Calculator
Steel Weight Calculator
Enter the bar sizes and lengths from your drawing. It gives the weight in kg, the number of 12 metre bars to order, and the cost.
The formula
Weight per metre (kg) = d x d / 162
d = bar diameter in mm
Total weight = Weight per metre x Length x Quantity
Bars to order = Total length / 12 (standard bar = 12 m)
COMMON SIZES
8 mm 0.395 kg/m 16 mm 1.580 kg/m
10 mm 0.617 kg/m 20 mm 2.470 kg/m
12 mm 0.888 kg/m 25 mm 3.858 kg/m
What this assumes
- We use 162, not 162.28. Every steel chart and every dealer in India uses 162, so your numbers will match theirs.
- Standard TMT bar length is 12 metres.
- No wastage or lapping is added. Add 3 to 5% for both.
- Bar bending shapes (hooks, bends) add a little length. Your bar bending schedule will show it.
- Rate is per kg. Dealers sometimes quote per tonne. 1 tonne = 1000 kg.
Common questions
What is the weight of a 12 mm steel bar?
0.888 kg per metre. A full 12 metre bar weighs about 10.66 kg.
Why is the formula d squared divided by 162?
It comes from the density of steel. The exact figure is 162.28, but every chart, dealer and site engineer in India rounds it to 162. We use 162 so your calculation matches theirs.
How much steel is needed for 1000 sq ft?
About 4,000 kg, or 4 tonnes, for a normal RCC house. That is the 4 kg per sq ft thumb rule. Your actual bar bending schedule is the real answer.
Should I buy branded TMT or local?
For anything structural, buy Fe500 or Fe500D from a known brand with a test certificate. Steel is about 15% of your total cost. Saving 5% on it is not worth the risk.