Can I replace an I beam with an H beam?

Usually yes. Pick an H beam with equal or greater depth and section modulus, verify connection details (H beam flanges are flat and easy to bolt), and have a structural engineer confirm on code-governed projects.

What does W12x26 beam size mean?

In the ASTM W series, W12x26 means a wide-flange H beam with a nominal depth of 12 inches weighing 26 pounds per foot (about 38.7 kg/m). Nikasteel supplies W4x13 to W36x230.

Is H beam more expensive than I beam?

Per ton, prices are close and move with the mills. H beam is usually slightly dearer in comparable sizes but comes in a far wider size range with better availability; I beam is limited to a few rolled sizes, which can make small orders harder to source.

What sizes of H beam can I import from China?

From Chinese mills: ASTM W4x13-W36x230, European IPE 100-600 and HEA/HEB 100-600, and GB/T 11263 HW/HM/HN series, in grades A36, A572 Gr50, S235JR-S355JR, SS400 and Q235B/Q355B, lengths 6/9/12 m or custom.

Do you supply galvanized or primed beams?

Yes. Beams ship black, with primer red oxide, hot-dip galvanized, or shot-blasted SA2.5 with 60-80 micron epoxy primer on request.

H Beam vs I Beam: Difference, Weight Chart & How to Choose

Q: Which is stronger, H beam or I beam?

For the same weight per meter, an H beam (wide flange) carries bending loads better than an I beam because its parallel, wider flanges give a higher section modulus. That is why modern buildings and bridges use H beams for both columns and beams, while I beams suit lighter floor systems and edging.

Quick Answer

An H beam has parallel, wider flanges and carries bending and compression better per kilo — it is the default choice for columns, bridges and modern buildings. An I beam (S-shape / GB 工字钢) has tapered, narrower flanges and suits lighter floor beams and edging. In export trade "H beam" covers ASTM W series, European IPE/HEA/HEB and GB HW/HM/HN; I beam means the older S-shape or GB 10#–40# sections. When in doubt, order the H beam — availability, size range and connection convenience are all better. Nikasteel supplies both, MOQ 5 tons, EN 10204 3.1 MTC with every order.

Buyers ask this daily: the two sections look similar in cross-section, but they behave differently under load, come from different rolling standards, and are quoted from different size tables. Here is the practical difference — and how to specify the right one on your next purchase order.

The Core Difference: Flange Geometry

Feature	H Beam (W / IPE / HEA / HW-HM-HN)	I Beam (S-shape / GB 工字钢)
Flange shape	Parallel (flat) inner and outer faces	Tapered (sloped) inner flange faces
Flange width	Wide — up to roughly equal to section depth	Narrow relative to depth
Web	Thicker, stiffer	Thinner
Bending efficiency	High section modulus per kg — best for beams & columns	Lower — fine for light floor loads
Connections	Flat flanges bolt easily to plates and other members	Sloped flanges need wedges/shims
Size range	Very wide (W4–W36, IPE/HEA/HEB 100–600, HW/HM/HN)	Limited rolled sizes (GB 10#–63#, S3–S24)
Typical use	Columns, bridges, high-rises, platforms, racking	Light floor beams, mezzanines, edging, machinery frames

Weight per Meter: Quick Reference

Weight drives both price and freight. Common sizes (≈ kg/m):

Size class	Light ≈	Medium ≈	Heavy ≈
ASTM W series	W6×9 → 13 kg/m	W10×33 → 49 kg/m	W21×101 → 150 kg/m
IPE (Europe)	IPE 140 → 12.9	IPE 300 → 42.2	IPE 600 → 122
HEA / HEB (Europe)	HEA 200 → 42.3	HEB 200 → 61.3	HEB 300 → 117
GB H型钢 (HW/HM/HN)	HN 200×100 → 21.7	HM 294×200 → 57.3	HW 300×300 → 94.5
GB 工字钢 (I beam)	10# → 11.2	20# → 27.9	32# → 52.7

Full theoretical weight tables per size are in our H beam size chart. Weights are theoretical (from section dimensions × 7.85 t/m³); invoice weight is the mill's weighed weight, typically within ±2–4% tolerance.

When to Choose Which

Choose H beam when: the member is a column, carries heavy or long-span loads, needs bolted connections, or you want the widest choice of sizes and best availability. 90% of export orders are H beam.
Choose I beam when: spans are short and loads light, your local market prices I beam attractively, or existing structures are I beam and you are extending them.
Replacing I beam with H beam: pick an H beam of equal or greater depth and section modulus; flat flanges actually simplify the connection. On code-governed projects, have the engineer sign off.

Grades Are the Same — Specify the Standard

Both sections are rolled in the same structural grades: ASTM A36, A572 Gr50, A992; EN S235JR–S355JR; JIS SS400, SM490; GB Q235B, Q355B. Anchor the PO to one named standard and require the EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate to match — the full equivalence table is in our steel buying guide.

FAQ — What Buyers Ask

Which is stronger, H beam or I beam?

Per kilo of steel, the H beam wins in bending and compression — wider parallel flanges give a higher section modulus. That's why columns and bridges are H beam.

What does W12×26 mean?

Nominal depth 12 inches, 26 lb/ft (≈38.7 kg/m). Nikasteel supplies W4×13 – W36×230 in A36/A572 Gr50/A992.

Is H beam pricier?

Per ton, prices are close and move with the mills. H beam's advantage is availability and size choice; I beam's limited rolled sizes can slow small orders.

Surface options?

Black, red oxide primer, hot-dip galvanized, or shot-blasted SA2.5 + 60–80 µm epoxy primer — cut to length 6/9/12 m or custom.

Mixed container possible?

Yes — beams, plates, angles and pipes can share one container. Trial orders from 5 tons.

How fast can you ship?

7–15 days for stocked sizes, 20–30 days for mill production, FOB Huangpu / Nansha / Shekou, CFR & CIF to 50+ countries.

About the Source

Foshan Nikasteel International Trade Co., Ltd. — a China-based steel exporter in Foshan, Guangdong, supplying H beam, I beam, plates and coated coils to 50+ countries since 2016, with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates on every order and SGS/BV/TUV inspection on request.

📧 kelly@nikasteel.com · WhatsApp/Phone: +86 191 5745 8011
📍 Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China · Mon–Sat 8:30–18:30 (GMT+8)

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Last updated: October 2026.

H Beam vs I Beam: How to Choose