How Many 32mm Rebar Bars in a Tonne?

32mm Rebar Bars per Tonne — The Short Answer

At a unit weight of 6.318 kg/m and a standard stock length of 12 metres, each 32 mm B500B bar weighs 75.8 kg. Dividing 1,000 kg by 75.8 kg gives approximately 13 bars per tonne, representing roughly 158 metres of rebar per tonne.

These figures are the starting point for bundle planning, container loading, and bill-of-materials calculations. The table below sets out the key values at a glance.

How the Weight Formula Works

The standard weight approximation for steel rebar is:

kg/m = d(mm)² × 0.00617

This derives from the density of steel (7,850 kg/m³) combined with the bar’s circular cross-section area. For 32 mm: 32² = 1,024; 1,024 × 0.00617 = 6.318 kg/m. The cross-section is π/4 × 32² = 804 mm², which at 7,850 kg/m³ gives 6.31 kg/m — consistent with the formula result. Mill Test Certificates supplied under EN 10204 3.1 confirm the actual heat-specific values, which stay within the tolerances set by EN 10080.

Bar Counts at Other Stock Lengths

While 12 m is the most common stock length, 32 mm rebar is also supplied in 6 m and 9 m lengths for projects with restricted access, and in longer bars up to 18 m for heavy civil applications. The bar count changes proportionally:

Notice that metres per tonne stays constant at ~158 m regardless of bar length — only the individual bar count changes. This is the key figure for structural engineers estimating steel quantities.

Practical Use in Procurement and Logistics

Knowing bars-per-tonne and metres-per-tonne enables several procurement calculations:

• Bundle and lift planning: Standard seaworthy export bundles typically weigh around 2 tonnes. At 13 bars/tonne that is approximately 26 bars per bundle for 12 m lengths — manageable with a standard crane hook.
• Container loading: A standard 20-foot container accepts 12 m bars with minimal overhang, and holds roughly 18–22 tonnes of 32 mm rebar depending on packing configuration and bundle arrangement.
• BOM cross-checks: If a structural drawing specifies 500 metres of T32 bars, that is approximately 3.16 tonnes (500 m ÷ 158 m/t) — useful for checking against quantity surveyor estimates.
• Cut-and-bend scheduling: Off-cuts from cut-and-bend operations reduce effective metres-per-tonne. Build in a 3–8% waste factor depending on shape code complexity.

Comparing 32mm to Adjacent Diameters

Buyers sometimes evaluate whether to step up to 40 mm or step down to 28 mm. Here is how the three diameters compare:

The 32 mm diameter is the most-specified heavy bar for columns, transfer beams, and large pile caps. It offers a practical balance between section area and handleability on site. See our guide to 32mm rebar uses and specifications for structural context, and the full rebar weight chart for all diameters from 6 mm to 40 mm.

Ordering 32mm Rebar from Steel Rebar Germany

Steel Rebar Germany supplies B500B hot-rolled 32 mm deformed bars to EN 10080 and DIN 488 in stock lengths or custom cut-and-bend. Every consignment ships with a Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1), Certificate of Origin, and CE Declaration of Performance. Export documentation is prepared for your destination port — whether by container, flat-rack, or break-bulk vessel. Request a quote with your tonnage, length, and delivery port for a detailed offer.