Quick answer: A typical Pakistani house with brick walls and RCC slabs and beams uses about 1.5 to 2.5 kg of steel per sq ft of covered area. A fully framed RCC structure uses about 3 to 4.5 kg per sq ft. In practice, a 5 marla double storey needs about 3 to 4 tons, a 10 marla double storey about 5.5 to 7 tons, and a 1 kanal house about 10 to 14 tons, before any basement.
These numbers help you check whether an estimate is reasonable. The real quantity must come from the structural drawings and bar bending schedule (BBS) prepared by a qualified engineer.
Steel Quantity by House Size
| House | Covered area | Steel (brick walls + RCC slab) | Approximate cost at PKR 240 - 275 per kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 marla single storey | 1,000 sq ft | 1.6 - 2.2 tons | PKR 3.8 - 6.1 lakh |
| 5 marla double storey | 2,000 sq ft | 3 - 4 tons | PKR 7.2 - 11 lakh |
| 10 marla double storey | 3,400 sq ft | 5.5 - 7 tons | PKR 13.2 - 19.3 lakh |
| 1 kanal double storey | 6,000 sq ft | 10 - 14 tons | PKR 24 - 38.5 lakh |
A basement, long spans, cantilevers or a framed structure can raise these figures considerably. Prices are approximate late-2026 Lahore market rates.
Steel by Structural Element
Engineers estimate steel as a percentage of concrete volume. Typical ranges for residential work:
| Element | Steel per cubic metre of concrete | Steel per cft of concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Footings and raft | 50 - 80 kg | 1.4 - 2.3 kg |
| Slabs | 80 - 100 kg | 2.3 - 2.8 kg |
| Beams and lintels | 120 - 160 kg | 3.4 - 4.5 kg |
| Columns | 160 - 250 kg | 4.5 - 7 kg |
Multiply each element's concrete volume (see our concrete quantity guide) by these values for a more detailed check.
Bar Sizes and Weights
In Pakistan, bar sizes are often described in "soot" (sutar), where 1 soot is 1/8 inch.
| Bar | Diameter | Weight per foot | Weight per 40 ft bar | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 (3 soot) | 3/8 inch (10 mm) | 0.17 kg | about 6.8 kg | Slabs, stirrups (rings) |
| #4 (4 soot) | 1/2 inch (12 mm) | 0.30 kg | about 12.1 kg | Slabs, beams, columns |
| #5 (5 soot) | 5/8 inch (16 mm) | 0.47 kg | about 18.9 kg | Beams, columns |
| #6 (6 soot) | 3/4 inch (20 mm) | 0.68 kg | about 27.3 kg | Heavy beams, columns, footings |
Formula: Weight (kg per metre) = D x D / 162, where D is bar diameter in mm. For example, a 12 mm bar weighs 12 x 12 / 162 = 0.89 kg per metre.
Which Steel Grade Should You Use?
Most modern residential designs specify Grade 60 deformed bars (yield strength about 60,000 psi / 420 MPa). Using Grade 40 where the engineer specified Grade 60 is unsafe unless the design is revised. Read our detailed Grade 40 vs Grade 60 comparison.
How to Check Your Contractor's Steel Estimate
- Ask for the bar bending schedule (BBS) for each slab, beam and column.
- Compare the total with the kg-per-sq-ft range above.
- Check lap lengths (commonly 40 to 50 times bar diameter) and hooks: these add real weight.
- Allow 3 to 5 percent for cutting wastage, not more.
- Weigh deliveries or count bars by size and length on arrival.
Common Steel Mistakes on Site
- Reducing bar size or number to save money.
- Insufficient concrete cover (bars too close to the surface), which causes rusting and spalling.
- Using rusted, bent or re-rolled bars of unknown origin.
- Laps placed at points of maximum stress.
- Missing stirrups near beam-column joints.
- Concrete cast before steel is inspected. See our guide to structural cracks.
Inspect steel before every concrete pour. Our construction quality checklist lists the checks step by step.
Planet Builders provides engineer-designed structures and steel checking through our structural consultancy, and installs steel to the approved BBS on every grey structure project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much steel is needed for a 10 marla house?
A typical double-storey 10 marla house of about 3,400 sq ft needs roughly 5.5 to 7 tons of steel, depending on structural design.
How many kg of steel per sq ft for a house in Pakistan?
About 1.5 to 2.5 kg per sq ft for brick-wall houses with RCC slabs and beams, and 3 to 4.5 kg per sq ft for fully framed RCC buildings.
What is the price of steel per ton in Pakistan in 2026?
In late 2026, Grade 60 steel in Lahore has generally been quoted between about PKR 240,000 and 275,000 per ton, depending on brand and market conditions. Check current rates before purchase.
Does a basement need much more steel?
Yes. Retaining walls and rafts are heavily reinforced, so a basement can add several tons of steel compared with an above-ground floor.
Need your steel quantity checked? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors for an engineer review.