Expert: Richard J. Raridon - 5/6/2011

Question
QUESTION: how to calculate the square inch of a steel flat bar measuring 12mm width 3mm thickness and length 437mm

ANSWER: one inch = 25.4mm
However, you're talking about square inches and you're giving three dimensions.  So do
you mean cubic inches or square inches of all six surfaces of the bar?  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi no I'm asking about the square inch of the bar only...

Answer
The dimensions of the bar in inches are 0.11811,0.47244 and 17.2047.
The bar has six surfaces, 4 sides and two ends
2(0.11811)(0.47244) +2(0.11811)(17.2047) +2(0.47244)(17.2047) = 20.43 in^2


So what did you expect if not the area of all six surfaces?