Stainless Steel Square Bar Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight of Stainless Steel Square Bar by entering your dimensions. The density of Stainless Steel is 0.2875 lb/in³ (7958 kg/m³). Use this calculator for quick stock weight estimates in your CNC machining projects. Accurate weight calculations are essential for shipping quotes, material cost estimation, fixturing load analysis, and structural design verification. The theoretical weight formula assumes a uniform cross-section and standard alloy density; actual weights may differ slightly by grade and mill tolerance. Weight data is calculated using the standard volumetric formula multiplied by the material density constant shown above.
Material Properties
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Shape | Square Bar |
| Density | 0.2875 lb/in³ / 496.8 lb/ft³ / 7958 kg/m³ |
| Example Weight | 3.45 lb / 1.565 kg |
Compare Materials — Square Bar
| Material | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 1.17 | 0.531 |
| Cast Iron | 3.12 | 1.415 |
| Steel | 3.4 | 1.542 |
| Stainless Steel (current) | 3.45 | 1.565 |
Sourcing and Use Notes
304 stainless (18% Cr, 8% Ni) is the general-purpose food and chemical handling grade — austenitic, non-magnetic, work-hardening, and weldable. 316 adds 2% molybdenum for improved pitting resistance in marine and chloride-rich environments; specify 316L (low carbon) when welds will see corrosive service. 17-4 PH precipitation-hardening stainless reaches 40+ HRC after age-hardening, used for high-strength shafts, pump components, and surgical instruments. All stainless grades work-harden rapidly — dwelling at low feed will glaze the surface and ruin the next pass.
Square bar — equal-sided rectangular stock — is the right choice for anvils, fixture posts, vise jaws, sled rails, machinist parallels, and tooling blocks where four orthogonal reference faces are useful. Square bar is less commonly stocked than rectangular flat bar so expect a 10–25% price premium per pound and slightly longer lead times. Hot-rolled square has rounded mill corners; cold-drawn or precision-ground square holds sharper corners and tighter dimensional tolerance. For very small cross-sections (under 6 mm) consider cutting from flat bar instead.
Common Applications
Stainless Steel Square Bar is a standard stock form used in structural frames, machine bases, brackets, and fabricated components. Its consistent cross-section simplifies weight-per-foot calculations and material takeoffs for procurement and shipping cost estimates. Engineers and machinists rely on theoretical weight data during the quoting and planning stages before final parts are produced. For large orders or weight-critical designs, request certified mill test reports (MTRs) to confirm actual density and alloy composition.
Sourcing and Weight Tolerance Note
This weight is based on the theoretical density of Stainless Steel. Mill tolerances (ASTM A6 allows ±2.5% on cross-sectional area for structural shapes) and surface treatments (anodizing, plating, painting) may add 1–3% to actual shipped weight. Order 5–10% material overage to account for saw kerfs and offcuts. Always verify actual material density with your supplier's material test report (MTR) for critical structural or load-bearing applications. Compare weights across materials using the comparison table above to make informed material selection decisions for your project.