What unit of measure is primarily used for pricing steel?

Pricing steel is predominantly done by the ton due to the way steel is produced and sold in the market. Steel is typically manufactured and sold in large quantities, and weighing it by the ton provides a more accurate assessment of bulk pricing.

When steel is used in construction, it often comes in heavy sections and large rolls, making the ton a practical unit of measure for both the supplier and the contractor. This unit simplifies transactions and ensures that pricing reflects the true weight of material being purchased, which is crucial given that weight significantly affects shipping and handling costs.

While measuring steel by the pound is common for smaller quantities or specific fabrication processes, it is less practical for large purchases in construction. The other units—square foot and linear foot—are more suitable for materials that cover a larger surface area or have a defined length, which does not align well with how steel is typically quantified in construction projects. Thus, pricing steel by the ton is the most logical and widely accepted method in the industry.