Steel Unit Weight Calculator
Accurately determine the weight per unit length or area for various steel profiles.
Mild Steel
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel
Select the type of steel, influencing its density.
Round Bar
Square Bar
Rectangular Bar
Angle Steel (L-shape)
Channel Steel (U-shape)
I-Beam
H-Beam
Steel Plate
Steel Pipe (Round)
Choose the cross-sectional shape of the steel.
mm
mm
mm
mm
Calculation Results
0.00 kg/m
Weight = Volume × Density
0.00
mm²
Cross-Sectional Area
Cross-Sectional Area
0.00
m³
Volume
Volume
7850
kg/m³
Steel Density
Steel Density
Weight per Meter
Total Weight
| Steel Type | Density (kg/m³) | Typical Unit Weight (kg/m for 10mm x 10mm Square Bar) |
|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 7,850 | 0.785 kg/m |
| Stainless Steel | 8,000 | 0.800 kg/m |
| Carbon Steel | 7,850 | 0.785 kg/m |
Understanding and Calculating the Unit Weight of Steel
The calculation of unit weight of steel is a fundamental concept in engineering, construction, and manufacturing. It allows professionals to precisely estimate the mass of steel components, which is crucial for structural design, material procurement, transportation logistics, and cost analysis. Understanding how to accurately determine the weight of steel per unit length, area, or volume ensures project efficiency and safety.
What is Steel Unit Weight?
Steel unit weight refers to the mass of a specific volume or dimension of steel. Typically, it's expressed as weight per linear meter (kg/m) for bars, beams, and pipes, or weight per square meter (kg/m²) for plates. This value is derived from the steel's cross-sectional area and its density. The calculation of unit weight of steel is not a single fixed value but depends on the steel's shape, dimensions, and type (which influences its density).
Who Should Use It?
- Structural Engineers: To calculate loads on foundations, beams, and columns.
- Fabricators: For material estimation, cutting optimization, and welding calculations.
- Architects: For preliminary structural assessments and material budgeting.
- Procurement Specialists: To order the correct quantities of steel for projects.
- Logistics Managers: To plan transportation and handling of steel materials.
- DIY Enthusiasts: For small-scale projects requiring accurate material calculations.
Common Misconceptions
- "All steel weighs the same": This is incorrect. Different steel alloys (like mild steel vs. stainless steel) have slightly different densities.
- "Units don't matter": Inconsistent unit usage (e.g., mixing mm and meters) is a frequent source of calculation errors in the calculation of unit weight of steel.
- "Weight is always linear with dimensions": For some shapes (like beams), changes in proportions can affect the weight per unit length more significantly than a simple linear relationship might suggest.
Steel Unit Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core principle behind the calculation of unit weight of steel is the relationship between volume, density, and mass (which is often used interchangeably with weight in practical contexts). The fundamental formula is:
Mass = Volume × Density
To calculate the unit weight (e.g., per meter), we first determine the cross-sectional area and then multiply it by the density, considering the length unit.
Step-by-Step Derivation (Weight per Meter)
- Determine Cross-Sectional Area (A): Calculate the area of the steel's shape in square millimeters (mm²). This depends on the specific shape (round, square, angle, I-beam, etc.) and its dimensions.
- Convert Area to Square Meters (m²): Divide the area in mm² by 1,000,000 (since 1 m² = 1,000,000 mm²).
- Determine Density (ρ): Identify the density of the specific steel type. A common value for mild steel and carbon steel is approximately 7,850 kg/m³. Stainless steel is slightly denser, around 8,000 kg/m³.
- Calculate Volume (V) per Meter: For a length of 1 meter, the volume is the cross-sectional area in m² multiplied by 1 meter. So, Volume (m³) = Area (m²) × 1 m.
- Calculate Unit Weight (W): Mass = Volume × Density. Therefore, Weight per meter (kg/m) = Area (m²) × Density (kg/m³).
Formula Simplified for Practical Use
Weight per meter (kg/m) = Cross-sectional Area (mm²) × Density (kg/m³) / 1,000,000
Or, more commonly for standard sections where dimensions are in mm:
Weight per meter (kg/m) ≈ Cross-sectional Area (cm²) × Density (kg/m³) / 100
Let's stick to the first, more direct formula using mm² and kg/m³ for clarity in this calculator.
