Skip to main content
Calcimator

Metal Stock Calculator

Calculate the required stock bar length based on finished piece dimensions, starting stock cross-section, and expected material loss from forging.

Inputs

in
in
in
in
in
%

Results

Required Stock Length

20.7 in

≈ 6 credit cards

Stock Weight (Steel)1.46 lbs
Finished Weight (Steel)1.27 lbs
Required Volume5.18 cu in
Finished Volume4.5 cu in
Material Lost0.67 cu in
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter finished piece dimensions: length, width, and thickness (all in the same units).
  2. Set the stock bar width and thickness — the raw bar dimensions you are starting with.
  3. Enter material loss (%) to account for scale, grinding, and finishing removal.
  4. Review Required Stock Length to know how much raw bar to cut, and Stock Weight (Steel) for shipping or pricing.
  5. Use Finished Weight vs. Stock Weight to understand the material yield ratio of your project.

How the result changes with Stock Bar Width

Stock Bar WidthRequired Stock Length
1.3115.8 in
4.284.84 in
7.842.64 in
111.88 in

What each input means

Finished Length
The desired length of the finished piece in inches after all forging and grinding.
Finished Width
The widest point of the finished piece in inches (e.g., blade width at the ricasso).
Finished Thickness
The thickest part of the finished piece in inches (e.g., blade spine thickness).
Stock Bar Width
Width of the starting stock bar. Common sizes: 0.75", 1", 1.5", 2".
Stock Bar Thickness
Thickness of the starting stock bar. Common sizes: 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2".
Material Loss
Expected material loss from forge scale, grinding, and cutting. Typically 10-20% for hand forging, 5-10% for stock removal.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Finished Length = 12, Finished Width = 1.5, Finished Thickness = 0.25, Stock Bar Width = 1 = 6 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Required Stock Length
    Required Stock Length
    20.7 = 20.7
  3. Calculate Stock Weight
    Stock Weight
    1.46 = 1.46
  4. Calculate Finished Weight
    Finished Weight
    1.27 = 1.27

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Sculpture

Bronze Casting Cost Calculator

Estimate lost-wax bronze casting costs from sculpture weight, alloy type, complexity, and edition size.

Metalwork & Blacksmithing

Forge Temperature Calculator

Determine the correct forge temperature range and heat color for different steel types and blacksmithing operations.

Metalwork & Blacksmithing

Anvil Size Calculator

Determine the recommended anvil weight based on the heaviest workpiece you plan to forge and the type of work you do.

Metalwork & Blacksmithing

Twist Rate Calculator

Calculate total turns, heats required, and elongation when twisting bar stock for decorative ironwork or Damascus patterns.

More in Crafts, Hobbies & Games.