How Much Does Rebar Cost? (Per Foot, Stick & Ton)
Part of Concrete & Masonry
Quick answer
Rebar costs roughly $0.30–$0.60 per linear foot for common #4 (1/2-inch) bar, which works out to about $6–$12 for a 20-foot stick, or $700–$1,100 per ton (as of June 2026). Thicker bar costs more per foot; #3 is a little less. Reinforcing a typical 20 × 20 ft slab in #4 runs about $130–$270 in steel.
Rebar is priced three ways — per linear foot, per 20-foot stick, and per ton — and they're all the same steel, just different units. Per-foot is easiest for sizing a job; per-ton is how yards quote big orders. Price moves with the steel market, so treat these as planning figures.
Rebar cost by size
| Bar size | Diameter | Per linear foot | Per 20 ft stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | 3/8" | $0.25–$0.50 | $5–$10 |
| #4 | 1/2" | $0.30–$0.60 | $6–$12 |
| #5 | 5/8" | $0.45–$0.90 | $9–$18 |
| #6 | 3/4" | $0.65–$1.30 | $13–$26 |
Rebar cost for a slab (#4, two-way grid)
| Slab | Spacing | Linear feet (+10%) | Steel cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 12" | ~230 lf | $70–$140 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 12" | ~900 lf | $270–$540 |
| 24 × 24 ft | 16" | ~980 lf | $295–$590 |
Get the linear feet and stick count from the rebar calculator, then multiply by your supplier's per-foot or per-stick price. Buying full sticks (and a full bundle) is cheaper per foot than cut pieces, and big-box stores run higher than a rebar yard. Don't forget tie wire and chairs. Source: US average material prices; steel trend tracked via the Producer Price Index for steel bar. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How much does a stick of rebar cost?
A 20-foot stick of #4 (1/2-inch) rebar runs about $6–$12 at most yards and big-box stores. Thinner #3 is $5–$10; thicker #5 and #6 are $9–$26 a stick. Prices move with the steel market.
How much does rebar cost per ton?
Roughly $700–$1,100 per ton for standard grade-60 rebar, before delivery. Per ton is the cheapest way to buy, which is why it's how reinforcing steel is quoted for foundations and large slabs.
How much rebar do I need to budget for a slab?
For a 20 × 20 ft slab on a 12-inch grid you need about 900 linear feet of #4, or roughly $270–$540 in steel at $0.30–$0.60 per foot. Use the rebar calculator to get the exact footage for your slab and spacing.