Beam Weight Calculator

Calculate the weight of steel beams (I-beam, H-beam, channel, angle) from dimensions.

beam weight steel I-beam H-beam structural load crane

Input values

Enter values and click Calculate to see results here.

Formula

W = ρ × A × L ρ_steel = 7850 kg/m³

Worked Example

Given: An I-beam with flange width 200 mm, web height 300 mm, flange thickness 12 mm, web thickness 8 mm, length 6 m.

Step 1: Area = 2 × (200 × 12) + (300 - 24) × 8 = 4800 + 2208 = 7008 mm² = 0.007008 m²

Step 2: Weight = 7850 × 0.007008 × 6 = 330.7 kg

Step 3: Weight per meter = 330.7 / 6 = 55.1 kg/m

Use this value for crane load calculations and structural analysis.

Engineering Notes

  • Steel density: 7850 kg/m³ for carbon steel. Stainless steel is ~8000 kg/m³. Aluminum is ~2700 kg/m³.
  • Beam profiles: This calculator handles I-beam, H-beam, and rectangular hollow sections. For standard profiles (UB, UC, W-shapes), check steel tables for exact weight.
  • Tolerances: Manufacturing tolerances can add 2-5% to nominal weight. Always use the nominal weight from steel tables when available.
  • Crane loads: When calculating crane loads, include the beam weight plus any fixtures, wiring, and equipment mounted on the beam.

References

  • EN 10025 — Hot rolled products of structural steels
  • AISC Steel Construction Manual