Variable Explanations
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | The geometric form of the steel's cross-section. | N/A | Round, Square, Rectangular, Angle, Channel, I-Beam, H-Beam, Plate, Pipe |
| Dimension 1, 2, 3 | Key measurements defining the shape (e.g., diameter, side length, width, height, thickness). | mm | 0.1 mm to 1000+ mm |
| Length | The linear extent of the steel piece. | mm or m | 1 mm to 100+ m |
| Cross-Sectional Area (A) | The area of the steel's shape if cut perpendicularly to its length. | mm² or m² | Varies greatly with shape and dimensions. |
| Density (ρ) | Mass per unit volume of the steel material. | kg/m³ | 7,850 kg/m³ (Mild/Carbon Steel) to 8,000 kg/m³ (Stainless Steel) |
| Volume (V) | The total space occupied by the steel. | m³ or mm³ | Varies greatly. |
| Unit Weight (W) | The mass of the steel per specified unit (e.g., per meter). | kg/m | 0.1 kg/m to 1000+ kg/m |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Calculating the Weight of a Steel Support Beam
Scenario: A construction project requires a standard L-shaped angle steel (Angle Steel) for bracing. The dimensions are 50mm x 50mm with a thickness of 5mm, and the required length is 3 meters.
Inputs:
- Steel Type: Mild Steel (Density ≈ 7,850 kg/m³)
- Steel Shape: Angle Steel (L-shape)
- Dimension 1 (Leg): 50 mm
- Dimension 2 (Leg): 50 mm
- Dimension 3 (Thickness): 5 mm
- Length: 3 meters (3000 mm)
Calculation Steps:
- Cross-Sectional Area of Angle Steel: Area = (Leg1 × Thickness) + (Leg2 × Thickness) – (Thickness × Thickness) Area = (50 × 5) + (50 × 5) – (5 × 5) = 250 + 250 – 25 = 475 mm²
- Convert Area to m²: 475 mm² / 1,000,000 = 0.000475 m²
- Calculate Volume: Volume = Area (m²) × Length (m) = 0.000475 m² × 3 m = 0.001425 m³
- Calculate Total Weight: Weight = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³) = 0.001425 m³ × 7,850 kg/m³ ≈ 11.19 kg
Calculator Result (per meter): The calculator would show approximately 3.73 kg/m. For 3 meters, the total weight is ~11.19 kg.
Interpretation: This angle steel piece weighs approximately 11.19 kg. This information is vital for ordering, handling, and ensuring the structural integrity of the bracing.
Example 2: Weight of a Steel Plate Section
Scenario: A manufacturer needs a flat steel plate for a component. The plate is 1200mm wide, 2400mm long, and 10mm thick. The steel type is Stainless Steel.
Inputs:
- Steel Type: Stainless Steel (Density ≈ 8,000 kg/m³)
- Steel Shape: Steel Plate
- Dimension 1 (Width): 1200 mm
- Dimension 2 (Length): 2400 mm
- Dimension 3 (Thickness): 10 mm
- Length: (This input is not typical for plate weight calculation, usually we calculate weight per area or total weight based on dimensions). For simplicity in the calculator, we can consider the "Length" input as the thickness and adjust the calculation logic, or calculate weight per square meter. Let's assume we calculate weight per square meter for this example using the calculator's "length" input as thickness.
Revised Calculator Input for Plate:
- Steel Type: Stainless Steel (Density ≈ 8,000 kg/m³)
- Steel Shape: Steel Plate
- Dimension 1 (Width): 1200 mm
- Dimension 2 (Length): 2400 mm
- Dimension 3 (Thickness): 10 mm
- Length: (Not used for weight per m², but used for total weight). Let's set it to 1000mm (1m) for calculating weight *per square meter* of thickness.
Calculation Steps (Weight per Square Meter of Thickness):
- Cross-Sectional Area (for 1m length): For a 1m length (1000mm) and 10mm thickness, the "area" is 1000mm * 10mm = 10,000 mm²
- Convert Area to m²: 10,000 mm² / 1,000,000 = 0.01 m²
- Calculate Volume (for 1m length): Volume = Area (m²) × Length (m) = 0.01 m² × 1 m = 0.01 m³
- Calculate Unit Weight (kg per m² of thickness): Weight = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³) = 0.01 m³ × 8,000 kg/m³ = 80 kg/m²
Calculator Result: The calculator will show approximately 80 kg/m² (assuming thickness is 10mm and steel is Stainless). If the "Length" input was set to 2400mm, the total weight would be calculated.
