Loading Calculator...
Please wait a moment
Please wait a moment
Calculate the weight and cost of round bar stock for various materials. Supports steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and bronze rod stock.
The round bar weight calculator helps you determine the weight and cost of round bar stock (also known as rod stock or bar stock) based on diameter, length, material type, and quantity. Round bars are one of the most common metal stock shapes used in manufacturing, machining, and construction applications.
This calculator supports various materials including steel, stainless steel (304 and 316), aluminum, copper, brass, and bronze. Each material has different density values that significantly affect the final weight and cost of your round bar stock.
Understanding round bar weight is essential for cost estimation, material ordering, shipping calculations, and machining planning. The calculator provides cross-sectional area, volume, weight per foot, total weight in both pounds and kilograms, and total cost based on your specified price per pound.
Cross-Section Area = π × (D/2)²
Volume = Cross-Section Area × Length
Weight = Volume × Density × Quantity
| Material | Density (lb/in³) |
|---|---|
| Steel | 0.284 |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 0.289 |
| Stainless Steel 316 | 0.289 |
| Aluminum | 0.098 |
| Copper | 0.324 |
| Brass | 0.308 |
| Bronze | 0.318 |
Weight per foot for common round bar diameters in steel (0.284 lb/in³):
| Diameter | Cross-Section Area (in²) | Weight per Foot (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 0.0491 | 0.167 |
| 3/8" | 0.1104 | 0.376 |
| 1/2" | 0.1963 | 0.668 |
| 5/8" | 0.3068 | 1.044 |
| 3/4" | 0.4418 | 1.503 |
| 1" | 0.7854 | 2.672 |
| 1 1/4" | 1.2272 | 4.175 |
| 1 1/2" | 1.7671 | 6.012 |
| 2" | 3.1416 | 10.688 |
| 3" | 7.0686 | 24.049 |
| 4" | 12.5664 | 42.752 |
| 6" | 28.2743 | 96.192 |
Cold-finished round bars typically have tighter tolerances (±0.001" to ±0.005") compared to hot-rolled bars (±0.010" to ±0.030"). Precision ground shafting can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.0005". Always verify tolerances with your supplier for critical applications.
Round bars come in various finishes: hot-rolled (mill scale, rough surface), cold-finished (smooth, clean surface), turned and polished (precision machined), and ground (very smooth, tight tolerances). Cold-finished bars are most common for machining applications.
Common grades include 1018 (mild steel, easy to machine), 4140 (heat-treatable, high strength), 12L14 (free-machining), and stainless 303/304/316. Choose based on strength requirements, machinability, corrosion resistance, and whether heat treatment is needed.
Drill rod is precision ground round bar with very tight diameter tolerances (typically ±0.0001" to ±0.0005") and excellent surface finish. It's made from tool steel and used for precision tooling, gauges, and applications requiring exact dimensions without further machining.
Yes, certain alloys can be heat treated to increase hardness and strength. Alloy steels like 4140, 4340, and tool steels respond well to heat treatment. Mild steels like 1018 cannot be significantly hardened. Stainless steels generally cannot be hardened by heat treatment except for precipitation-hardening grades.
Standard lengths are typically 12 feet or 20 feet for most materials and sizes. Random lengths may vary by supplier. Longer lengths can sometimes be special ordered, but shipping and handling costs increase significantly. Consider cutting costs versus shipping costs when ordering.
Calculated weights are theoretical based on nominal dimensions and standard densities. Actual weights may vary by ±3-5% due to manufacturing tolerances, density variations, and surface conditions. For critical weight calculations, request certified mill test reports or weigh actual samples.
Machinability is rated relative to AISI 1212 steel (100%). Free-machining grades like 12L14 (170%) and 303 stainless (78%) machine easily. Grades like 4140 (65%) and 316 stainless (36%) are more difficult. Higher ratings mean easier machining, faster speeds, and longer tool life.
Calculate steel weight for various shapes and grades
Calculate aluminum weight for different alloys
Calculate copper weight and cost
Calculate pipe weight for different materials
Calculate structural I-beam weight
Calculate sheet metal weight for any material