Steel Mesh Calculation: Weight per Square Metre and Spacing
21 August 20264 min read
Steel mesh weight is calculated from wire diameter, spacing and panel size. A weight-per-square-metre table, kilogram calculation by wire diameter, and a method to work out what your project needs.
The weight of steel mesh depends on three things: wire diameter, spacing and panel size. Over the same area, thin wire and wide spacing mean a lighter mesh; thick wire and tight spacing mean a heavier one. Calculating mesh needs correctly is the basis for both the right material order and the right project cost.
Below you will find the factors that determine mesh weight, a weight-per-square-metre table, and a method to run your own calculation.
What determines steel mesh weight?
The weight of one square metre of steel mesh depends on the total wire length in that area and the wire diameter.
- Wire diameter: As diameter rises, weight per metre rises. This is the most decisive factor in mesh weight.
- Spacing: As spacing tightens (e.g. 10×10 cm instead of 15×15 cm), the number of wires per square metre — and therefore the weight — increases.
- Both directions: Mesh contains wire in two directions; the calculation counts both longitudinal and transverse wires.
Wire diameter - weight per metre table
Calculated using a steel density of 7.85 g/cm³. This is the basis of the mesh weight calculation.
| Wire diameter (mm) | Weight per metre | Metres per kg |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 0.099 kg | 10.1 m |
| 4.5 | 0.125 kg | 8.0 m |
| 5.0 | 0.154 kg | 6.5 m |
| 6.0 | 0.222 kg | 4.5 m |
| 8.0 | 0.395 kg | 2.5 m |
How to calculate mesh weight per square metre
Find the total wire length in one square metre of mesh, then multiply by the weight per metre for the diameter.
- Wires in one direction: 100 cm ÷ spacing + 1. For example, at 15 cm spacing: 100 ÷ 15 + 1 ≈ 7.7 wires.
- Total wire length (m²): (longitudinal wires × 1 m) + (transverse wires × 1 m).
- Weight: total length × weight per metre for the diameter (from the table).
Example: 15×15 cm spacing, 5 mm wire, 1 m². About 7.7 wires in each direction → about 15.4 metres of wire. Since 5 mm wire weighs 0.154 kg per metre: 15.4 × 0.154 = about 2.37 kg/m².
Which diameter is used for steel mesh?
- 4.0 - 4.5 mm: Light under-floor mesh, screed reinforcement
- 5.0 - 6.0 mm: Standard slab and shear wall mesh
- 6.0 - 8.0 mm: Heavy load, ground slab, industrial flooring
Steel mesh is made from reinforcement wire. A precise diameter tolerance is needed for the weld points to hold. For details on reinforcement wire and mesh production, see our reinforcement wire and steel mesh article.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilograms is 1 square metre of steel mesh?
It depends on diameter and spacing. At 15×15 cm spacing with 5 mm wire, it is about 2.37 kg/m². Weight increases as diameter or spacing density rises.
How is mesh weight calculated?
Find the total wire length in one square metre (longitudinal + transverse wires), then multiply by the weight per metre for the wire diameter. Multiply by the panel area for total weight.
Which diameters are used in steel mesh?
The common range is 4-8 mm. Light slabs use 4-4.5 mm, standard applications 5-6 mm, and heavy loads 6-8 mm.
What is the difference between Q mesh and R mesh?
Q-type mesh has equal diameter and spacing in both directions; it is square-gridded and carries equal load in both directions. R-type mesh is stronger in one direction and is used in slabs that carry load in a single direction.
What should be specified when ordering steel mesh?
Diameter, spacing, panel size and total square metres should be stated. For weld quality, production from reinforcement wire with a precise diameter tolerance is important.
Steel mesh production with AFA Çelik reinforcement wire
AFA Çelik produces reinforcement wire for mesh manufacturers. With a 2.00-6.00 mm diameter range, a precise -0.05 / +0.05 mm tolerance and a 50-850 kg coil capacity, it provides raw material suited to weld quality.
To get diameter and coil selection with pricing for your production line, request a quote or contact us.
