The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Estimate bearing-bar steel mass from bar depth, thickness and center-to-center pitch, then keep that theoretical base separate from finished manufacturer weight. Cross bars, banding, serration, welds, galvanizing and fabrication can materially change delivered mass.
How to use this calculator
Enter bearing-bar depth, thickness and center-to-center pitch.
Choose mm/in, then enter panel width/length and whole-panel quantity.
Use documented material density; carbon steel defaults to 7,850 kg/m³.
Optionally enter allowance, rate/kg, target mass or supplier finished kg/m².
Use the manufacturer approved drawing/BOM and load tables for final shipping, lifting and structural decisions.
Where people use it
- •Estimate bearing-bar dead weight before requesting a grating quote.
- •Compare theoretical kg/m² with a supplier finished-panel value.
- •Estimate panel, batch, freight and purchasing mass.
- •Reverse a transport mass limit into whole equal-size panels.
- •Compare pitch or bearing-bar geometry without pretending to calculate load capacity.
30 × 3 mm bearing bars at 30 mm pitch
Bearing-bar mass = 30×3×7,850÷30÷1000 = 23.55 kg/m². A 1 × 3 m panel is 70.65 kg before cross bars, banding, finish and fabrication; 10 panels are 706.5 kg.
What the result does not assume
- •The geometry result includes rectangular bearing bars only; it is not finished grating weight.
- •Cross bars, edge banding, toe plates, nosing, welds, cutouts, frames, clips and packing add mass.
- •Galvanizing and other finishes change delivered mass; use the supplier value when known.
- •Pitch is center-to-center bearing-bar spacing, not clear opening.
- •This calculator estimates mass only. It does not determine allowable load, deflection, span, slip resistance, ADA suitability or structural safety.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate steel grating weight per square metre?+
For rectangular bearing bars, multiply bar depth by thickness and material density, then divide by center-to-center pitch and the metric scale factor. This estimates bearing-bar mass only.
Why is manufacturer grating weight higher than the calculator?+
Finished grating also contains cross bars, welds, edge banding and often galvanizing or other fabrication. Supplier drawings and BOM values should control final procurement and lifting.
What does bearing bar spacing mean?+
It is the center-to-center pitch between adjacent load-carrying bearing bars. Closer pitch places more steel in each square metre and increases theoretical mass.
Does this calculate 19-W-4 or 30/100 grating load capacity?+
No. Designations and mesh notation are useful identifiers, but load capacity depends on the manufacturer section, span, material and design criteria. Use current engineering load tables.
Can I calculate panel and total project weight?+
Yes. Enter panel dimensions and whole-panel quantity. The tool multiplies theoretical kg/m² by area and quantity, with an optional procurement allowance.
Can I compare a supplier published kg/m²?+
Yes. Enter the supplier finished kg/m² to report its percentage variance from the bearing-bar-only theoretical estimate without replacing either value.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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