What does a W12x26 beam weigh per meter?

W12x26 weighs 26 lb/ft, which is about 38.7 kg/m. In the ASTM W series the second number is the weight in pounds per foot by definition, so kg/m = lb/ft × 1.488.

Is theoretical weight the same as invoiced weight?

No. Calculator and chart values are theoretical weights from section dimensions at 7.85 t/m³. Invoices are based on the mill's or weighbridge's actual weighed weight, which typically falls within ±2–4% of theoretical. Confirm the tolerance in the proforma invoice.

How many tons is a 40ft container of H beam?

A 40ft container typically carries 24–26 tons of bundled beams depending on length and loading plan; a 20ft container carries about 18–22 tons. Nikasteel also mixes beam sizes and other products in one container, with trial orders from 5 tons.

H Beam Weight Calculator & Chart in kg/m (W, IPE, HEA, HEB)

Q: How do I calculate H beam weight?

Multiply the cross-section area by steel density: weight (kg/m) = area in cm² × 0.785 (steel is 7.85 g/cm³). For a built-up section, area ≈ web (h − 2×tf) × tw + 2 × b × tf, all in mm. Or simply use the calculator above: pick a standard size and enter length and pieces.

The Formula Behind the Calculator

Steel weighs 7.85 g/cm³, so weight per meter = cross-section area in cm² × 0.785. For a built-up H section (mm):

area ≈ (h − 2·t_f) × t_w + 2 × b × t_f → kg/m = area × 0.00785

where h = depth, b = flange width, t_w = web thickness, t_f = flange thickness. For hot-rolled standard sizes, mills publish exact section areas — the table below uses those.

Standard Sizes: kg/m Quick Chart

Click any row to load it into the calculator:

Size	kg/m	12 m piece (kg)

Full dimension tables (depth, flange width, thicknesses) live on our H beam size chart. Grade selection (A36, A572 Gr50, S355JR…) does not change weight — sections of the same size weigh the same in every grade.

Container Planning Cheat-Sheet

40ft container: ≈ 24–26 t of bundled beams
20ft container: ≈ 18–22 t
Mixed sizes and even mixed products (beams + plates + pipes) can share one container — trial orders from 5 tons

FAQ

How do I calculate H beam weight?

kg/m = cross-section area (cm²) × 0.785. Or pick a standard size in the calculator above — standard values come from mill tables.

What does W12×26 weigh?

26 lb/ft ≈ 38.7 kg/m. In the ASTM W series the second number is lb/ft by definition (× 1.488 = kg/m).

Theoretical vs invoiced weight?

Invoices use actual weighed weight (±2–4% of theoretical typically). Fix the tolerance in your PI.

How much fits a container?

≈24–26 t in a 40ft, 18–22 t in a 20ft. We plan the loading mix for you with every quote.

Get Exact Weights & Prices

Send your size list — we reply with exact piece counts, weights and a CIF price within 24 hours. Every order ships with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates and loading photos/videos.

Get a Beam Quote in 24 Hours

Last updated: October 2026. Prices move weekly; weights are theoretical.

H Beam Weight Calculator & kg/m Chart

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