Steel bars are a common element in construction and manufacturing projects. Strong and versatile, these bars come in various types such as TMT bars, Mild Steel bars, deformed bars, steel rebars, reinforced bars, each with its unique properties and applications. Understanding the weight of steel bars therefore is crucial for project planning, budgeting and procurement. Referring to a steel bar weight chart, therefore, can be an invaluable reference tool.

Further, for industry professionals, knowledge of steel bar weight in kg enables resource allocation and cost estimation. Here, let us take a look at how to calculate the unit weight of steel bars and what a steel bar weight chart looks like.

Disclaimer: The focus here is to understand the process of steel bar weight calculations and how to prepare a weight chart for reference. The dimensions used below are for reference only. All should consult with their steel manufacturer for exact dimensions and sizes for the weight calculation.

Steel bar weight chart

Before we learn how to calculate the unit weight of steel bars, let’s take a look at steel bars weight chart in kgs for TMT bars, MS bars, deformed bars and more.

TMT bar weight chart

MS round bars weight chart

Deformed reinforcing steel bars weight chart

Hot-rolled steel bars weight chart

*For reference only. Please check with your steel seller for precise sizes, weight and other details.

What is the unit weight of steel bars?

What is unit weight of steel bar meaning? The unit weight of a bar is the weight per unit length of the bar. Therefore, the unit weight of a steel bar is the weight per unit length of the steel bar.

In other words, it is the ratio of unit weight of the steel bar to its unit volume. The unit of this ratio is kg/m. This defines the weight of steel bars formula as well.

Why is unit weight calculation important?

Load bearing, stability, and durability are important functions of the steel bars used in construction. Steel unit weight calculation is therefore important as it enables engineers to estimate how much or how many steel bars are required to fulfil the load bearing capacity requirements and give the building its structural integrity.

It also helps businesses prevent the waste of raw material.

How to calculate the unit weight of steel bars?

Steel bars can be of a circular or rectangular cross section. We will examine how to calculate the unit weight of steel round bars with a circular cross section, as these are the most widely used.

The formula for calculating the unit weight is:

Weight = Volume x Density

Volume: For steel bars, volume is derived from its length (L) and cross-sectional area (A)

Cross-sectional area of the bar: Calculated as πr² (where ‘r’ is the radius and is half the diameter)

Density: 7850 kg/m³ (this figure is standard for calculations)

Now let’s understand this through an example.

Steps to calculate unit weight of steel bars

Step 1: Define the dimensions of the steel TMT bar (or any other)

First, you will have to know the dimensions of the steel TMT bar.

Steel bars come in various sizes, which refers to the diameter of the bar which is:

8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm and 36 mm.

Here, diameter is the end-to-end measurement of the circular face of the bar.

For our calculation, here are the steel bar sizes:

Length = 10 m
Diameter = 12 mm
Radius = 6 mm or 0.006 m (half the diameter)

Step 2: Calculate the area of the cross section

Formula to calculate area of the cross-section is: πr²

Here, π = 3.1416 (standard)

Area of circle = πr²

= 3.1416 x (0.006 m) x (0.006 m)
= 0.000113 m²

Step 3: Find Volume per meter

Since weight is being calculated per meter, we need to find the volume per meter for area of cross section.

Since Length is 10 meters,

Volume = Area x Length
= 0.000113 m² x 10 m = 0.00113 m³

Step 4: Calculate total weight of the bar

Weight = Volume x Density

= 0.00113 m³ x 7850 kg/m³
= 8.88 kg

This explains how you can calculate the weight of steel bars for your projects.

Unit steel bar weight chart sample

Based on the formula above, here’s a sample weight chart for steel bars of 12-meter length and 8-meter length

*For reference and information only. Not exact. Please check with your steel manufacturer for actual dimensions and weight.

Grades and Sizes of steel bars as per Indian Standard Code

Given below are the nominal size groups of steel bars and steel wires and their grades according to Indian Standard code:

*Source: https://bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PM-IS-1786-JULY-2020-Revised-4.pdf

The weight of steel is generally measured in kilograms or tonnes. Construction projects usually source tonnes of steel bars as raw materials. Measuring the unit weight of steel bars is necessary to determine the load bearing capacity of pillars, columns, etc.

Disclaimer: *This article is for information sharing only. The weight calculation process explained is for readers to understand how steel bars are weighted. Dimensions are for reference. Please consult with your steel supplier for exact dimensions, sizes, weight and other details.

Author: Sohini Banerjee

Sohini is a seasoned content writer with 12 years’ experience in developing marketing and business content across multiple formats. At Tata nexarc, she leverages her skills in crafting curated content on the Indian MSME sector, steel procurement, and logistics. In her personal time, she enjoys reading fiction and being up-to-date on trends in digital marketing and the Indian business ecosystem.