I-Beam and H-Beam Sizing: Weight per Foot & Meter Chart

Structural steel beams like I-beams and H-beams are designed to support heavy structural loads. Because these shapes consist of flanges and webs with variable thicknesses, manual weight calculations require specific formulas.

Standard Designation Codes

Beams are typically designated by codes that indicate their size and weight. For example, a W10x22 beam has a nominal depth of 10 inches and weighs 22 pounds per linear foot. A metric HEB 200 beam has a height of 200 mm and weighs 61.3 kilograms per meter.

Calculating Custom Beams

If you are working with a custom fabricated beam, you must calculate the volume of the three rectangular sections—the two flanges (top and bottom plates) and the web (connecting center plate)—and sum them to find the total volume. Once you have the total volume, multiply by the steel density to estimate the weight.

Try our structural calculations using the length to weight steel calculator. For square structural framing, refer to our square and rectangular tube weight guide.