Sheet Metal Hopper Development Calculator

Calculate the theoretical development of a centered square or rectangular sheet metal hopper from top opening, bottom opening and vertical height.

Hopper type

A square hopper has equal length and width dimensions at both the top and bottom.

Top opening

Bottom opening

Hopper height and allowances

Calculated Results

Front/back slant height
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Side slant height
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Top perimeter
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Bottom perimeter
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Hopper wall area
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Approx. blank area
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Development Details

Enter hopper dimensions and calculate.

Formula

For a centered rectangular hopper: ΔL = (Top Length − Bottom Length) / 2 ΔW = (Top Width − Bottom Width) / 2 Front/back slant height: Sf = √[H² + ΔL²] Side slant height: Ss = √[H² + ΔW²] Top perimeter: Pt = 2 × (Top Length + Top Width) Bottom perimeter: Pb = 2 × (Bottom Length + Bottom Width) For each wall, the theoretical surface area is the average corresponding edge length multiplied by the wall slant height. Front/back wall area: Af = [(Top Length + Bottom Length) / 2] × Sf Side wall area: As = [(Top Width + Bottom Width) / 2] × Ss Total wall area: A = 2Af + 2As
The calculator provides the geometric development dimensions and total wall area. Exact individual flat-pattern construction for rectangular transitions may require triangulation, especially when precise cut-line coordinates and corner intersections are required.

Example

Top opening
400 × 400 mm.
Bottom opening
200 × 200 mm.
Vertical height
300 mm.
Horizontal transition
Each side reduces by 100 mm.
Wall slant height
√(300² + 100²) ≈ 316.23 mm.
Total wall area
The four tapered walls are calculated from their respective average edge widths and slant heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hopper development? It is the flat-sheet representation of the tapered hopper walls before they are cut and formed.

What type of hopper does this calculator support? It supports centered square and rectangular hoppers where the top and bottom openings are concentric.

What is slant height? Slant height is the actual length along a tapered hopper wall from the bottom edge toward the corresponding top edge.

Why are there two slant heights on a rectangular hopper? The length and width transitions can be different, so the front/back walls and side walls can have different slant heights.

Does a square hopper have equal slant heights? Yes, when the top and bottom openings are square and centered, all four walls have the same geometric slant height.

Can this calculate an offset hopper? No. An offset or eccentric transition has a different geometry and requires a dedicated development method.

Does this include seams and trim? Yes. Optional seam and trim allowances can be entered, but their exact placement depends on the fabrication method.

Can I use this for dust hoppers and chutes? Yes, for preliminary calculations of centered rectangular or square tapered transitions.