Pipe Support Calculator
Run length and spacing give bracket count and steel weight.
Quick answer
With the default inputs: Pipe run 60 m · Maximum spacing 3 m · Weight per bracket 6.5 kg etc.Bracket count 21 pcs
Edit the inputs below to recalculate.Inputs
Result
Bracket count
21pcs
| Pipe run | 60.0m |
| Spans | 20bays |
| Brackets | 21pcs |
| Actual spacing | 3.00m |
| Net bracket weight | 136.5kg |
| Weight with waste | 143.3kg |
| Steel per metre of pipe | 2.39kg/m |
| At 6 m spacing | 11pcs |
| At 1.5 m spacing | 41pcs |
Bracket count = spans + 1, not length ÷ spacing rounded. Both ends need support: 60 m at 3 m is 21 brackets over 20 spans, and 20 brackets would leave one end hanging. Always round up then add one, or the last span exceeds the limit. Spacing follows material and size: bare steel 2 m below DN25 and about 6 m at DN100; insulated pipe never more than 3 m or the insulation crushes; copper and stainless need closer spacing for thermal movement; plastic 1-1.5 m. Add a fixed anchor every 15-20 m on horizontal runs.
Formula
| Spans | N = ⌈run ÷ spacing⌉ |
| Bracket count | n = N + 1 (both ends supported) |
| Actual spacing | d = run ÷ (n − 1) |
| Net weight | G = n × weight per bracket × pipes |
| With waste | G = G × (1 + waste) |
60 m of pipe at 3 m spacing with 6.5 kg per bracket, one pipe and 5% waste: 20 spans need 21 brackets at 3.00 m actual spacing, 136.5 kg net, 143.3 kg with waste, or 2.39 kg per metre of pipe.
FAQ
Why one extra bracket?
Both ends must sit on a support. A 60 m run at 3 m needs 20 spans, and 20 spans need 21 supports with one at each end. Placing only 20 gives 19 spans and an average of 3.16 m, over the limit, or leaves a 3 m cantilever whose self-weight and contents bend the joint open. Hence round the span count up and add one.
Why must insulated pipe stay within 3 m?
Because the insulation — mineral wool, elastomeric, PU — is weak and a bracket is a point load. Too wide a span flattens it, killing the insulation value and creating a thermal bridge (condensate dripping from chilled lines, extra heat loss from hot). The cladding then cracks, lets water in and performance drops further. Codes cap insulated spacing at 3 m, with chilled water often at 2.5 m. Wood or high-density inserts at the bracket allow wider spacing.
How are anchors and slides arranged?
Slides carry weight and allow axial movement, using U-bolts or pipe shoes; anchors lock the pipe and take the thermal thrust from both sides. Place an anchor every 15-20 m of straight run, with guides and slides between, and let an expansion loop, bellows or sleeve absorb the movement in the middle. Anchors see large forces and must land on structural beams or a dedicated frame — never on masonry or lightweight partitions.
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Results are estimating aids only and are not a design basis. Construction and final accounts must follow the drawings, the applicable standards and an approved method statement. Anything affecting structural safety, shoring or falsework must be checked by a suitably qualified engineer.