Rebar Weight Calculator

Calculate the total weight of rebar by bar size and length. Covers bar sizes #3 through #11 with weight per foot and metric equivalents.

About the Rebar Weight Calculator

Knowing the weight of rebar is essential for ordering, transportation planning, crane load calculations, and structural design. Rebar is sold by weight (tons or pounds) and priced by the ton, so accurately estimating total weight directly impacts your material cost.

This calculator lets you select a bar size (#3 through #11), enter the total linear footage, and instantly see the total weight in pounds and tons. It uses the standard ASTM weight-per-foot values for each bar size, which are consistent across all rebar manufacturers.

Whether you're estimating material for a small residential slab or calculating lifting loads for a commercial structure, this tool gives you the weight data you need for planning and procurement.

By quantifying this parameter precisely, construction teams can optimize material orders, reduce on-site waste, and ensure structural requirements are met safely and efficiently. Understanding this metric in quantitative terms allows construction professionals to compare design alternatives, evaluate cost-effectiveness, and select the optimal approach for each project.

Why Use This Rebar Weight Calculator?

Rebar is ordered and priced by weight (per ton or per pound). To create an accurate material list and budget, you need to convert your bar count and lengths into total pounds. This calculator makes that conversion instant for any bar size and quantity. Consistent use of this tool across projects builds a library of reference data that improves estimating accuracy over time and reduces reliance on individual experience alone.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select the rebar bar size from the dropdown (#3 through #11).
  2. Enter the total linear feet of that bar size needed.
  3. Review the weight per foot, total pounds, and total tons.
  4. Repeat for additional bar sizes if your project uses multiple sizes.
  5. Use the total weight for ordering and cost estimation.

Formula

Weight = Total linear feet × Weight per foot (lb/ft) Weight per foot by size: #3=0.376, #4=0.668, #5=1.043, #6=1.502, #7=2.044, #8=2.670, #9=3.400, #10=4.303, #11=5.313

Example Calculation

Result: 334.0 lbs (0.167 tons)

500 linear feet of #4 rebar at 0.668 lb/ft = 334.0 pounds = 0.167 tons. At a typical rebar price of $800–$1,100 per ton, that's $134–$184 in material cost.

Tips & Best Practices

Rebar Size and Weight Reference

| Bar Size | Diameter (in) | Weight (lb/ft) | Weight per 20' Bar | |---|---|---|---| | #3 | 0.375 | 0.376 | 7.52 lb | | #4 | 0.500 | 0.668 | 13.36 lb | | #5 | 0.625 | 1.043 | 20.86 lb | | #6 | 0.750 | 1.502 | 30.04 lb | | #7 | 0.875 | 2.044 | 40.88 lb | | #8 | 1.000 | 2.670 | 53.40 lb |

Cost Estimation by Weight

Once you know the total weight, multiply by the per-ton price to get material cost. A 2,000 sq ft slab with #4 at 12" OC both ways requires approximately 0.75–1.0 tons of rebar, costing $600–$1,200 depending on market prices.

Ordering Tips

Always order 5–10% more than calculated to cover waste from cutting, lap splices, and field changes. For large orders, specify the lengths you need to minimize cutting waste on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the rebar number mean?

The bar number indicates the diameter in eighths of an inch. #4 rebar is 4/8" = 1/2" diameter. #8 rebar is 8/8" = 1" diameter. Sizes range from #3 (3/8") to #18 (2-1/4"), though #3 through #11 are most common.

How much does #4 rebar weigh per foot?

#4 rebar weighs 0.668 pounds per linear foot. A standard 20-foot bar weighs 13.36 pounds. One ton of #4 rebar contains approximately 2,994 linear feet.

How is rebar priced?

Rebar is priced per ton (2,000 lbs). Prices range from $700 to $1,200 per ton depending on market conditions, quantity, coating (black vs. epoxy), and delivery distance. Small quantities from hardware stores cost significantly more.

What is the metric equivalent of U.S. rebar sizes?

#3 = 10M (9.5mm), #4 = 13M (12.7mm), #5 = 16M (15.9mm), #6 = 19M (19.1mm), #7 = 22M (22.2mm), #8 = 25M (25.4mm). The metric designation uses the nominal diameter in millimeters.

What grade of rebar should I use?

Grade 60 (60,000 PSI yield strength) is the standard for most construction. Grade 40 is used for older specifications and light-duty work. Grade 75 and 80 are used in seismic zones and high-rise structures.

How do I estimate rebar for a complete project?

Calculate total linear feet for each bar size separately (from your rebar schedule or placement drawing). Multiply each by the weight per foot, then sum all sizes. Add 5–10% for waste, laps, and field adjustments.

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