Mild Steel Weight Calculator
Steel Weight Calculator
Easily calculate the weight of mild steel based on its shape, dimensions, and the material's density. This tool is essential for project planning, material estimation, and cost control in construction, fabrication, and manufacturing.
Plate
Sheet
Round Bar
Square Bar
Angle Iron
Tube (Square/Rectangular)
Pipe (Circular)
Select the basic shape of the steel.
Enter the length of the steel component.
Length cannot be negative.
Millimeters (mm)
Centimeters (cm)
Meters (m)
Inches (in)
Feet (ft)
Choose the units for your dimensions.
Standard density for mild steel is 7850 kg/m³. Adjust if necessary.
Density cannot be negative.
Calculation Results
— kg
Volume: —
Dimensions Used: —
Steel Shape: —
Unit Factor: —
Formula Used: Weight = Volume × Density
*Volume is calculated based on the selected steel shape and dimensions.*
*Volume is calculated based on the selected steel shape and dimensions.*
Weight vs. Length
Chart showing how the weight of a steel component changes with its length, assuming constant cross-sectional dimensions and density.
| Shape Type | Default Dimensions | Area (m²) | Volume per Meter (m³) | Weight per Meter (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate (1m x 1m) | 1000mm x 1000mm | 1.000 | 0.001 | 7.85 |
| Round Bar (20mm diameter) | 20mm dia. | 0.000314 | 0.000314 | 2.47 |
| Square Bar (20mm side) | 20mm x 20mm | 0.000400 | 0.000400 | 3.14 |
| Angle Iron (50x50x6mm) | 50mm x 50mm x 6mm | 0.000564 | 0.000564 | 4.43 |
| Tube (50x25x2mm) | 50mm x 25mm x 2mm wall | 0.000388 | 0.000388 | 3.05 |
| Pipe (2″ Sch 40) | 2.375″ OD x 0.154″ wall | 0.00289 | 0.00289 | 22.7 |
What is Mild Steel Weight Calculation?
Mild steel weight calculation is the process of determining the mass of a specific quantity or component made from mild steel. Mild steel, also known as low-carbon steel, is the most common type of steel used in a wide range of applications due to its affordability, workability, and good tensile strength. Accurately calculating its weight is crucial for engineers, fabricators, contractors, and even DIY enthusiasts to manage project costs, ensure structural integrity, plan logistics for material transport, and optimize material usage. This calculation essentially quantifies how much of this versatile metal you are working with.
Who Should Use This Calculator?
This calculator is beneficial for a broad audience:
- Fabricators and Welders: To estimate material needs for custom projects, ensuring they order the correct amount of steel and anticipate handling requirements.
- Construction Professionals: To calculate the weight of steel beams, plates, and rebar for structural estimations, load calculations, and budget planning.
- Manufacturers: For production planning, inventory management, and cost analysis of products that incorporate steel components.
- Architects and Engineers: To verify material specifications and ensure designs are structurally sound and economically feasible.
- Purchasing Managers: To get precise figures for procurement, negotiate better prices, and manage supply chains efficiently.
- DIY Enthusiasts: For smaller projects where estimating material cost and quantity is important for budget control.
Common Misconceptions
Several misconceptions surround steel weight calculations:
- "All steel weighs the same": While the density of mild steel is relatively consistent (around 7850 kg/m³), different shapes (like plates, bars, tubes) and even slight variations in alloy composition can lead to different weight-to-volume ratios in practice.
- "Measurements are always exact": Real-world steel products have manufacturing tolerances. Assuming perfect dimensions can lead to ordering too much or too little material.
- "Units don't matter": Confusion between metric and imperial units is common and can lead to significant errors in weight calculation if not handled carefully.
- "Density is a fixed constant": While 7850 kg/m³ is standard for mild steel, some specialized alloys or extreme temperature conditions might slightly alter this value.
