Standard hook and bend lengths for deformed (TMT) and mild steel reinforcement bars as per IS 2502:1999 (Bending & Fixing of Bars for Concrete Reinforcement). Minimum internal bend diameter is 4d for bars ≤20 mm and 5d for bars >20 mm. Hook length (180°) = 16d, Bend length (90°) = 8d, Stirrup bend (135°) = 10d. All values assume Fe 415/Fe 500 TMT bars unless noted.
Standard Bends (135° for Stirrups)
Bend length = 10d beyond the bend; min internal bend dia = 4d (≤20 mm) or 5d (>20 mm)
| Bar Dia | Min Bend Dia | Hook Length | Bend Length | Note |
|---|
| 6 mm | 24 mm (4d) | — | 60 mm | Light stirrups, slab links |
| 8 mm | 32 mm (4d) | — | 80 mm | Standard stirrup size |
| 10 mm | 40 mm (4d) | — | 100 mm | Common stirrup for beams |
| 12 mm | 48 mm (4d) | — | 120 mm | Heavy shear zones |
| 16 mm | 64 mm (4d) | — | 160 mm | Large beam stirrups |
| 20 mm | 80 mm (4d) | — | 200 mm | Rarely used as stirrups |
| 25 mm | 125 mm (5d) | — | 250 mm | Not typical for stirrups |
| 32 mm | 160 mm (5d) | — | 320 mm | Not recommended for stirrups |
| 36 mm | 180 mm (5d) | — | 360 mm | Not used as stirrups |
| 40 mm | 200 mm (5d) | — | 400 mm | Not used as stirrups |
Notes
• All hook and bend lengths are measured along the centre-line of the bar from the start of the bend to the free end
• For mild steel (Fe 250), minimum bend diameter can be reduced to 2d, but TMT bars (Fe 415/500/550) must follow 4d/5d rule strictly
• TMT bars >20 mm diameter are harder to bend on site — always use a bar bending machine, never heat the bar to bend it
• Heating TMT bars destroys the tempered martensite layer and drastically reduces yield strength — this is a common site malpractice
• Cutting tolerance: ±25 mm on straight lengths, ±15 mm on bent dimensions per IS 2502 Clause 4.3
• 135° hooks are mandatory for stirrups in earthquake-resistant design (IS 13920) — 90° hooks open up under reversed cyclic loading
• For bundled bars, the minimum bend diameter is based on the equivalent diameter of the bundle, not individual bar diameter
• Always add 2d to 3d extra length (wastage allowance) when ordering cut & bent steel from the supplier