🛠️ Hoop Stress Calculator
Calculate the hoop (circumferential) stress in a thin-walled cylindrical pressure vessel or pipe.
kPa
mm
mm
What This Calculates
Hoop stress is the circumferential (tangential) stress that develops in the wall of a cylindrical pressure vessel, such as a pipe or tank, due to internal pressure. It’s a key check in pressure vessel engineering.
The Formula
σh = (P × d) / (2t), valid for ‘thin-walled’ vessels (where wall thickness is less than about 1/10 the diameter), where P is internal pressure, d is the inner diameter, and t is wall thickness. Longitudinal (axial) stress in a closed cylinder is half the hoop stress.
For general educational and planning purposes; real vessel design must include safety factors and follow applicable pressure vessel codes.
Last reviewed August 2026