Mild Steel Weight Calculation Formula and Explanation
The fundamental principle behind calculating the weight of any object, including mild steel, is the relationship between its volume and density. The formula is straightforward:
The Core Formula
Weight = Volume × Density
Let's break down each component:
1. Volume Calculation
The volume calculation is the most variable part, as it depends entirely on the shape and dimensions of the mild steel piece. Our calculator handles common shapes:
- Plates/Sheets: Volume = Length × Width × Thickness
- Round Bars: Volume = π × (Radius)² × Length (where Radius = Diameter / 2)
- Square Bars: Volume = (Side)² × Length
- Angle Iron: Volume = Area of the 'L' cross-section × Length
- Tubes/Pipes (Hollow Sections): Volume = (Area of the outer circle/rectangle) – (Area of the inner circle/rectangle) × Length
It is crucial to ensure all dimensions are converted to a consistent unit (e.g., meters) before calculating the volume, especially if using the standard density in kg/m³.
2. Density of Mild Steel
Density is a measure of mass per unit volume. For mild steel (low-carbon steel), the standard approximate density is:
- 7850 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³)
- This is equivalent to approximately 0.283 pounds per cubic inch (lb/in³) or 490 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³).
Our calculator uses 7850 kg/m³ by default, but allows for adjustments if you have a specific value for your material.
Variable Explanations Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Primary) | Typical Range/Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length (L) | The longest dimension of the steel component. | meters (m) | Variable (e.g., 0.1m to 100m+) |
| Width (W) | The second dimension, typically for plates or sheets. | meters (m) | Variable (e.g., 0.1m to 10m+) |
| Thickness (T) | The smallest dimension, typically for plates or sheets. | meters (m) | Variable (e.g., 0.001m to 0.1m+) |
| Diameter (D) | The width of a round bar or the outer diameter of a pipe/tube. | meters (m) | Variable (e.g., 0.005m to 1m+) |
| Side (S) | The dimension of a square bar or the width/height of a rectangular tube. | meters (m) | Variable (e.g., 0.005m to 1m+) |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | The thickness of the material in hollow sections (tubes/pipes). | meters (m) | Variable (e.g., 0.001m to 0.02m+) |
| Radius (R) | Half of the Diameter (D). Used for round shapes. | meters (m) | Variable (e.g., 0.0025m to 0.5m+) |
| Cross-sectional Area (A) | The area of the steel's end profile. | square meters (m²) | Variable (calculated) |
| Volume (V) | The total space occupied by the steel. | cubic meters (m³) | Variable (calculated) |
| Density (ρ) | Mass per unit volume of mild steel. | kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) | ~7850 kg/m³ (standard) |
| Weight (W) | The total mass of the steel component. | kilograms (kg) | Calculated result |
Understanding these variables and how they fit into the mild steel weight calculation formula ensures accurate estimations for any project.
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Calculating Weight of Steel Plate for a Base
A fabrication shop needs to create a steel base plate for a machine. The plate dimensions are 1.2 meters long, 0.8 meters wide, and 10 millimeters thick. They are using standard mild steel.
- Inputs:
- Shape: Plate
- Length: 1.2 m
- Width: 0.8 m
- Thickness: 10 mm (0.01 m)
- Unit: Meters (m)
- Density: 7850 kg/m³
- Calculations:
- Volume = Length × Width × Thickness = 1.2 m × 0.8 m × 0.01 m = 0.0096 m³
- Weight = Volume × Density = 0.0096 m³ × 7850 kg/m³ = 75.36 kg
- Result Interpretation: The steel plate will weigh approximately 75.36 kg. This information is vital for ordering the correct material, planning lifting and handling procedures, and including the material cost in the project quote. This level of detail is important for precise steel weight calculation.
Example 2: Determining Weight of Mild Steel Round Bar for a Support Rod
An engineer is designing a support structure that requires a 2-meter long mild steel round bar with a diameter of 25 millimeters.
- Inputs:
- Shape: Round Bar
- Length: 2 m
- Diameter: 25 mm (0.025 m)
- Unit: Meters (m)
- Density: 7850 kg/m³
- Calculations:
- Radius = Diameter / 2 = 0.025 m / 2 = 0.0125 m
- Volume = π × (Radius)² × Length = π × (0.0125 m)² × 2 m ≈ 3.14159 × 0.00015625 m² × 2 m ≈ 0.0009817 m³
- Weight = Volume × Density = 0.0009817 m³ × 7850 kg/m³ ≈ 7.706 kg
- Result Interpretation: The mild steel round bar weighs approximately 7.71 kg. This helps in specifying the material for the bill of materials, estimating shipping weights, and ensuring the support rod meets the required strength characteristics based on its mass. Accurate steel weight calculator usage is key here.
