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2026 Updated · BNBC · ASTM · IS 1786 · BSTI
Steel Rod / MS Rod Calculator Bangladesh
Calculate weight in kg and tonnes for MS deformed bars from 8mm to 40mm — any diameter, any length. Add multiple bar sizes in one schedule and get a combined weight and cost estimate using the standard W = D² ÷ 162 formula.
How to Use
- 1Select the rod diameter from the dropdown — each option shows the kg/m weight for quick reference.
- 2Enter the rod length in metres or feet (standard mill-cut length in BD is 12 metres).
- 3Enter the quantity (number of rods) of that diameter.
- 4Enter the current market price per kg or per tonne for automatic cost calculation.
- 5Click '+ Add Bar' to add more rows for different diameters in the same schedule.
- 6Read the four tiles: Total Length · Total Weight · Bar Count · Total Cost.
Example Calculation for Steel Rod Weight
- 12mm × 12m × 50 pcs = 533 kg
- 16mm × 12m × 20 pcs = 379 kg
- 8mm × 6m × 100 pcs = 237 kg
Total: 1,149 kg = 1.149 tonnes
+8% wastage → order 1,241 kg
Cost @ ৳105/kg → ৳1,20,645 (before wastage)
How Steel Rod Weight Calculation Works
Weight per metre: W = D² ÷ 162 (D in mm)
Total weight: kg/m × length (m) × quantity
Total cost: Total kg × price per kg
The constant 162 = (π ÷ 4) × 7850 ÷ 1000 × 1000 — derived from steel density 7,850 kg/m³. Standardised in ASTM A615, IS 1786:2008, and BNBC 2020 for deformed mild steel bars.
Formula & Weight Reference Table
W (kg/m) = D² ÷ 162 · Total weight (kg) = (D² ÷ 162) × length (m) × quantity · Steel density = 7,850 kg/m³
| Diameter | kg / m | kg / 12m rod | Rods per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 0.395 | 4.74 | 211 |
| 10 mm | 0.617 | 7.40 | 135 |
| 12 mm | 0.889 | 10.67 | 94 |
| 16 mm | 1.580 | 18.96 | 53 |
| 20 mm | 2.469 | 29.63 | 34 |
| 25 mm | 3.858 | 46.30 | 22 |
| 32 mm | 6.313 | 75.76 | 13 |
| 40 mm | 9.865 | 118.38 | 8 |
Prices are 2026 BD market estimates. Installation costs vary by contractor. Always get a local quote. Last reviewed May 2026.
References & Standards for Steel Rods
- Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 — steel reinforcement standards, Grade 60 (500W) requirements for RCC structures.
- BDS (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) — MS deformed bar quality and certification standards for structural use.
- ASTM A615 / A615M — Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement.
- IS 1786:2008 (Bureau of Indian Standards) — High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires for Concrete Reinforcement.
- AISC/AISI standards — Published unit weight data and material specifications (latest edition, 2024).
- Weight calculations verified against real manufacturer data. Always weigh a sample before bulk ordering.
Steel Rod Buying Tips for Bangladesh
- 1Order 5–8% extra to cover lapping, overlap lengths, and on-site cutting losses — running short delays the entire project.
- 2Lap length for 12mm Grade 60 bar = 40–60 × diameter = 480–720mm minimum. Always factor lap lengths into your rod schedule.
- 3For column bars, always specify 500W (Grade 60) deformed bars — plain round bars are not compliant with BNBC 2020 for RCC.
- 4Store rods off the ground on wooden sleepers and keep covered — Bangladesh's humidity causes surface rust within days, which reduces bond strength with concrete.
- 5Check the price per kg from at least two suppliers before ordering large quantities — BD steel prices can differ by ৳5–10/kg between dealers.
- 6Use the 'Add Bar' button to schedule multiple diameters in one estimate — this gives a single grand total weight and cost for your entire order.
- 7Always check the rolled-in diameter markings on the bar — counterfeit rods often lack clear marks or show a different size than labelled.
- 8For slabs, 12mm bars at 150mm c/c typically provide adequate reinforcement for residential spans up to 4.5m — verify with a structural engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is MS rod weight calculated?
The universal formula is W (kg/m) = D² ÷ 162, where D is the rod diameter in millimetres and 162 is a constant derived from steel's density of 7,850 kg/m³ and a unit conversion factor. For example: a 12mm rod = 12² ÷ 162 = 144 ÷ 162 = 0.889 kg per metre. For a standard 12-metre rod: 0.889 × 12 = 10.67 kg. This formula is standardised in ASTM A615, IS 1786, and Bangladesh's BNBC.
What is the current price of MS rod per kg in Bangladesh (2026)?
As of early 2026, Grade 60 BSTI-certified deformed MS bar in Bangladesh costs approximately ৳95–115 per kg depending on brand (BSRM, AKS, KSRM, Abul Khair), location, and global scrap prices. Steel prices are closely tied to international scrap and billet prices, which fluctuate monthly — always get a current quote from your supplier and enter it in the calculator for an accurate cost estimate.
What is the difference between Grade 40 and Grade 60 steel rod?
Grade 40 (Fe 415) has a yield strength of 40,000 psi (275 MPa). Grade 60 (Fe 500) has a yield strength of 60,000 psi (415 MPa). BNBC 2020 and BSTI require Grade 60 (500W) deformed bars for all RCC structural members in Bangladesh — columns, beams, and slabs. Plain round bars and Grade 40 bars are not acceptable for RCC. Always check the BSTI certification mark and the rolled-in diameter markings before purchase.
Which rod diameter is used for which structural element?
8mm: stirrups, links, and temperature reinforcement in slabs. 10mm: light secondary bars and lintels. 12mm: primary slab reinforcement, secondary beam bars, and small columns. 16mm: main column bars, primary beam reinforcement. 20mm and 25mm: heavy columns, large beams, and raft foundations. 32mm and 40mm: bridge piers, large industrial columns, and heavily loaded foundations.
How much wastage should I add when ordering steel rods?
Add 5–8% extra to your calculated weight to account for: lapping and overlap lengths (typically 40–60 times the bar diameter), cutting waste at rod ends, and on-site bending losses. For heavily detailed structures with many laps and bends, use 8–10%. Never order the exact calculated quantity — running short mid-construction causes expensive supply delays.
How do I convert MS rod weight from kg to pieces (rods per tonne)?
Rods per tonne = 1000 ÷ (kg per metre × rod length). For 12mm × 12m: 1000 ÷ (0.889 × 12) = 1000 ÷ 10.67 ≈ 94 rods per tonne. The weight reference table in the calculator page shows rods-per-tonne for all standard diameters. The calculator also shows total kg and tonnes simultaneously so you can convert directly.
What brands of steel rod are BSTI-certified in Bangladesh?
Major BSTI-certified manufacturers include BSRM (Bangladesh Steel Re-Rolling Mills), AKS (Abul Khair Steel), KSRM (Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills), and GPH Ispat. These brands roll the diameter size into the bar surface for verification. Uncertified or counterfeit rods can be 10–15% underweight, significantly reducing structural strength. Always verify the BSTI certification number with the supplier documentation.