Rebar Calculator
Estimate the reinforcing bar for a concrete slab grid. Enter the slab size, bar spacing and edge clearance, pick a bar size, and the calculator counts the bars in each direction, adds lap splices for long runs and gives the total length, weight and stock bars to buy.
12 or 18 in is common for slabs on grade.
Distance from the slab edge to the first bar.
Overlap where bars are joined; 40 diameters is a common rule. Follow your engineer or code.
How to use the Rebar Calculator
- Choose units: feet and inches, or meters and centimeters.
- Enter the slab length and width, the bar spacing and the edge clearance (distance from the edge to the first bar).
- Pick the bar size and stock length you will buy. Adjust the lap splice length if your plans specify one.
- Add a waste allowance and, optionally, the price per bar.
- Read the results: bars each way, total length, weight and the number of stock bars, and compare bar sizes in the table.
How rebar for a slab grid is calculated
- Reinforced area: inner length = slab length − 2 × edge clearance, inner width = slab width − 2 × edge clearance.
- Bars lengthwise = ⌈inner width ÷ spacing⌉ + 1, each one inner length long.
- Bars across = ⌈inner length ÷ spacing⌉ + 1, each one inner width long.
- Splices: if a run is longer than a stock bar, it needs n = ⌈(run − lap) ÷ (stock − lap)⌉ bars and n − 1 laps.
- Weight = total length × unit weight of the bar size.
Example: a 20 × 16 ft slab, #4 bars at 12 in, 3 in clearance. Inner size 19.5 × 15.5 ft. Lengthwise: ⌈15.5 ÷ 1⌉ + 1 = 17 bars × 19.5 ft. Across: ⌈19.5 ÷ 1⌉ + 1 = 21 bars × 15.5 ft. Total = 331.5 + 325.5 = 657 ft, weighing 657 × 0.668 = 439 lb. Every bar fits in a 20 ft stock length, so you need 17 + 21 = 38 bars before waste.
Rebar sizes and weights
| US bar | Diameter | Weight per ft | Weight per 20 ft bar | 40 × dia. lap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | 0.375 in (9.5 mm) | 0.376 lb | 7.5 lb | 15 in |
| #4 | 0.500 in (12.7 mm) | 0.668 lb | 13.4 lb | 20 in |
| #5 | 0.625 in (15.9 mm) | 1.043 lb | 20.9 lb | 25 in |
| #6 | 0.750 in (19.1 mm) | 1.502 lb | 30.0 lb | 30 in |
| #7 | 0.875 in (22.2 mm) | 2.044 lb | 40.9 lb | 35 in |
| #8 | 1.000 in (25.4 mm) | 2.670 lb | 53.4 lb | 40 in |
| Metric bar | kg per m | kg per 12 m bar |
|---|---|---|
| 8 mm | 0.395 | 4.74 |
| 10 mm | 0.617 | 7.40 |
| 12 mm | 0.888 | 10.66 |
| 16 mm | 1.578 | 18.94 |
| 20 mm | 2.466 | 29.59 |
| 25 mm | 3.853 | 46.24 |
This calculator is for estimating material. Reinforcement for structural slabs, footings and walls must follow the engineer's drawings and local code.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much rebar I need for a slab?
Subtract the edge clearance from both sides of the slab. Bars running lengthwise = (inner width ÷ spacing) rounded up + 1, each as long as the inner length. Do the same in the other direction. Total length = bars × length for both directions, plus lap splices where a run is longer than one bar.
How much does rebar weigh per foot?
Standard US rebar weights per foot are: #3 0.376 lb, #4 0.668 lb, #5 1.043 lb, #6 1.502 lb, #7 2.044 lb and #8 2.670 lb. The bar number is the diameter in eighths of an inch, so #4 is 1/2 in.
What spacing should rebar be in a slab?
Residential slabs on grade, patios and driveways commonly use #3 or #4 bars at 12 to 18 inches on center each way. Structural slabs are designed by an engineer, so always follow the plans and your local building code.
How far from the edge should rebar be?
Leave about 2 to 3 inches between the slab edge and the end of the bars so the steel is fully covered by concrete. Concrete cast against the ground needs about 3 inches of cover to protect the steel from moisture.
How long should rebar lap splices be?
A common rule of thumb is 40 bar diameters, for example 20 in for #4 bar (40 × 1/2 in). The required length depends on concrete strength, bar size and code, so check your plans.
How heavy is metric rebar?
Metric bar weight per meter is about d² ÷ 162 kg, where d is the diameter in mm: 10 mm is 0.617 kg/m, 12 mm 0.888 kg/m and 16 mm 1.58 kg/m.