Total Weight Calculation: Area of Plate = 1.2m * 2.4m = 2.88 m². Total Weight = Area * Thickness (m) * Density = 2.88 m² * 0.01 m * 8000 kg/m³ = 230.4 kg.
Interpretation: Each square meter of this 10mm thick stainless steel plate weighs approximately 80 kg. The total weight of the specific plate is 230.4 kg, important for shipping and handling costs.
How to Use This Steel Unit Weight Calculator
Using the Steel Unit Weight Calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Select Steel Type: Choose the appropriate steel type (Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel) from the dropdown. This sets the density.
- Choose Steel Shape: Select the cross-sectional shape of your steel component (e.g., Round Bar, I-Beam, Steel Plate).
- Input Dimensions:
- Enter the relevant dimensions based on the selected shape. The labels will guide you (e.g., Diameter for Round Bar, Width/Height/Thickness for beams and plates). Units are typically in millimeters (mm).
- If a dimension is not applicable for the shape (e.g., Width for a Round Bar), that input field might be hidden or irrelevant.
- Enter the total Length of the steel piece in millimeters (mm).
- View Results: The calculator automatically updates in real-time. You'll see:
- Main Result: The primary weight output, usually in kg/m (kilograms per meter).
- Cross-Sectional Area: The area of the steel's shape in mm².
- Volume: The calculated volume for the specified length, in m³.
- Steel Density: The density value used in the calculation (kg/m³).
- Use Buttons:
- Copy Results: Click this to copy all calculated values and key assumptions to your clipboard.
- Reset: Click this to revert all fields to their default values.
How to Read Results
The main result (e.g., 7.85 kg/m for a 10mm x 10mm mild steel square bar) tells you the weight of one linear meter of that specific steel section. Multiply this by the total length of your steel in meters to get the total weight. For plates, the result might be in kg/m² (kilograms per square meter per unit thickness), requiring multiplication by the plate's area.
Decision-Making Guidance
The calculated weight is crucial for:
- Budgeting: Steel is often priced by weight. Accurate calculation prevents over or under-spending.
- Structural Integrity: Ensuring support structures can handle the calculated loads. This relates to our structural load calculators.
- Logistics: Planning crane capacity, truck payloads, and handling equipment.
- Material Efficiency: Optimizing cuts and designs to minimize waste.
Key Factors That Affect Steel Unit Weight Results
Several factors influence the outcome of the calculation of unit weight of steel:
- Steel Type & Density: As mentioned, different alloys have different densities. Stainless steel is typically denser than mild steel. This is a direct input into the calculation.
- Dimensions Accuracy: Even small errors in measuring dimensions (diameter, width, thickness) can lead to significant weight discrepancies, especially for large quantities. Precision is key.
- Shape Complexity: Calculating the cross-sectional area for complex shapes like I-beams or channels requires precise geometric formulas. Our calculator automates this.
- Unit Consistency: Mixing units (e.g., using inches for dimensions and meters for length) is a common pitfall. Ensure all inputs are converted to a consistent system (like millimeters for dimensions and meters for length) before applying the formula.
- Tolerances: Manufacturing processes have tolerances. Actual steel dimensions might slightly vary from nominal values, leading to minor weight variations. Standard steel sections often have published weight charts that account for typical tolerances.
- Corrosion/Coatings: While not typically included in basic calculations, significant corrosion can reduce the effective thickness/dimensions, and coatings (like galvanization) add a small amount of weight. These are usually considered in specialized contexts.
- Temperature Effects: Steel expands when heated and contracts when cooled. While density changes minimally with typical temperature fluctuations, extreme variations could theoretically affect volume and thus weight, though this is rarely a practical concern for standard calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1: What is the standard density of steel used in calculations?
- A1: For mild steel and carbon steel, the standard density used is typically 7,850 kg/m³. For stainless steel, it's often around 8,000 kg/m³.
- Q2: Does the shape of the steel affect its weight per volume?
- A2: No, the weight per unit *volume* (density) is a material property. However, the *weight per unit length* or *area* is highly dependent on the shape because different shapes have different cross-sectional areas for the same outer dimensions. This is why the calculation of unit weight of steel must account for shape.
- Q3: How do I calculate the weight of steel if dimensions are in inches?
- A3: Convert all inch measurements to millimeters (1 inch = 25.4 mm) before using the calculator or applying the formula. Ensure consistency in units.
- Q4: Can this calculator handle hollow sections like square tubes?
