STEEL REINFORCEMENT
SHAPE CODES
Every reinforcement shape code we bend as standard, with the cut length formula for each one. Shape codes follow BS 8666, so the code plus its dimensions is all a bending schedule needs — no separate drawing required (our guide to BS 8666 bending shapes covers how they work). Everything below is cut and bent to order at our UK facility, and anything not shown here is handled under shape code 99.
How to read the length formulas
- A–F
- Bend dimensions taken from the bending schedule
- d
- Nominal bar diameter
- r
- Internal radius of the bend
- R
- Large forming radius
- (C)
- Bracketed dimension absorbs the bending tolerance
- π
- 3.142, used for circular and helical shapes
Cut lengths should be rounded to the nearest 25 mm. Formulas give the length of bar before bending, which is always less than the sum of the leg dimensions.
Shape code chart
Showing all 35 shape codes
Shape Code 00
Straight bar, no bends
Length A
Price shape code 00 →Shape Code 01
Straight bar supplied in stock lengths
Length A (stock lengths 6 m + 12 m)
Price shape code 01 →Shape Code 11
Bar with a single 90° bend at one end
Length A + (B) − 0.5r − d
Price shape code 11 →Shape Code 12
Bar with one end bent to a large radius R
Length A + (B) − 0.43R − 1.2d
Price shape code 12 →Shape Code 13
Bar with a 180° hook at one end
Length A + 0.57B + (C) − 1.6d
Price shape code 13 →Shape Code 14
Bar with one end bent at an angle other than 90°
Length A + (C) − 4d
Price shape code 14 →Shape Code 15
Bar cranked at an angle in one plane
Length A + (C)
Price shape code 15 →Shape Code 21
Bar bent up at 90° at both ends
Length A + B + (C) − r − 2d
Price shape code 21 →Shape Code 22
Bar with a 90° bend at one end and a hook at the other
Length A + B + C + (D) − 1.5r − 3d
Price shape code 22 →Shape Code 23
Z-shaped bar, bent up at one end and down at the other
Length A + B + (C) − r − 2d
Price shape code 23 →Shape Code 24
Bar with an inclined leg and a vertical end
Length A + B + (C)
Price shape code 24 →Shape Code 25
Bar with two inclined legs
Length A + B + (E)
Price shape code 25 →Shape Code 26
Bar with an offset crank in one plane
Length A + B + (C)
Price shape code 26 →Shape Code 27
Cranked bar with a 90° bend at one end
Length A + B + (C) − 0.5r − d
Price shape code 27 →Shape Code 28
Cranked bar with a bend and a short return
Length A + B + (C) − 0.5r − d
Price shape code 28 →Shape Code 29
Cranked bar with returns at both ends
Length A + B + (C) − r − 2d
Price shape code 29 →Shape Code 31
U-shaped bar with a 90° return at one end
Length A + B + C + (D) − 1.5r − 3d
Price shape code 31 →Shape Code 32
Z-shaped bar with 90° returns at both ends
Length A + B + C + (D) − 1.5r − 3d
Price shape code 32 →Shape Code 33
Closed link with 180° radiused ends
Length 2A + 1.7B + 2(C) − 4d
Price shape code 33 →Shape Code 34
Cranked bar with a 90° bend and a short end return
Length A + B + C + (E) − 0.5r − d
Price shape code 34 →Shape Code 35
Cranked bar with an offset and end returns
Length A + B + C + (E) − 0.5r − d
Price shape code 35 →Shape Code 36
U-bar with one inclined leg
Length A + B + C + (D) − r − 2d
Price shape code 36 →Shape Code 41
Open link with returns at both ends
Length A + B + C + D + (E) − 2r − 4d
Price shape code 41 →Shape Code 44
Bar with a dropped centre section
Length A + B + C + D + (E) − 2r − 4d
Price shape code 44 →Shape Code 46
V-shaped bar with two inclined legs and end returns
Length A + 2B + C + (E)
Price shape code 46 →Shape Code 47
Closed link / stirrup with two hooked ends
Length 2A + B + 2C + 1.5r − 3d
Price shape code 47 →Shape Code 51
Closed rectangular link
Length 2(A + B + (C)) − 2.5r − 5d
Price shape code 51 →Shape Code 56
Closed link with an angled corner
Length A + B + C + (D) + 2(E) − 2.5r − 5d
Price shape code 56 →Shape Code 63
Closed square or rectangular link with laps
Length 2A + 3B + 2(C) − 3r − 6d
Price shape code 63 →Shape Code 64
Closed link with an internal return leg
Length A + B + C + 2D + E + (F) − 3r − 6d
Price shape code 64 →Shape Code 67
Curved bar formed to an arc
Length A
Price shape code 67 →Shape Code 75
Circular link with a lap
Length π(A − d) + B
Price shape code 75 →Shape Code 77
Helix or spiral
Length C × π(A − d) (C = number of turns)
Price shape code 77 →Shape Code 98
Bar bent in two planes
Length A + 2B + C + (D) − 2r − 4d
Price shape code 98 →Shape Code 99
Any shape that cannot be described by a standard shape code
Length Bespoke — dimensions supplied on the bending schedule
Price shape code 99 →No shape code matches that search — send us a sketch and we’ll bend it to order.
Got a bar bending schedule to price?
Send it over as a spreadsheet, PDF or drawing and we’ll come back with a price and a lead time. Cut and bent to BS 8666, tagged by bar mark, delivered to site.
Shape code FAQs
What is a rebar shape code?
A shape code is a standard three- or two-digit reference from BS 8666 that describes how a reinforcing bar is bent. Using the code and its dimensions (A, B, C…), a fabricator can cut and bend the bar without a separate drawing, and every bar on a bending schedule can be described in a single line. More on how BS 8666 bending shapes work.
What do A, B, C, r and d mean in the length formulas?
A, B, C, D, E and F are the bend dimensions taken from the bending schedule. d is the nominal bar diameter, r is the internal radius of the bend and R is a large forming radius. A dimension shown in brackets, such as (C), is the one that absorbs the cutting and bending tolerance.
How do I calculate the cut length of a bent bar?
Take the shape code’s formula and substitute the scheduled dimensions. The formula subtracts the material saved around each bend, so the cut length is always shorter than the sum of the leg dimensions. Round the result to the nearest 25 mm in line with BS 8666.
What if the shape I need is not on this chart?
Use shape code 99 and supply a dimensioned sketch. We bend non-standard shapes routinely — send the detail over with your schedule and we will price it.
