How to calculate steel cost
The cost of a steel project is built up per tonne and then scaled by the tonnage:
Cost per tonne = Material rate (× wastage) + Fabrication rate + Coating rate
Total cost = Cost per tonne × Total tonnage
The calculator above lets you enter each rate in your own currency and set a wastage percentage on the material, then shows the breakdown, total cost and cost per tonne.
Typical cost components
| Component | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Material | Raw steel sections / plate, priced per tonne, plus a wastage allowance for offcuts. |
| Fabrication / labour | Cutting, drilling, welding, assembly, finishing and shop overheads, per tonne. |
| Coating / treatment | Galvanising, painting or fireproofing, per tonne (optional). |