How to Use This Mild Steel Weight Calculator
Our Mild Steel Weight Calculator is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Follow these steps to get your weight calculation:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Select Steel Shape: Choose the shape that best matches your steel component (e.g., Plate, Round Bar, Angle Iron, Tube, Pipe) from the "Steel Shape" dropdown menu. The input fields will dynamically adjust to prompt for the correct dimensions.
- Enter Dimensions: Input the measurements for your steel component. The required fields (e.g., Length, Width, Thickness, Diameter, Side, Wall Thickness) will appear based on your shape selection. Ensure you enter dimensions in a consistent unit or use the provided unit conversion options.
- Specify Unit of Measurement: Select the units (mm, cm, m, in, ft) you have used for your dimensions from the "Unit of Measurement" dropdown. The calculator will automatically convert these to meters for internal calculations.
- Input Density (Optional): The default density for mild steel (7850 kg/m³) is pre-filled. You can adjust this value if you are working with a specific alloy or have a precise density figure.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Weight" button. The results will update instantly.
Reading the Results:
- Total Weight (Primary Result): This is the main output, displayed prominently in kilograms (kg). It represents the calculated mass of your steel component.
- Volume: Shows the calculated volume of the steel in cubic meters (m³).
- Dimensions Used: Confirms the specific dimensions and units that were used in the calculation for clarity.
- Steel Shape: Indicates the shape selected for the calculation.
- Unit Factor: Shows the conversion factor applied based on your selected unit of measurement.
Decision-Making Guidance:
Use the calculated weight to:
- Estimate Material Costs: Multiply the total weight by the price per kilogram of steel.
- Plan Logistics: Determine transportation needs and safe handling procedures based on the weight.
- Verify Structural Integrity: Ensure the weight aligns with design specifications and load-bearing capacities.
- Optimize Material Usage: Compare calculated weights to waste factors and adjust cutting plans if necessary.
The "Copy Results" button allows you to easily transfer these key figures to your reports or spreadsheets, streamlining your workflow.
Key Factors Affecting Mild Steel Weight Results
While the core formula (Weight = Volume × Density) is constant, several factors can influence the actual weight and the accuracy of your calculations:
-
Dimensional Accuracy and Tolerances:
Steel is manufactured to specific standards, but slight variations (tolerances) exist. For example, a 10mm plate might actually be 9.8mm or 10.2mm thick. These small deviations, especially over large quantities or long lengths, can accumulate and affect the total weight. Always consider the manufacturer's specified tolerances.
-
Shape Complexity and Precision:
Calculating the volume for simple shapes like solid bars is straightforward. However, complex profiles like intricate extrusions or custom-fabricated sections require more detailed geometric analysis. Hollow sections (tubes and pipes) also need accurate measurement of both outer and inner dimensions or wall thickness.
-
Steel Grade and Alloy Composition:
While this calculator focuses on "mild steel," which typically has a density around 7850 kg/m³, different steel grades (e.g., high-strength alloys, stainless steels) have slightly different densities. Using the correct density for the specific steel grade is essential for precise weight calculations. Stainless steel, for instance, is generally denser than mild steel.
-
Unit Conversion Errors:
Mistakes in converting units (e.g., inches to meters, millimeters to feet) are a common source of significant calculation errors. Ensuring consistency across all measurements before inputting them into the calculator or performing manual calculations is critical. Our tool helps mitigate this by allowing unit selection.
-
Temperature Effects:
Metals expand when heated and contract when cooled. While the effect on density is usually minor at typical ambient temperatures, extreme temperature variations in manufacturing or in the final application environment could theoretically influence the precise volume and thus the weight. This is generally a negligible factor for most standard applications.
-
Coating or Plating:
If the mild steel component is coated (e.g., galvanized, painted, plated), the added material will increase the overall weight. The calculator provides the weight of the base steel only. The weight of the coating is usually a small percentage but should be considered for highly precise weight-sensitive applications.
-
Scrap and Waste Material:
In fabrication processes, cutting and machining generate scrap. While not directly part of the final component's weight, the total weight of steel *purchased* will be higher than the calculated weight of the finished part due to these offcuts. Planning for this waste is essential for procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Q1: What is the standard density of mild steel used in calculations?
