How to calculate the weight of steel bars
In the field of construction and engineering, steel bars are an indispensable material, and the calculation of their weight is directly related to material procurement, cost budget and construction safety. This article will introduce in detail how to calculate the weight of steel bars and provide structured data to help you quickly master this practical skill.
1. Basic calculation formula for steel bar weight

The weight of the steel bars can be calculated by the following formula:
Weight (kg) = diameter (mm) × diameter (mm) × length (m) × 0.00617
Among them, 0.00617 is the density coefficient of steel bars (unit: kg/m³), which is an empirical value and is suitable for most ordinary carbon steel bars.
2. Common steel bar specifications and theoretical weight table
The following is a reference table of theoretical weights for common steel bar diameters (calculated per meter length):
| Rebar diameter (mm) | Theoretical weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|
| 6 | 0.222 |
| 8 | 0.395 |
| 10 | 0.617 |
| 12 | 0.888 |
| 14 | 1.21 |
| 16 | 1.58 |
| 18 | 2.00 |
| 20 | 2.47 |
| 22 | 2.98 |
| 25 | 3.85 |
3. Calculation examples
Assume you have a steel bar with a diameter of 12mm and a length of 5m. Its weight is calculated as follows:
Weight = 12 × 12 × 5 × 0.00617 = 4.435 kg
Or you can use the data in the theoretical weight table directly:
Weight = 0.888 kg/m × 5 m = 4.44 kg
The calculation results of the two methods are basically consistent, and the difference is negligible.
4. Precautions
1.Differences in steel bar materials: The density of steel bars of different materials (such as stainless steel, alloy steel) may be different, and the calculation formula needs to be adjusted according to the actual density.
2.surface shape effect: The actual weight of threaded steel bars is slightly larger than that of plain round steel bars, because the convex part on the surface will add a small amount of weight.
3.Uniform length unit: Be sure to keep the units consistent when calculating. Use millimeters (mm) for diameter, meters (m) for length, and the result is kilogram (kg).
4.Allowable deviation: National standards stipulate that the allowable deviation between the actual weight of steel bars and the theoretical weight is ±4%~±7%. This factor should be considered when purchasing.
5. Application scenarios of steel bar weight calculation
1.Material procurement: Accurate calculation of rebar weight avoids under- or over-purchasing.
2.cost budget: Steel bars are usually priced by weight, and accurate calculations help control project costs.
3.structural design: Calculating the weight of steel bars is an important part of structural load analysis.
4.transportation planning: Knowing the total weight of steel bars can make reasonable arrangements for transportation vehicles and hoisting equipment.
6. Expand knowledge: other steel weight calculation methods
In addition to round steel, the weight calculation formula of other common steel materials is as follows:
| Steel type | Calculation formula |
|---|---|
| steel plate | Weight (kg) = Thickness (mm) × Width (m) × Length (m) × 7.85 |
| Square steel | Weight (kg) = side length (mm) × side length (mm) × length (m) × 0.00785 |
| flat steel | Weight (kg) = Thickness (mm) × Width (mm) × Length (m) × 0.00785 |
| steel pipe | Weight (kg)=0.02466×Wall thickness (mm)×(Outer diameter (mm)-Wall thickness (mm))×Length (m) |
7. Recommended practical tools
For situations where frequent calculations are required, the following tools are recommended:
1.Mobile APP: Professional tools such as "Steel Calculator" and "Building Master".
2.Excel template: You can create automatic calculation tables and enter parameters to get the results.
3.Online calculator: Many building materials websites provide free steel weight calculation services.
Mastering the calculation method of steel bar weight can not only improve work efficiency, but also ensure the accurate use of engineering materials. It is recommended to memorize or save the theoretical weight of commonly used specifications for reference at any time.
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