Question 1

How much does a foot of rebar weigh?

Accepted Answer

Rebar weight per linear foot depends on the bar size. Common US sizes are: #3 = 0.376 lb/ft, #4 = 0.668 lb/ft, #5 = 1.043 lb/ft, #6 = 1.502 lb/ft, #7 = 2.044 lb/ft, #8 = 2.67 lb/ft. In metric, a 10mm bar is 0.617 kg/m, 12mm is 0.888 kg/m, 16mm is 1.578 kg/m, 20mm is 2.466 kg/m. The larger the bar, the heavier per foot or meter.

Question 2

How do I convert rebar size from US to metric?

Accepted Answer

US rebar sizes (#3 through #11) are designated in eighths of an inch diameter. Approximate metric equivalents: #3 = 10mm (actually 9.5mm), #4 = 13mm (12.7mm), #5 = 16mm (15.9mm), #6 = 19mm (19.1mm), #7 = 22mm (22.2mm), #8 = 25mm (25.4mm). Most countries outside the US and Canada use metric (mm) bar sizes with standard diameters of 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, and 32 mm.

Question 3

How do I calculate the total weight of rebar for a project?

Accepted Answer

Total weight = (pieces x length per piece x weight per unit length) for each rebar size, then sum them. For example, 50 pieces of 20 ft #5 rebar: 50 x 20 x 1.043 = 1043 lbs. For multiple sizes, add the weights together. Add a 5 to 10 percent waste factor for bending, cutting, and lapping. Most suppliers price rebar by weight (per pound or per ton).

Question 4

What is the standard length of a rebar stick?

Accepted Answer

Standard rebar comes in 20 foot (6 m) lengths from most US suppliers, with 40 and 60 foot lengths available by special order. In metric countries, standard lengths are 6, 9, and 12 meters. Stock lengths are cut to required sizes on the jobsite or at a fabrication shop. For long continuous runs, bars are lapped (overlapped) by 40 to 60 bar diameters per ACI 318.

Question 5

How much does rebar cost per pound or per kg?

Accepted Answer

Rebar prices fluctuate with steel market conditions. As of 2026, typical prices are $0.50 to $0.90 per pound in the US ($1000 to $1800 per ton), and 0.80 to 1.50 EUR/kg in Europe, and 80 to 120 INR/kg in India. Larger bars cost less per pound than smaller bars. Epoxy-coated or galvanized rebar costs 25 to 50 percent more than plain black rebar. Order by weight from a local supplier for best pricing.

Question 6

Why calculate rebar by weight instead of length?

Accepted Answer

Rebar is sold and priced by weight (per pound, per kg, or per ton) because the same linear foot of different-size bars has very different weight and strength. A ton of #3 covers far more linear footage than a ton of #8. Weight also drives shipping cost and handling requirements, so knowing total weight helps you schedule delivery, labor, and cranes if needed.

Question 7

How is rebar weight used in structural design?

Accepted Answer

Engineers specify rebar by size, spacing, and cross-sectional area per foot of width. Knowing total weight helps estimators price the job, while unit weight (lb/ft or kg/m) is used in self-weight calculations for large rebar cages. Weight is also critical for seismic design, where bar density affects the ductility and mass of reinforced concrete members.

Size	Pieces	Linear ft	Weight lbs	Cost
#4	53	1,050	701	$490.98
Total		1,050	701	$490.98

Size	Diameter	Weight lb/ft	Weight kg/m
#3	3/8 in	0.376	0.560
#4	1/2 in	0.668	0.994
#5	5/8 in	1.043	1.552
#6	3/4 in	1.502	2.235
#7	7/8 in	2.044	3.042
#8	1 in	2.670	3.973

Size	Weight kg/m	Area mm2
8mm	0.395	50.3
10mm	0.617	78.5
12mm	0.888	113
16mm	1.578	201
20mm	2.466	314
25mm	3.853	491

Size	Pieces	Linear ft	Weight lbs	Cost
#4	53	1,050	701	$490.98
Total		1,050	701	$490.98

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