A: The generally accepted standard density for mild steel (low-carbon steel) is 7850 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). This is the value used by default in our calculator.
-
Q2: How do I convert my measurements to meters if I'm using imperial units?
A: 1 inch = 0.0254 meters, and 1 foot = 0.3048 meters. Our calculator allows you to directly select 'inches' or 'feet' as your unit of measurement, and it handles the conversion internally to meters for accurate volume calculation.
-
Q3: Can this calculator handle hollow steel sections like square tubes or pipes?
A: Yes, the calculator includes options for 'Tube' (square/rectangular hollow sections) and 'Pipe' (circular hollow sections). You will need to provide the relevant dimensions like outer width/diameter, height/inner diameter, or wall thickness.
-
Q4: What if my steel piece has an irregular shape?
A: This calculator is designed for standard geometric shapes. For highly irregular shapes, you would need to approximate the volume using known geometric methods, break the shape into simpler components, or consult with a materials engineer.
-
Q5: Does the calculated weight include any coatings like galvanizing?
A: No, the calculated weight represents the mass of the bare mild steel component only. Coatings add a small amount of weight, which would need to be calculated separately based on the coating thickness and density.
-
Q6: Why is knowing the exact weight of steel important for projects?
A: Accurate weight calculation is vital for cost estimation (material cost), structural load calculations, transportation logistics (vehicle capacity, shipping costs), and ensuring materials are handled safely. It's a fundamental part of effective project management.
-
Q7: What's the difference between mild steel and other types of steel in terms of weight?
A: The primary difference affecting weight is density. While mild steel is around 7850 kg/m³, stainless steels can range slightly higher (e.g., 7900-8000 kg/m³). However, the shape and dimensions are usually the most significant factors in total weight for a given component.
-
Q8: How accurate is the calculator?
A: The calculator is highly accurate based on the provided inputs and the standard density of mild steel. The accuracy of the result depends on the precision of your measurements and the consistency of the steel's density. It provides a reliable estimate for most practical purposes.
Related Tools and Resources
- Steel Cutting Optimization Calculator: Learn how to minimize waste when cutting steel sheets and profiles.
- Steel Beam Weight Calculator: Specifically calculates weights for common I-beam, H-beam, and channel profiles.
- Sheet Metal Bending Allowance Calculator: Essential for fabricators to account for material stretch during bends.
- Metal Stamping Force Calculator: Estimate the force required for stamping operations.
- Material Cost Estimator Tool: Helps budget projects by estimating costs based on material weights and prices.
- Weld Cost Calculator: Analyzes the cost of different welding processes for steel fabrication.
Enter the width of the plate.
Width cannot be negative.
Enter the thickness of the plate.
Thickness cannot be negative.
`;
break;
case 'sheet':
dimensionsHtml = `
Enter the width of the sheet.
Width cannot be negative.
Enter the thickness of the sheet.
Thickness cannot be negative.
`;
break;
case 'roundBar':
dimensionsHtml = `
Enter the diameter of the round bar.
Diameter cannot be negative.
`;
break;
case 'squareBar':
dimensionsHtml = `
Enter the side length of the square bar.
Side length cannot be negative.
`;
break;
case 'angle':
dimensionsHtml = `
Enter the length of the first leg.
Leg length cannot be negative.
Enter the length of the second leg.
Leg length cannot be negative.
Enter the thickness of the angle iron.
Thickness cannot be negative.
`;
break;
case 'tube':
dimensionsHtml = `
Enter the outer width of the tube.
Width cannot be negative.
Enter the outer height of the tube.
Height cannot be negative.
Enter the wall thickness of the tube.
Wall thickness cannot be negative.
`;
break;
case 'pipe':
dimensionsHtml = `
Enter the outer diameter (OD) of the pipe.
Outer diameter cannot be negative.
Enter the wall thickness of the pipe.
Wall thickness cannot be negative.