- A4: Yes, depending on the available shape options. For a square tube, you would typically calculate the outer square's area and subtract the inner square's area to get the cross-sectional area. Our calculator might have a 'Steel Pipe' or 'Hollow Section' option, or you can calculate it manually using dimensions.
- Q5: What's the difference between unit weight and total weight?
- A5: Unit weight (e.g., kg/m) is the weight per standard unit of length. Total weight is the unit weight multiplied by the total length of the steel piece in the same unit.
- Q6: How accurate are these calculations?
- A6: The calculations are highly accurate based on the provided inputs and standard density values. Real-world weights may vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances, minor impurities, or surface treatments.
- Q7: I need to calculate the weight of a custom steel profile. What should I do?
- A7: You'll need to accurately determine the cross-sectional area of your custom profile, then use the formula: Weight per meter = Area (mm²) × Density (kg/m³) / 1,000,000. You can use the 'density' value from our calculator.
- Q8: Is there a standard steel weight chart available?
- A8: Yes, many steel suppliers provide standard weight charts for common profiles (like beams, angles, pipes) based on nominal dimensions. These are often based on the same principles used in this calculator but may use slightly different density values or account for specific international standards.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore these resources for related calculations and insights:
- Steel Grade Properties Comparison: Understand the differences in density and other properties between various steel grades.
- Structural Load Calculator: Determine the load-bearing capacity of steel structures based on their weight and dimensions.
- Material Cost Estimator: Estimate the cost of steel based on its calculated weight and current market prices.
- Bolt Shear Strength Calculator: Essential for designing bolted steel connections.
- Weld Strength Calculator: Calculate the capacity of welds used in steel fabrication.
- Surface Area Calculator: Useful for estimating coating or painting requirements for steel structures.
mm
';
htmlContent += ' mm
';
htmlContent += ' mm
';
// Adjust units for plate calculation display if needed
document.getElementById('areaUnit').innerText = 'mm²'; // Cross-section area
document.getElementById('volumeUnit').innerText = 'm³'; // Volume for the entered length
document.getElementById('lengthUnit').innerText = 'mm'; // Actual length of plate piece
} else {
// Standard shapes
htmlContent += ' ' + data.units[0] + '
';
if (data.dims.length > 1) {
document.getElementById('dimension2Group').style.display = 'flex';
document.getElementById('dimension2').setAttribute('placeholder', dimLabels[data.dims[1]]);
document.getElementById('dimension2′).value = '10'; // Default value
document.getElementById('dimension2Label').innerText = dimLabels[data.dims[1]];
document.getElementById('dimension2Unit').innerText = data.units[1];
if (data.dims.length > 2) {
document.getElementById('dimension3Group').style.display = 'flex';
document.getElementById('dimension3').setAttribute('placeholder', dimLabels[data.dims[2]]);
document.getElementById('dimension3′).value = '10'; // Default value
document.getElementById('dimension3Label').innerText = dimLabels[data.dims[2]];
document.getElementById('dimension3Unit').innerText = data.units[2];
} else {
document.getElementById('dimension3Group').style.display = 'none';
}
} else {
document.getElementById('dimension2Group').style.display = 'none';
document.getElementById('dimension3Group').style.display = 'none';
}
// Set units for standard shapes
document.getElementById('areaUnit').innerText = 'mm²';
document.getElementById('volumeUnit').innerText = 'm³';
document.getElementById('lengthUnit').innerText = 'mm';
}
dimensionInputsDiv.innerHTML = htmlContent;
updateShapeSpecificLabels(shape);
calculateSteelWeight(); // Recalculate after updating inputs
}
function updateShapeSpecificLabels(shape) {
var data = shapeData[shape];
var dimLabels = {
diameter: 'Diameter', side: 'Side', width: 'Width', height: 'Height', thickness: 'Thickness',
leg1: 'Leg 1', leg2: 'Leg 2', flangeWidth: 'Flange Width', flangeThickness: 'Flange Thickness',
webThickness: 'Web Thickness', outerDiameter: 'Outer Diameter', length: 'Length'
};
