Section Steel Weight Calculator
Pick a section type, enter height, flange width and thickness to get weight per metre, per piece and total tonnage.
Inputs
Result
Formula
| H / I beam area | A = 2 × b × tf + (h − 2tf) × tw |
| Channel area | A = h × tw + 2 × b × tf |
| Weight per metre | g = A(mm²) × 7.85 ÷ 1000 (kg/m) |
| Total weight | W = g × length × quantity |
HW200×200×8×12, 12 m long, 10 pieces: A = 6208 mm², 48.73 kg/m, 584.8 kg each, 5.85 t total (the GB table gives 49.9 kg/m; the gap is the root radius).
FAQ
Why is the result slightly lighter than the mill table?
The section is treated as joined rectangles, ignoring root radii at the flange-web junction, which add real material (about 2% for HW200×200). A 1-3% gap is normal; a 10% gap means a wrong input, typically using a channel's overall width instead of one flange.
What actually differs between H-beams, I-beams and channels?
I-beams have tapered inner flange faces and poor lateral resistance at greater depths. H-beams have parallel, equal-thickness flanges and a wide flange, giving good bending and torsional behaviour (HW wide, HM medium, HN narrow). Channels are open C sections used for purlins and bracing; they are singly symmetric and buckle laterally under compression.
Why 7850 kg/m³ for steel?
7850 kg/m³ (7.85 g/cm³) is the conventional density for carbon structural steel used by GB/T 709 and the section tables. Stainless is about 7930, aluminium 2700, cast iron 7200. Mixing densities between parties creates a few per mille of drift, so agree on one.
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Results are estimating aids only and are not a design basis. Construction and final accounts must follow the drawings, the applicable standards and an approved method statement. Anything affecting structural safety, shoring or falsework must be checked by a suitably qualified engineer.