`;
break;
}
document.getElementById('dimensions-inputs').innerHTML = dimensionsHtml;
}
function validateInput(value, id, errorMessageId, minValue = -Infinity, maxValue = Infinity) {
var errorElement = document.getElementById(errorMessageId);
if (isNaN(value) || value === "") {
errorElement.textContent = "Please enter a valid number.";
errorElement.style.display = 'block';
return false;
}
if (value maxValue) {
errorElement.textContent = `Value cannot exceed ${maxValue}.`;
errorElement.style.display = 'block';
return false;
}
errorElement.style.display = 'none';
return true;
}
function getUnitFactor(unit) {
var factors = {
'mm': 0.001,
'cm': 0.01,
'm': 1,
'in': 0.0254,
'ft': 0.3048
};
return factors[unit] || 1;
}
function calculateVolume(steelType, dimensions, lengthInMeters) {
var volume = 0;
var unitFactor = getUnitFactor(document.getElementById("unit").value);
switch (steelType) {
case 'plate':
case 'sheet':
var width = parseFloat(dimensions.width) * unitFactor;
var thickness = parseFloat(dimensions.thickness) * unitFactor;
volume = width * dimensions.length * thickness;
break;
case 'roundBar':
var diameter = parseFloat(dimensions.diameter) * unitFactor;
var radius = diameter / 2;
volume = Math.PI * Math.pow(radius, 2) * dimensions.length;
break;
case 'squareBar':
var side = parseFloat(dimensions.side) * unitFactor;
volume = Math.pow(side, 2) * dimensions.length;
break;
case 'angle':
var leg1 = parseFloat(dimensions.leg1) * unitFactor;
var leg2 = parseFloat(dimensions.leg2) * unitFactor;
var thickness = parseFloat(dimensions.thickness) * unitFactor;
// Area of angle iron = (leg1 + leg2 – thickness) * thickness
var area = (leg1 + leg2 – thickness) * thickness;
volume = area * dimensions.length;
break;
case 'tube':
var width = parseFloat(dimensions.width) * unitFactor;
var height = parseFloat(dimensions.height) * unitFactor;
var wallThickness = parseFloat(dimensions.wallThickness) * unitFactor;
var outerArea = width * height;
var innerWidth = width – 2 * wallThickness;
var innerHeight = height – 2 * wallThickness;
var innerArea = innerWidth > 0 && innerHeight > 0 ? innerWidth * innerHeight : 0;
var crossSectionalArea = outerArea – innerArea;
volume = crossSectionalArea * dimensions.length;
break;
case 'pipe':
var outerDiameter = parseFloat(dimensions.outerDiameter) * unitFactor;
var wallThickness = parseFloat(dimensions.wallThickness) * unitFactor;
var outerRadius = outerDiameter / 2;
var innerRadius = outerRadius – wallThickness;
var outerArea = Math.PI * Math.pow(outerRadius, 2);
var innerArea = innerRadius > 0 ? Math.PI * Math.pow(innerRadius, 2) : 0;
var crossSectionalArea = outerArea – innerArea;
volume = crossSectionalArea * dimensions.length;
break;
}
return volume;
}
function updateCalculator() {
var steelType = document.getElementById("steelType").value;
var unit = document.getElementById("unit").value;
var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById("length").value);
var density = parseFloat(document.getElementById("density").value);
var lengthError = document.getElementById("lengthError");
var densityError = document.getElementById("densityError");
var isValid = true;
isValid = validateInput(length, "length", "lengthError") && isValid;
isValid = validateInput(density, "density", "densityError") && isValid;
var dimensions = {};
var dimensionInputs = document.querySelectorAll('#dimensions-inputs .input-group input[type="number"]');
dimensionInputs.forEach(function(input) {
var inputId = input.id;
var inputVal = parseFloat(input.value);
dimensions[inputId] = inputVal;
var errorId = inputId + "Error";
isValid = validateInput(inputVal, inputId, errorId) && isValid;
});
if (!isValid) {
document.getElementById("totalWeight").textContent = "– kg";
document.getElementById("volume").textContent = "–";
document.getElementById("dimensionsUsed").textContent = "–";
document.getElementById("shapeUsed").textContent = steelType;
document.getElementById("unitFactor").textContent = "–";
updateChart([], []); // Clear chart if inputs are invalid
return;
}
var unitFactor = getUnitFactor(unit);
var lengthInMeters = length * unitFactor;
var volume = calculateVolume(steelType, dimensions, lengthInMeters);
var totalWeight = volume * density;
var formattedWeight = totalWeight.toFixed(2);