var labels = ['dimension1Label', 'dimension2Label', 'dimension3Label'];
var units = ['dimension1Unit', 'dimension2Unit', 'dimension3Unit'];
document.getElementById('dimension1Label').innerText = dimLabels[data.dims[0]];
if (data.dims.length > 0) document.getElementById('dimension1Unit').innerText = data.units[0];
if (data.dims.length > 1) {
document.getElementById('dimension2Group').style.display = 'flex';
document.getElementById('dimension2Label').innerText = dimLabels[data.dims[1]];
if (data.dims.length > 1) document.getElementById('dimension2Unit').innerText = data.units[1];
} else {
document.getElementById('dimension2Group').style.display = 'none';
}
if (data.dims.length > 2) {
document.getElementById('dimension3Group').style.display = 'flex';
document.getElementById('dimension3Label').innerText = dimLabels[data.dims[2]];
if (data.dims.length > 2) document.getElementById('dimension3Unit').innerText = data.units[2];
} else {
document.getElementById('dimension3Group').style.display = 'none';
}
// Handle special case for plate where 'length' input is for plate length and 'dimension3' is thickness
if (shape === 'steelPlate') {
document.getElementById('dimension1Label').innerText = 'Width';
document.getElementById('dimension1Unit').innerText = 'mm';
document.getElementById('dimension2Label').innerText = 'Length';
document.getElementById('dimension2Unit').innerText = 'mm';
document.getElementById('dimension3Label').innerText = 'Thickness';
document.getElementById('dimension3Unit').innerText = 'mm';
document.getElementById('lengthGroup').style.display = 'flex'; // Show standard length input
document.getElementById('lengthLabel').innerText = 'Total Length';
document.getElementById('lengthUnit').innerText = 'mm';
} else {
document.getElementById('lengthGroup').style.display = 'flex'; // Show standard length input
document.getElementById('lengthLabel').innerText = 'Length';
document.getElementById('lengthUnit').innerText = 'mm';
}
}
function getInputValue(id) {
var value = parseFloat(document.getElementById(id).value);
return isNaN(value) ? 0 : value;
}
function validateInput(id, min = 0, max = Infinity) {
var inputElement = document.getElementById(id);
var errorElement = document.getElementById(id + 'Error');
var value = getInputValue(id);
if (!inputElement.value.trim()) {
errorElement.innerText = 'This field is required.';
errorElement.classList.add('visible');
return false;
}
if (value max) {
errorElement.innerText = 'Value is too high.';
errorElement.classList.add('visible');
return false;
}
errorElement.innerText = ";
errorElement.classList.remove('visible');
return true;
}
function calculateSteelWeight() {
var shape = document.getElementById('shape').value;
var steelType = document.getElementById('steelType').value;
var density = steelDensities[steelType];
// Input validation
var valid = true;
valid = validateInput('dimension1') && valid;
if (document.getElementById('dimension2Group').style.display !== 'none') {
valid = validateInput('dimension2') && valid;
}
if (document.getElementById('dimension3Group').style.display !== 'none') {
valid = validateInput('dimension3') && valid;
}
valid = validateInput('length') && valid;
if (!valid) {
document.getElementById('mainResult').innerText = 'Invalid Input';
document.getElementById('crossSectionalArea').innerText = 'N/A';
document.getElementById('volume').innerText = 'N/A';
updateChart([0], [0]); // Clear chart
return;
}
var d1 = getInputValue('dimension1');
var d2 = getInputValue('dimension2');
var d3 = getInputValue('dimension3');
var lengthMm = getInputValue('length');
var lengthM = lengthMm / 1000;
var shapeDataInstance = shapeData[shape];
var areaMm2 = 0;
try {
if (shape === 'roundBar') areaMm2 = shapeDataInstance.areaFormula(d1);
else if (shape === 'squareBar') areaMm2 = shapeDataInstance.areaFormula(d1);
else if (shape === 'rectangularBar') areaMm2 = shapeDataInstance.areaFormula(d1, d2);
else if (shape === 'angleSteel') areaMm2 = shapeDataInstance.areaFormula(d1, d2, d3);
else if (shape === 'channelSteel') areaMm2 = shapeDataInstance.areaFormula(d1, d2, d3);
else if (shape === 'iBeam' || shape === 'hBeam') areaMm2 = shapeDataInstance.areaFormula(d1, d2, d3, d4); // Assuming d1=height, d2=flangeWidth, d3=flangeThickness, d4=webThickness
else if (shape === 'steelPlate') {
// For plates, d1=width, d2=length, d3=thickness. Area is width * thickness for weight per meter.
// For weight per area, we use d3 as thickness and assume a 1m x 1m area.
