The American W series (wide flange) runs from W4×13 (19.3 kg/m) up to W36×230 (342 kg/m). Weight per meter in kg equals the lb/ft designation × 1.488; nominal depth in mm is roughly the designation × 25.4. Common structural picks: W8×24 columns, W12×26 floor beams, W14×53 columns, W24×76 long-span roof beams.
Buyers working with American-standard drawings speak in W designations: a "W12×26" is a nominal 12-inch deep wide-flange beam weighing 26 pounds per foot. Chinese mills roll the full series to ASTM A6, so converting designations to metric weights is the first step in every RFQ. The chart below covers the most-ordered sizes; the full A6 list is available on request.
W Beam Weight Chart (lb/ft → kg/m)
| Designation | Nominal Depth (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| W4×13 | 102 | 19.3 | Light framing, equipment supports |
| W6×9 | 150 | 13.4 | Joists, small lintels |
| W6×25 | 160 | 37.2 | Compact heavy joists |
| W8×10 | 200 | 14.9 | Mezzanine joists |
| W8×24 | 200 | 35.7 | Columns, floor beams |
| W8×31 | 203 | 46.1 | Heavily loaded columns |
| W10×12 | 246 | 17.9 | Mezzanine beams |
| W10×33 | 246 | 49.1 | Columns, crane rails (light) |
| W10×49 | 254 | 72.9 | Heavy columns |
| W12×14 | 310 | 20.8 | Long joists |
| W12×26 | 310 | 38.7 | Floor beams — the workhorse |
| W12×40 | 310 | 59.5 | Primary floor beams |
| W12×58 | 310 | 86.3 | Transfer beams |
| W14×30 | 356 | 44.6 | Columns (mid-rise) |
| W14×53 | 356 | 78.9 | Columns — the standard choice |
| W14×90 | 362 | 133.9 | Heavy columns, braced frames |
| W16×26 | 404 | 38.7 | Roof beams, long joists |
| W16×57 | 417 | 84.8 | Girder beams |
| W18×35 | 446 | 52.1 | Composite floor beams |
| W18×65 | 464 | 96.7 | Girders |
| W21×44 | 524 | 65.5 | Long-span floor beams |
| W24×76 | 599 | 113.1 | Roof girders, transfer |
| W27×94 | 676 | 139.9 | Long-span roofing |
| W30×108 | 749 | 160.7 | Auditorium / industrial spans |
| W33×118 | 831 | 175.6 | Bridge-type spans |
| W36×150 | 909 | 223.2 | Heavy long spans |
| W36×230 | 937 | 342.3 | Crane girders, bridges |
Depth is the nominal designation × 25.4 (actual section depths vary slightly by size per ASTM A6); weights = lb/ft × 1.488. Confirm exact dimensions against ASTM A6 tables or our PDF before finalizing shop drawings.
Which Grades Ship with W Beams
- ASTM A992 — the default for W shapes in building frames (capped yield 345–450 MPa).
- ASTM A572 Gr50 — high-strength alternative for bridges and heavy structures.
- ASTM A36 — legacy and lighter-duty framing.
- Chinese mills roll these directly; mill test certificates (EN 10204 3.1 equivalent) list actual chemistry and mechanicals per heat.
From Chart to Quotation in Three Steps
- List your sizes and lengths — use the H beam weight calculator to convert to tonnage.
- Send the list with destination port — indicative FOB price levels are here; we return a dated quote.
- Confirm cut lengths, drilling and primer — processing options here.
Ordering W series from China?
Email [email protected] or WhatsApp +86 191 5745 8011 with your W-size list — quotation within one working day, MOQ 5 tons, A992/A572 Gr50 available.
Request a W-Beam Quote