var formattedVolume = volume.toFixed(6);
document.getElementById("totalWeight").textContent = formattedWeight + " kg";
document.getElementById("volume").textContent = formattedVolume + " m³";
var dimsString = "";
switch (steelType) {
case 'plate':
case 'sheet':
dimsString = `W: ${dimensions.width} ${unit}, T: ${dimensions.thickness} ${unit}`;
break;
case 'roundBar':
dimsString = `Dia: ${dimensions.diameter} ${unit}`;
break;
case 'squareBar':
dimsString = `Side: ${dimensions.side} ${unit}`;
break;
case 'angle':
dimsString = `Leg1: ${dimensions.leg1} ${unit}, Leg2: ${dimensions.leg2} ${unit}, T: ${dimensions.thickness} ${unit}`;
break;
case 'tube':
dimsString = `W: ${dimensions.width} ${unit}, H: ${dimensions.height} ${unit}, WT: ${dimensions.wallThickness} ${unit}`;
break;
case 'pipe':
dimsString = `OD: ${dimensions.outerDiameter} ${unit}, WT: ${dimensions.wallThickness} ${unit}`;
break;
}
document.getElementById("dimensionsUsed").textContent = dimsString + `, L: ${length} ${unit}`;
document.getElementById("shapeUsed").textContent = steelType.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + steelType.slice(1);
document.getElementById("unitFactor").textContent = `1 ${unit} = ${unitFactor} m`;
// Update Chart Data
updateChartData(steelType, dimensions, unitFactor, density);
}
function resetCalculator() {
document.getElementById("steelType").value = "plate";
document.getElementById("length").value = "1000";
document.getElementById("unit").value = "mm";
document.getElementById("density").value = "7850";
updateInputFields(); // Re-populate dimension inputs based on reset shape
// Manually set default values for the newly populated dimension inputs
var steelTypeReset = document.getElementById("steelType").value;
switch (steelTypeReset) {
case 'plate':
case 'sheet':
document.getElementById("width").value = steelTypeReset === 'sheet' ? "1200" : "1000";
document.getElementById("thickness").value = steelTypeReset === 'sheet' ? "1" : "10";
break;
case 'roundBar':
document.getElementById("diameter").value = "20";
break;
case 'squareBar':
document.getElementById("side").value = "20";
break;
case 'angle':
document.getElementById("leg1").value = "50";
document.getElementById("leg2").value = "50";
document.getElementById("thickness").value = "6";
break;
case 'tube':
document.getElementById("width").value = "50";
document.getElementById("height").value = "25";
document.getElementById("wallThickness").value = "2";
break;
case 'pipe':
document.getElementById("outerDiameter").value = "60.3"; // Approx 2″ Sch 40
document.getElementById("wallThickness").value = "3.91"; // Approx 2″ Sch 40
break;
}
updateCalculator(); // Recalculate with default values
}
function copyResults() {
var totalWeight = document.getElementById("totalWeight").innerText;
var volume = document.getElementById("volume").innerText;
var dimensionsUsed = document.getElementById("dimensionsUsed").innerText;
var shapeUsed = document.getElementById("shapeUsed").innerText;
var unitFactor = document.getElementById("unitFactor").innerText;
var density = document.getElementById("density").value + " kg/m³";
var resultText = `— Mild Steel Weight Calculation —
Total Weight: ${totalWeight}
Volume: ${volume}
Steel Shape: ${shapeUsed}
Dimensions: ${dimensionsUsed}
Density Used: ${density}
Unit Factor: ${unitFactor}
———————————–`;
// Use navigator.clipboard for modern browsers
if (navigator.clipboard && navigator.clipboard.writeText) {
navigator.clipboard.writeText(resultText).then(function() {
// Optional: Show a confirmation message
var copyButton = document.querySelector('.btn-copy');
var originalText = copyButton.innerText;
copyButton.innerText = 'Copied!';
setTimeout(function() {
copyButton.innerText = originalText;
}, 2000);
}).catch(function(err) {
console.error('Failed to copy text: ', err);
// Fallback for older browsers or specific environments
fallbackCopyTextToClipboard(resultText);
});
} else {
// Fallback for older browsers
fallbackCopyTextToClipboard(resultText);
}
}
// Fallback function for copying text
function fallbackCopyTextToClipboard(text) {
var textArea = document.createElement("textarea");
textArea.value = text;
textArea.style.position = "fixed"; // Avoid scrolling to bottom
document.body.appendChild(textArea);
textArea.focus();