// Let's calculate weight per meter of length for a given width and thickness.
areaMm2 = d1 * d3; // Width * Thickness
}
else if (shape === 'steelPipe') areaMm2 = shapeDataInstance.areaFormula(d1, d2);
} catch (e) {
console.error("Error calculating area:", e);
areaMm2 = 0; // Reset on error
}
var areaM2 = areaMm2 / 1000000;
var volumeM3 = areaM2 * lengthM;
var totalWeightKg = volumeM3 * density;
// Adjust calculation for plate weight per square meter
var weightPerMeter = 0;
var weightPerArea = 0;
var areaUnitText = 'mm²';
var volumeUnitText = 'm³';
var densityUnitText = 'kg/m³';
if (shape === 'steelPlate') {
// Calculate weight per square meter for a given thickness
var thicknessM = d3 / 1000;
weightPerArea = thicknessM * density; // kg/m² for the specified thickness
areaUnitText = 'mm² (Width x Thickness)'; // Clarify area interpretation
volumeUnitText = 'm³ (for Total Length)';
document.getElementById('areaUnit').innerText = 'mm² (Plate)';
document.getElementById('volumeUnit').innerText = 'm³ (Total Plate Volume)';
document.getElementById('mainResult').innerText = weightPerArea.toFixed(2) + ' kg/m²';
} else {
weightPerMeter = (areaMm2 / 1000000) * density; // kg per meter
document.getElementById('mainResult').innerText = weightPerMeter.toFixed(2) + ' kg/m';
}
document.getElementById('crossSectionalArea').innerText = areaMm2.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('volume').innerText = volumeM3.toFixed(4);
document.getElementById('density').innerText = density;
document.getElementById('areaUnit').innerText = areaUnitText;
document.getElementById('volumeUnit').innerText = volumeUnitText;
document.getElementById('densityUnit').innerText = densityUnitText;
// Update Chart Data
var chartData = generateChartData(shape, areaMm2, density, lengthM, weightPerMeter, weightPerArea, shape === 'steelPlate');
updateChart(chartData.labels, chartData.datasets);
}
function generateChartData(shape, areaMm2, density, lengthM, weightPerMeter, weightPerArea, isPlate) {
var chartLabels = [];
var weightPerMeterSeries = [];
var totalWeightSeries = [];
var numSegments = 10; // Number of points for the chart
if (isPlate) {
chartLabels.push('Area (m²)');
chartLabels.push('Total Weight (kg)');
var plateWidthM = getInputValue('dimension1') / 1000;
var plateLengthM = getInputValue('dimension2') / 1000;
var plateThicknessM = getInputValue('dimension3') / 1000;
var plateAreaM2 = plateWidthM * plateLengthM;
var currentWeightPerArea = (plateThicknessM * density).toFixed(2); // Weight per m^2 for this thickness
var totalWeight = plateAreaM2 * currentWeightPerArea;
weightPerMeterSeries.push(parseFloat(currentWeightPerArea));
totalWeightSeries.push(totalWeight);
// Add a dummy label for the second series if needed for chart display consistency
chartLabels.push('Dummy');
weightPerMeterSeries.push(0);
totalWeightSeries.push(0);
} else {
chartLabels.push('Length (m)');
weightPerMeterSeries.push(weightPerMeter); // Constant weight per meter for a given profile
totalWeightSeries.push(weightPerMeter * lengthM); // Total weight for the specified length
// Add more points for a better visual representation of total weight growth
for (var i = 1; i <= numSegments; i++) {
var currentLength = (lengthM / numSegments) * i;
chartLabels.push(currentLength.toFixed(1));
weightPerMeterSeries.push(weightPerMeter); // Weight per meter remains constant
totalWeightSeries.push((weightPerMeter * currentLength).toFixed(2));
}
// Ensure the final length is represented
chartLabels.push(lengthM.toFixed(1));
weightPerMeterSeries.push(weightPerMeter);
totalWeightSeries.push((weightPerMeter * lengthM).toFixed(2));
}
return {
labels: chartLabels,
datasets: [
{
label: 'Weight per Meter (kg/m)',
data: weightPerMeterSeries,
borderColor: 'var(–primary-color)',
fill: false,
yAxisID: 'y-axis-weight'
},
{
label: 'Total Weight (kg)',
data: totalWeightSeries,
borderColor: 'var(–success-color)',
fill: false,
yAxisID: 'y-axis-weight'
}
]
};
}
var weightChartInstance = null;
function updateChart(labels, datasets) {
var ctx = document.getElementById('weightChart').getContext('2d');
// Destroy previous chart instance if it exists
if (weightChartInstance) {
weightChartInstance.destroy();
}
weightChartInstance = new Chart(ctx, {
