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Steel i-section beams are a constant in the modern construction of buildings. Characterised by their distinct ‘I’ shape, these steel beams have its weight distributed evenly, ensuring structural integrity. Compared to their counterpart, H-Beams with wider flange, I-beams are more tapered, making them suitable for use in applications requiring less width. Here, we’ll take a look at I-beam weight chart based on the different I-Beam sizes (length, width and density), to enable you to plan and estimate the total number of I-beams needed for your project.
Disclaimer: This is a basic guide explaining how to calculate I-beam weight using the standard formula. The i-beam weight charts are only for refence/information and your understanding. You should consult your steel manufacturer for exact weight chart and dimensions.
I-Beam weight chart
Understanding the weight and structural applications of I-beams is crucial for planning. While you can get specifics using an I-beam weight calculator, this rough I beam weight chart in kg listed below will provide you with guidance and act as a reference point for your engineering projects.
Also read: MS Flat weight chart – How to calculate MS flat bar weight
Chart 1
Here, we will have a look at how the weight of i-beams vary based on the dimensions of the Flange width and Web height, when other dimensions are constant.
| Flange width | Flange thickness | Web thickness | Web height | Length | I-beam weight (total) | Weight per foot |
| 50 mm | 10 mm | 15 mm | 100 mm | 4 m | 78.5 kg | 5.98 kg |
| 70 mm | 10 mm | 15 mm | 125 mm | 4 m | 102.84 kg | 7.84 kg |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 15 mm | 250 mm | 4 m | 196.25 kg | 14.95 kg |
| 140 mm | 10 mm | 15 mm | 400 mm | 4 m | 276.32 kg | 21.06 kg |
| 150 mm | 10 mm | 15 mm | 450 mm | 4 m | 306.15 kg | 23.33 kg |
| 180 mm | 10 mm | 15 mm | 500 mm | 4 m | 348.54 kg | 25.56 kg |
| 210 mm | 10 mm | 15 mm | 600 mm | 4 m | 414.48 kg | 31.58 kg |
*This is not standard dimensions and weight of i-section beams and is for information only. Kindly check with your steel manufacturer for exact dimensions and weight.
Chart 2
Here, we will have a look at i-section beam weight based on the Web height.
Remember, the thickness of the flanges has to be deducted from the height of the Web during weight calculation. Here the numbers represent Web thickness excluding the thickness of the flanges.
That is, for the dimensions in Row 1, if Flange thickness is not deducted, effective Web height would be = 100 mm – (2 x 15 mm) = 70 mm
| Flange width | Flange thickness | Web thickness | Web height | Length | I-beam weight (total) | Weight per foot (kg/ft) |
| 210 mm | 15 mm | 12 mm | 100 mm | 10 m | 160 kg | 5.2 kg |
| 210 mm | 15 mm | 12 mm | 125 mm | 10 m | 200 kg | 6.5 kg |
| 210 mm | 15 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 10 m | 400 kg | 13 kg |
| 210 mm | 15 mm | 12 mm | 400 mm | 10 m | 640 kg | 20.8 kg |
| 210 mm | 15 mm | 12 mm | 450 mm | 10 m | 720 kg | 23.4 kg |
| 210 mm | 15 mm | 12 mm | 500 mm | 10 m | 800 kg | 26 kg |
| 210 mm | 15 mm | 12 mm | 600 mm | 10 m | 960 kg | 31.2 kg |
*This is not standard dimensions and weight of i-section beams and is for information only. Kindly check with your steel manufacturer for exact dimensions and weight.
Chart 3
In the third steel i-beam weight chart, we consider how the weight of the beams change based on the Length of the beams.
As you will note, though the i-beam sizes vary (i.e., length), there is no change in the steel I beam weight by kg/foot. This is because per foot weight is not dependent on the length here since all the other dimensions are constant.
| Flange width | Flange thickness | Web thickness | Web height | Length | I-beam weight (total) | Weight per foot (kg/ft) |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 4 m | 348 kg | 28.67 kg |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 6 m | 522 kg | 28.67 kg |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 8 m | 696 kg | 28.67 kg |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 10 m | 870 kg | 28.67 kg |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 12 m | 1044 kg | 28.67 kg |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 16 m | 1392 kg | 28.67 kg |
| 125 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 250 mm | 18 m | 1566 kg | 28.67 kg |
*This is not standard dimensions and weight of i-section beams and is for information only. Kindly check with your steel manufacturer for exact dimensions and weight.
Also read: How to calculate chequered plate weight
How to calculate I-beam weight?
Now that we have seen a sample of I-beam weight chart in kgs, let’s understand how to calculate weight of I-beam.
Calculating the weight of steel I-beam is simple with the formula:
Weight per meter = Volume x Density
Volume: To find this, we will have to multiply the cross sectional area by its length
Cross sectional area: This refers to the beam’s Webs and Flanges
Web: The central vertical section
Flanges: The horizontal plates on the top and bottom
Together this gives the beams its unique I-shape and contributes to the beam’s strength and weight.