textArea.select();
try {
var successful = document.execCommand('copy');
var msg = successful ? 'Copied!' : 'Failed to copy!';
var copyButton = document.querySelector('.btn-copy');
var originalText = copyButton.innerText;
copyButton.innerText = msg;
setTimeout(function() {
copyButton.innerText = originalText;
}, 2000);
} catch (err) {
console.error('Fallback: Oops, unable to copy', err);
var copyButton = document.querySelector('.btn-copy');
var originalText = copyButton.innerText;
copyButton.innerText = 'Failed!';
setTimeout(function() {
copyButton.innerText = originalText;
}, 2000);
}
document.body.removeChild(textArea);
}
function updateChartData(steelType, dimensions, unitFactor, density) {
var ctx = document.getElementById('weightChart').getContext('2d');
if (chart) {
chart.destroy(); // Destroy previous chart instance
}
var lengths = [];
var weights = [];
var maxLen = 5000; // Max length in original units for chart
var step = maxLen / 10;
for (var i = 0; i <= 10; i++) {
var currentLength = i * step;
lengths.push(currentLength.toFixed(0));
var lengthInMeters = currentLength * unitFactor;
var volume = calculateVolume(steelType, dimensions, lengthInMeters);
var weight = volume * density;
weights.push(weight.toFixed(2));
}
// Ensure chart is redrawn
chart = new Chart(ctx, {
type: 'line',
data: {
labels: lengths,
datasets: [{
label: 'Steel Weight (kg)',
data: weights,
borderColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 1)',
backgroundColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 0.1)',
fill: true,
tension: 0.1
}]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
maintainAspectRatio: false,
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Length (' + document.getElementById("unit").value + ')'
}
},
y: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Weight (kg)'
},
beginAtZero: true
}
},
plugins: {
tooltip: {
callbacks: {
label: function(context) {
var label = context.dataset.label || '';
if (label) {
label += ': ';
}
if (context.parsed.y !== null) {
label += context.parsed.y + ' kg';
}
return label;
}
}
}
}
}
});
}
// Initial setup on page load
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
updateInputFields();
updateCalculator();
// Initialize chart on first load
var ctx = document.getElementById('weightChart').getContext('2d');
chart = new Chart(ctx, {
type: 'line',
data: {
labels: [],
datasets: [{
label: 'Steel Weight (kg)',
data: [],
borderColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 1)',
backgroundColor: 'rgba(0, 74, 153, 0.1)',
fill: true,
tension: 0.1
}]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
maintainAspectRatio: false,
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Length (' + document.getElementById("unit").value + ')'
}
},
y: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Weight (kg)'
},
beginAtZero: true
}
},
plugins: {
tooltip: {
callbacks: {
label: function(context) {
var label = context.dataset.label || '';
if (label) {
label += ': ';
}
if (context.parsed.y !== null) {
label += context.parsed.y + ' kg';
}
return label;
}
}
}
}
}
});
});
// Add Chart.js library dynamically (if not already present)
function addChartJs() {
if (!window.Chart) {
var script = document.createElement('script');
script.src = 'https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/chart.js@3.7.0/dist/chart.min.js'; // Using Chart.js v3.7.0
script.onload = function() {
console.log("Chart.js loaded.");
// Re-initialize chart after library loads if necessary, or ensure updateChartData is called
updateCalculator(); // Trigger recalculation to update chart with loaded library
};
document.head.appendChild(script);
} else {
updateCalculator(); // Ensure chart is updated if Chart.js is already loaded
}
}
// Call addChartJs when the calculator is first loaded or updated
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', addChartJs);
document.getElementById('totalWeight').addEventListener('DOMSubtreeModified', addChartJs); // Trigger if results updated
// FAQ Toggles
document.querySelectorAll('.faq-item strong').forEach(function(item) {
item.addEventListener('click', function() {
var content = this.nextElementSibling;
if (content.style.display === "block") {
content.style.display = "none";
} else {
content.style.display = "block";
}
});
});