# Pipe Support Calculator

Run length and spacing give bracket count and steel weight.

- Page: https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/pipe-support
- Category: M&E (https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/c/me)
- Chinese version: https://jianzhujisuan.com/zh/pipe-support.md
- Data checked: 2026-10-25

## Quick result

With the default inputs (Pipe run 60 m, Maximum spacing 3 m, Weight per bracket 6.5 kg, Pipes per bracket 1 pcs, Steel waste 5%): **Bracket count 21 pcs**

## Inputs

| Parameter | Type | Default | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipe run | number | 60 | m | Length of one pipe run at one level and direction |
| Maximum spacing | number | 3 | m | 3 m insulated, up to 6 m for bare DN100 steel, 1-1.5 m for plastic |
| Weight per bracket | number | 6.5 | kg | Arm, post, clamp and fasteners included |
| Pipes per bracket | number | 1 | pcs | How many pipes share one bracket |
| Steel waste | number | 5 | % | Cutting, drilling and rework — usually 3-8% |

## 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)

## Worked example

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.

## Questions

### 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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Generated by BuildCalc. All calculations run in your browser; no data is uploaded. Formulas follow national standards and common trade practice; local codes govern.