Example of i beam weight calculator
Let’s take an example to calculate weight of a standard I-beam. Here:
Flange width = 150 mm
Flange thickness = 15 mm
Web thickness = 10 mm
Web height = 300 mm (height of the web excluding the flange thickness)
Length of the beam = 8 m or 8000 mm
Density of steel = 7850 kg/m³
Steps to I-beam weight calculator
Step 1:
Cross sectional area (A) = (Flange width x Flange thickness x 2) + (Web height x Web thickness)
= (150 mm x 15 mm x 2) + (300 mm x 10 mm)
= 4500 mm² + 3000 mm²
= 7500 mm²
Step 2:
Volume (V) = A x Length
= 7500 mm² x 8000 mm
=60,000 mm³
Convert Volume to Cubic metres
V = 60,000 mm³ / 1,00,000,000
= 0.060 m³
Step 3:
Weight = Volume x Density
= 0.06 m³ x 7850 kg/m³
= 471 kg
Total weight of an I-beam = 471 kg
Now that we understand how to calculate weight of I-beams, let’s look at some popular i-beam sizes and how much they weigh.
What is the weight of I beam 175mm?
For a standard 175 mm I-beam width, the weight will vary based on its width, height and length.
I beam weight chart in kg (changing Web height):
| Flange width | Flange thickness | Web thickness | Web height | Length | I-beam weight |
| 175 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 100 mm | 6m | 376.8 kg |
| 175 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 200 mm | 6m | 423.9 kg |
| 175 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 300 mm | 6m | 471.0 kg |
| 175 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 400 mm | 6m | 518.1 kg |
*For information and reference only. Please check with your steel provider for exact weight details.
Note: When we speak of weight of i-beam 175mm, it usually refers to H-beam weights.
What is the weight of 300 x 140 i beam?
The weight of an i-section beam is determined by the dimensions of the Web and Flanges. So, for 300 mm x 140 mm i-beam size, it means Web height/width is 300 mm and Flange width is 140 mm.
I beam weight chart in kg (L= 6m, 8m, 10m, 12m)
| Flange width | Flange thickness | Web thickness | Web height | Length | I-beam weight |
| 140 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 300 mm | 6 m | 405.06 kg |
| 140 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 300 mm | 8 m | 540.08 kg |
| 140 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 300 mm | 10 m | 675.10 kg |
| 140 mm | 20 mm | 10 mm | 300 mm | 12 m | 810.12 kg |
*For information and reference only. Please check with your steel provider for exact weight details.
Also read: TMT bar unit weight calculation
How heavy is a 20ft I-beam?
The weight of a w0 ft i-beam will vary based on its other dimensions. In the weight chart below, we have tried to show how the weight varies when the Flange width and Web thickness differs.
| Flange width | Flange thickness | Web thickness | Web height | Length | I-beam weight (total) | Weight per foot |
| 75 mm | 15 mm | 85 mm | 200 mm | 20 ft | 921.18 kg | 46.06 kg |
| 100 mm | 15 mm | 90 mm | 200 mm | 20 ft | 1004.93 kg | 50.25 kg |
| 150 mm | 15 mm | 85 mm | 200 mm | 20 ft | 1028.85 kg | 51.44 kg |
| 250 mm | 15 mm | 90 mm | 200 mm | 20 ft | 1220.27 kg | 61.01 kg |
*For information and reference only. Please check with your steel provider for exact weight details.
Also read: Steel bar weight chart
How do I choose an i-Beam size?
We have looked at different I beam weight charts and its calculations for your reference. It will help you to understand the different parts of an i-beam and how the dimensions of each part impact the overall weight. You will however need to check with your steel supplier or manufacturer on the actual weight based on I beam sizes.
Before we close, here are some simple tips to keep in mind when you choose an I section beam size for your construction project:
- Assess the load the i-beam will support (i.e., dynamic or static load, magnitude and load distribution along the beam)
- Consider the length span requirements (i.e., longer spans require deeper i-beams)
- Refer to a steel I beam weight calculator to find a balance between depth and weight (i.e., more the depth, greater its load bearing capabilities; thicker Web and Flanges can resist high stress and bending)
- Use an i-beam weight chart or weight calculator for precision and to check the beam’s compatibility with the requirements of your project
*Disclaimer: This article is for information and reference only. For standard i-beam sizes, ISMB weight chart, and more please consult your steel manufacturer.
Sohini is a seasoned content writer with 12 years’ experience in developing marketing and business content across multiple formats. At Tata nexarc, she leverages her skills in crafting curated content on the Indian MSME sector, steel procurement, and logistics. In her personal time, she enjoys reading fiction and being up-to-date on trends in digital marketing and the Indian business ecosystem.
This is a helpful resource for preliminary planning, but remember, engineers need precise data. Our technical specifications provide the exact dimensions and weights for Ibeams.
Macha, I’m building a small commercial complex in Bangalore, and the budget is tight I need to optimize my I-beam usage without making the structure weak. Do you have any tips for using fewer I-beams without compromising the building’s safety?
and how to choose right i beams?..i want budget friendly options