The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Estimate an ideal parallel-flange I/H-section from explicit dimensions and density. For named rolled profiles such as ISMB, IPE, HEA, HEB or W sections, compare against the current governing section table or mill certificate because fillets, taper and production dimensions affect published mass.
How to use this calculator
Enter overall depth, flange width, web thickness and flange thickness.
Choose metric or imperial dimensions, then enter beam length and whole-piece quantity.
Enter documented material density for custom material estimates.
Optionally add procurement allowance, rate/kg, target mass or published kg/m.
For a named rolled profile, treat its current published section mass as authoritative rather than forcing nominal dimensions through the ideal model.
Where people use it
- •Estimate custom fabricated I-section mass.
- •Plan beam transport and purchasing quantities.
- •Compare metric and imperial beam dimensions.
- •Reverse a target shipment mass into whole equal-length beams.
- •Measure ideal-geometry variance against a supplier or standard kg/m value.
200 × 100 mm I-section, 6 mm web, 10 mm flanges
Ideal area = 2×100×10 + (200−20)×6 = 3,080 mm². At 7,850 kg/m³ this is 24.178 kg/m. A 6 m beam is about 145.07 kg; 10 beams are about 1,450.68 kg before allowance.
What the result does not assume
- •Ideal rectangular geometry excludes root fillets and flange taper found on many rolled profiles.
- •Use current standard/manufacturer mass for named ISMB, IPE, HEA/HEB, IPN, W or other catalogued sections.
- •Do not infer a standard designation from approximate entered dimensions.
- •Allowance is a purchasing input, not a structural-design factor.
- •This calculator estimates mass only; it does not determine bending capacity, deflection, buckling, safe lifting points or code compliance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate I-beam weight?+
For an ideal parallel-flange section, add the two flange rectangles and clear web rectangle, then multiply the area by density. With area in mm², kg/m = area × 10⁻⁶ × density in kg/m³.
Why is my standard beam table weight different?+
Published rolled-section mass includes the actual standardized geometry, including root fillets and sometimes flange taper. The ideal rectangular model intentionally excludes those details.
Can I use this for ISMB or IPE beams?+
Use it for a geometry cross-check, but use the current governing section table or supplier certificate for the exact named profile when ordering or doing critical work.
Does it calculate H-beam weight?+
Yes for a symmetric parallel-flange H/I geometry entered by depth, flange width, web thickness and flange thickness. Named H-series sections should still use their published mass.
Can it calculate lb/ft?+
Yes. Dimensions may be entered in inches and length in feet; results include kg/m, lb/ft, kilograms and pounds.
Can it reverse-solve beam quantity from a target mass?+
Yes. Enter target mass and it returns the number of whole entered-length beams fitting within that mass.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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