type: 'line',
data: {
labels: labels,
datasets: datasets.map(function(dataset) {
return {
label: dataset.label,
data: dataset.data,
borderColor: dataset.borderColor,
backgroundColor: dataset.borderColor,
fill: false,
tension: 0.1
};
})
},
options: {
responsive: true,
maintainAspectRatio: false,
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Length (m)'
}
},
y: {
type: 'linear',
display: true,
position: 'left',
id: 'y-axis-weight',
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.toFixed(2) + ' kg';
}
return label;
}
}
}
}
}
});
}
function copyResults() {
var mainResult = document.getElementById('mainResult').innerText;
var area = document.getElementById('crossSectionalArea').innerText + ' ' + document.getElementById('areaUnit').innerText;
var volume = document.getElementById('volume').innerText + ' ' + document.getElementById('volumeUnit').innerText;
var density = document.getElementById('density').innerText + ' ' + document.getElementById('densityUnit').innerText;
var textToCopy = "Steel Unit Weight Calculation Results:\n\n" +
"Primary Result: " + mainResult + "\n" +
"Cross-Sectional Area: " + area + "\n" +
"Volume: " + volume + "\n" +
"Steel Density: " + density + "\n\n" +
"Key Assumptions:\n" +
"Steel Type: " + document.getElementById('steelType').options[document.getElementById('steelType').selectedIndex].text + "\n" +
"Steel Shape: " + document.getElementById('shape').options[document.getElementById('shape').selectedIndex].text + "\n";
// Dynamically add dimension details
var shape = document.getElementById('shape').value;
var data = shapeData[shape];
var dimLabels = { diameter: 'Diameter', side: 'Side', width: 'Width', height: 'Height', thickness: 'Thickness', leg1: 'Leg 1', leg2: 'Leg 2', flangeWidth: 'Flange Width', flangeThickness: 'Flange Thickness', webThickness: 'Web Thickness', outerDiameter: 'Outer Diameter' };
for (var i = 0; i < data.dims.length; i++) {
var dimId = 'dimension' + (i + 1);
var dimValue = document.getElementById(dimId).value;
var dimUnit = document.getElementById(dimId + 'Unit').innerText;
var dimLabel = dimLabels[data.dims[i]] || data.dims[i]; // Use fallback if label not found
if (dimValue !== null && dimValue !== undefined) {
textToCopy += dimLabel + ": " + dimValue + " " + dimUnit + "\n";
}
}
textToCopy += "Length: " + document.getElementById('length').value + " " + document.getElementById('lengthUnit').innerText + "\n";
var textArea = document.createElement("textarea");
textArea.value = textToCopy;
textArea.style.position = "fixed";
textArea.style.left = "-9999px";
document.body.appendChild(textArea);
textArea.focus();
textArea.select();
try {
var successful = document.execCommand('copy');
var msg = successful ? 'Results copied!' : 'Copy failed!';
console.log(msg);
// Optionally show a temporary message to the user
var tempMessage = document.createElement('div');
tempMessage.innerText = msg;
tempMessage.style.cssText = 'position: fixed; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%); background-color: var(–primary-color); color: white; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px; z-index: 1000;';
document.body.appendChild(tempMessage);
setTimeout(function(){ document.body.removeChild(tempMessage); }, 2000);
} catch (err) {
console.error('Fallback: Oops, unable to copy', err);
}
document.body.removeChild(textArea);
}
function resetCalculator() {
document.getElementById('steelType').value = 'mildSteel';
document.getElementById('shape').value = 'roundBar';
document.getElementById('dimension1').value = '10';
document.getElementById('dimension2').value = '10';
document.getElementById('dimension3').value = '10';
document.getElementById('length').value = '1000';
updateDimensions(); // Re-initialize dimensions based on reset shape
calculateSteelWeight(); // Recalculate
}
// Initial setup on page load
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
// Ensure chart canvas is available before initializing chart
if (document.getElementById('weightChart')) {
updateDimensions(); // Set initial dimension inputs based on default shape
calculateSteelWeight(); // Perform initial calculation
// Initialize chart with placeholder data
updateChart([], []);
} else {
console.error("Canvas element not found!");
}
});