Which bar has the largest nominal diameter?

To determine which bar has the largest nominal diameter, it's important to understand the designation of reinforcing bars in terms of their size. Reinforcing bars are designated by a number that correlates with their nominal diameter in eighths of an inch.

For instance, a #6 bar has a nominal diameter of 6/8 inches (or 3/4 inches), a #8 bar has a nominal diameter of 8/8 inches (or 1 inch), a #9 bar has a nominal diameter of 9/8 inches (or 1.125 inches), and a #11 bar has a nominal diameter of 11/8 inches (or 1.375 inches).

Given this information, the #11 bar, with a nominal diameter of 1.375 inches, is indeed the largest among the options listed. This means that it provides greater strength and load-bearing capabilities compared to the other bars, making it advantageous for projects that require high structural integrity. Understanding these dimensions helps professionals in construction to select the appropriate size of reinforcing bars for their specific applications, ensuring safety and effectiveness in structural design.