What is the best measurement to calculate steel cost?

Answer 1

That depends upon so many factors. Are you buying plate, sheet, structural steel? Most steel (in the US) is sold by the hundred weight, cwt. You can also buy it by the foot, square foot, pound, each, etc. Stainless steel runs about 5 times mild hot rolled steel. Cold finished, turned ground and polished bar stock also costs more, typically, than mild steel.

Also, steel prices have fallen rapidly in recent months, and there is variation in price from one place to another, of course. If you want to keep your cost low you might request a commercial quality grade. If your application is more specialized, such as firebox steel for stoves, or abrasion resistant steel like T1 (A514), you can expect to pay more.

A typical mild steel bar might cost around $100 per hundred pounds. You can often negotiate a better price by buying in quantity.

Answer 2

One common measurement used to calculate steel cost is cost per ton, which gives a direct comparison of the cost of steel across different suppliers or projects. Other measurements can include cost per pound or cost per linear foot, depending on the specific needs of the project or industry. Ultimately, the best measurement to calculate steel cost will depend on the context and requirements of the particular situation.