What Is MS Flat Bar? Sizes, Properties & Industrial Benefits

15th May 2025

If you're involved in construction, fabrication, or any kind of industrial manufacturing, you've probably come across MS flat bars more times than you can count. These simple-looking steel strips might not seem flashy, but they're absolutely essential in a wide variety of applications.

In this guide, we’ll break down what an MS flat bar is, how it’s used, what sizes are available, and why it could be the right fit for your next project. Whether you're a project engineer or a procurement officer, this blog will help you make informed decisions when sourcing mild steel flat bars—especially from trusted suppliers like Kesar Steel.

What Is an MS Flat Bar?

MS flat bars are one of the most commonly used structural steel elements today.With a rectangular cross-section and straight edges, they are known for their versatility and ease of fabrication. Typically made from mild steel, these flat bars offer a great combination of durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness.

An MS flat bar is a long, rectangular piece of low-carbon steel, commonly available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Thanks to its flat surface and uniform structure, it is easy to cut, weld, drill, and shape—making it incredibly useful across various fabrication and construction needs.

Typically, these flat bars are manufactured under IS 2062 or other BIS-certified standards. Depending on the project, they may be used in untreated form or coated to prevent rusting.

Key Properties of MS Flat Bars

Here’s what makes MS flat bars stand out in both light and heavy-duty applications:

• High Strength: Offers a solid strength-to-weight ratio suitable for structural and load-bearing purposes.
• Good Weldability: MS flat bars can be easily joined through arc or MIG welding without cracking or brittleness
• Ductile & Malleable: Easy to bend and reshape without compromising strength.
• Corrosion Resistance: When galvanized or coated, they perform well even in outdoor environments.
• Eco-Friendly: 100% recyclable and reusable in various forms.

These flat bar properties make them perfect for anything from framing and reinforcement to brackets and clamps.

Common Sizes & Dimensions

MS flat bars are available in a wide range of sizes to suit different applications. Widths typically range from 12mm to 150mm, and thicknesses from 3mm to 25mm.

Here are a few standard examples commonly used in the industry:

These sizes are available at Kesar Steel, and they can also provide custom sizes based on your project requirements.

How to Calculate MS Flat Bar Weight

Calculating the weight of an MS flat bar is simple. You’ll need the bar’s thickness, width, and the density of mild steel, which is typically 7850 kg/m³.

Here’s the formula:

Weight (kg/m) = Thickness (mm) × Width (mm) × Density (kg/m³) ÷ 1,000,000

For example, if you’re using a 50mm wide and 6mm thick flat bar:

Weight = 6 × 50 × 7850 ÷ 1,000,000 = 2.355 kg/m

This weight estimation is important for calculating shipping loads, structural load capacity, and project budgeting. You can also use an MS flat bar weight chart for faster results.

Industrial Applications of MS Flat Bars

Thanks to their adaptability, MS flat bars are found in nearly every industrial sector:

• Construction: Structural supports, railing base plates, and concrete formworks.
• Fabrication: Machine parts, frames, grills, gates, and even steel furniture.
• Automobile Industry: Chassis reinforcements and mounting brackets.
• Shipbuilding: Strength and corrosion resistance in marine environments.
• Electrical Applications: Grounding strips and cable management systems.

Specifically, MS flat bars for fabrication are preferred because of their smooth finish and dimensional accuracy.

Why Choose MS Flat Bars Over Other Materials?

Still thinking about alternatives? Here’s why MS flat bars often come out on top:

• Affordability: Far more cost-effective than stainless steel or alloy bars.
• Ease of Workability: Can be machined, welded, and drilled with standard tools.
• Widely Available: Readily stocked by most MS flat bar manufacturers in India.
• Versatility: Ideal for a range of indoor and outdoor applications.

Compared to round bars, flat bars offer more surface contact and are easier to align and fasten in assemblies.

Tips for Buying the Right MS Flat Bar

Before you place your order, here are a few tips:

• Check Specifications: Always refer to the flat bar specification or technical sheet.
• Use a Size Chart: A proper MS flat bar size chart ensures you get accurate dimensions.
• Consider Thickness: Pay attention to MS flat bar thickness in mm for structural strength.
• Verify the Source: Buy from a certified supplier like Kesar Steel who adheres to IS standards.
• Use Weight Calculators: Helps in budgeting and transport planning.

Why Buy from Kesar Steel?

If you're looking for IS-standard, precision-cut MS flat bars, Kesar Steel is one of the best suppliers in India. Here’s why:

• Full Range of Sizes – From 12mm to 150mm width and custom thicknesses
• Custom Cutting & Finishing
• Bulk & Retail Orders Welcome
• Quick Delivery Across Gujarat & India
• Certified Quality & Technical Support

Their flat bars meet IS:2062 standards, and they offer complete guidance on product selection, weight calculation, and application support.

Conclusion

MS flat bars may seem like a basic component, but they’re critical to the strength and longevity of countless structures and machines. Their versatility, affordability, and ease of use make them an excellent choice for any industrial or construction project.

Whether you're building a structure or fabricating a component, mild steel flat bars give you the reliability and performance you need.

Get a free quote today

Looking to source high-quality MS flat bars at the best prices in India?
Kesar Steel has you covered with IS-certified products, fast shipping, and expert support.

Explore the full range of MS flat bar sizes online. Visit kesarsteel.com or contact us directly!