- YST 310 / IS 4923 (Primary): INR 62–72 per kg
- YST 355 / IS 4923 (Primary): INR 65–78 per kg
- Secondary / Rerolled: INR 48–58 per kg (highly variable; quality not guaranteed)
Note: Prices above are indicative and subject to change based on market conditions. Always request current quotations from trusted supplier.
Factors That Affect Your Final Price
- Quantity: Prices drop significantly at 5 MT+ orders. Negotiate on a per-tonne basis for large projects.
- Size and thickness: Non-standard sizes (custom wall thicknesses) carry a premium of 10–20%.
- Location: Freight from steel hubs (Mumbai, Mandi Gobindgarh, Hyderabad, Chennai) varies by 1.5–3.5% of material cost.
- Payment terms: Credit purchases typically carry 1.5–2.5% loading over cash prices.
- Coating / treatment: Galvanised MS rectangular pipe costs 25–35% more than bare black pipe.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Tell us your size, grade, and quantity — we will respond with a competitive price within 2 hours.
Call / WhatsApp: +91 9281446109 | Email: sales@heybuildex.com
How to Choose the Right MS Rectangular Pipe: A Buyer's Checklist
Use this decision framework before raising any purchase order:
Step 1: Define the Structural Requirement
- Is this a load-bearing structural application or non-structural (decorative, partition)?
- What is the span, load, and design standard being followed?
- Has a structural engineer specified a grade and section modulus requirement?
Step 2: Select the Right Grade
- Light fabrication / furniture / decorative: YST 240
- General structural use / gates / grills: YST 310
- Heavy structures / load-bearing beams / columns: YST 355 or above
Step 3: Confirm the Size and Weight
- Use the size chart in Section 2 or the weight formula to confirm you have specified the correct section.
- Check that the specified size is a standard IS 4923 size — non-standard sizes require minimum order quantities (MOQ) and lead times.
Step 4: Verify Quality Documentation
- Request the Mill Test Certificate (MTC) from the manufacturer — not just the distributor.
- Confirm BIS/ISI mark on the pipe for IS 4923 compliance.
- For government or infrastructure projects, third-party testing (NABL-accredited lab) may be required.
Step 5: Compare Landed Cost, Not Just Material Price
- Add freight, unloading, and any surface treatment costs to your comparison.
- Cheaper secondary pipe may cost more in rework, rejection, or structural failure.
Summary
MS rectangular pipe is a foundational structural material for Indian construction, fabrication, and manufacturing. Getting the specification right — grade, size, standard, and source — directly impacts both the safety and economics of your project.
To recap the key decisions: choose YST 310 for general structural use; always demand IS 4923 certification with a valid MTC; use the weight formula or the chart above to confirm quantities; and compare landed cost, not just material price, when evaluating suppliers.
If you are ready to place an order or need a project-specific consultation, reach out to our team. We supply primary IS 4923 MS rectangular pipe across India with same-day quotations and 3–7 day delivery to most metros.