What formula is used to calculate I-beam weight?

The cross-sectional area is computed as A = 2 × (bf × tf) + (h − 2 × tf) × tw, where bf = flange width, tf = flange thickness, h = total height, and tw = web thickness. Weight = Area × Length × Density. This is the standard analytical formula used in structural engineering.

What is the difference between an I-beam and an H-beam?

Both share the same cross-section shape (two flanges connected by a web). An I-beam (standard or S-shape) has tapered flanges and a relatively narrow flange, while an H-beam (wide-flange or W-shape) has parallel flanges that are nearly as wide as the section height. This calculator covers both — just enter the correct dimensions for your section.

What density does the calculator use for carbon steel?

Carbon steel (mild steel) uses 7850 kg/m³, which is the standard value per EN 1993 (Eurocode 3) and ASTM specifications. You can select other materials or enter a custom density.

Can I calculate weight for multiple beams?

Yes. Enter the quantity in the Quantity field and the tool reports the total weight for all beams as well as the per-beam weight for reference.

Does this tool support imperial units?

Yes. All cross-section dimensions can be entered in millimeters, centimeters, or inches, and the length can be entered in meters, millimeters, feet, or inches. Conversions are handled internally.

Why does my result differ slightly from a steel catalogue?

Published section tables list theoretical weight per meter rounded to standard tolerances. Results match closely for carbon steel standard sections; small differences may arise from fillet radii at flange-web junctions that catalogue values include but this simplified formula omits.

Steel Beam Weight Calculator

Name: Steel Beam Weight Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter flange width, total height, flange and web thickness, and beam length to get the weight of a steel I-beam or H-beam in kg and lbs instantly.

Beam Dimensions

Total Height (h)

Outside-to-outside dimension from top to bottom flange.

Flange Width (bf)

Width of the top and bottom flange plates.

Flange Thickness (tf)

Thickness of each flange (top and bottom are equal).

Web Thickness (tw)

Thickness of the vertical web connecting the two flanges.

Beam Length

Material

Quantity (beams)

Formula Reference

A = 2 × (bf × tf) + (h − 2×tf) × tw
Weight = A × Length × ρ

h = total height, bf = flange width, tf = flange thickness, tw = web thickness, ρ = density (kg/m³). All units in meters.

I-Beam Cross-Section

Enter beam dimensions on the left and click Calculate.

Common Material Densities

Material	kg/m³	lb/in³
Carbon Steel	7850	0.284
Stainless 304	7930	0.286
Stainless 316	8000	0.289
Cast Iron	7200	0.260
Copper	8960	0.324
Brass	8500	0.307
Aluminum	2700	0.098
Titanium	4500	0.163

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