Angle Size Chart PDF - Complete Reference Guide
A comprehensive reference guide for steel angle sizes, specifications, and measurements. Essential resource for engineers, contractors, and DIY professionals working with structural steel angles.
Complete steel angle size specifications and dimensions
Why Angle Size Charts Are Essential
Steel angle size charts serve as fundamental reference tools in construction, engineering, and manufacturing industries. These charts provide critical information about structural steel angles, including dimensions, weights, and load-bearing capacities that are essential for safe and efficient project planning.
Whether you're designing a building framework, calculating material requirements, or selecting the appropriate angle iron for a fabrication project, having accurate size specifications at your fingertips can save time, reduce costs, and ensure structural integrity.
Table of Contents
Types of Steel Angles
Steel angles are classified into two primary categories based on their leg dimensions:
Equal Leg Angles
Both legs have identical dimensions, providing uniform strength distribution. Commonly used in general construction and framing applications.
Unequal Leg Angles
One leg is longer than the other, offering specialized structural properties for specific engineering applications.
Equal Leg Angles - Standard Sizes
| Size (inches) | Thickness (inches) | Weight (lb/ft) | Area (in²) | Ix = Iy (in⁴) | rx = ry (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 × 1 | 1/8 | 0.80 | 0.234 | 0.024 | 0.321 |
| 1¼ × 1¼ | 1/8 | 1.01 | 0.297 | 0.047 | 0.398 |
| 1½ × 1½ | 1/8 | 1.23 | 0.359 | 0.077 | 0.466 |
| 2 × 2 | 1/8 | 1.65 | 0.484 | 0.190 | 0.626 |
| 2 × 2 | 3/16 | 2.44 | 0.715 | 0.272 | 0.617 |
| 2½ × 2½ | 3/16 | 3.07 | 0.902 | 0.547 | 0.779 |
| 3 × 3 | 1/4 | 4.9 | 1.44 | 1.24 | 0.930 |
| 4 × 4 | 1/4 | 6.6 | 1.94 | 2.87 | 1.22 |
| 5 × 5 | 5/16 | 10.3 | 3.03 | 7.78 | 1.60 |
| 6 × 6 | 3/8 | 14.9 | 4.36 | 17.4 | 2.00 |
| 8 × 8 | 1/2 | 26.4 | 7.75 | 69.7 | 3.00 |
Unequal Leg Angles - Standard Sizes
| Size (inches) | Thickness (inches) | Weight (lb/ft) | Area (in²) | Ix (in⁴) | Iy (in⁴) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 1½ | 1/8 | 1.44 | 0.422 | 0.131 | 0.055 |
| 2½ × 1½ | 1/8 | 1.62 | 0.477 | 0.195 | 0.055 |
| 3 × 2 | 3/16 | 2.87 | 0.844 | 0.543 | 0.161 |
| 3½ × 2½ | 1/4 | 4.5 | 1.31 | 1.09 | 0.392 |
| 4 × 3 | 1/4 | 5.4 | 1.59 | 1.89 | 0.755 |
| 5 × 3 | 5/16 | 7.7 | 2.25 | 4.05 | 0.948 |
| 6 × 4 | 3/8 | 12.3 | 3.61 | 9.75 | 2.97 |
| 8 × 4 | 1/2 | 19.6 | 5.75 | 26.7 | 4.05 |
| 8 × 6 | 1/2 | 23.0 | 6.75 | 30.7 | 8.68 |
Standard Specifications & Materials
ASTM Standards
- ASTM A36: Structural steel for general construction
- ASTM A572: High-strength low-alloy steel
- ASTM A588: Weathering steel
- ASTM A992: Wide-flange sections
Material Properties
- Yield Strength: 36-50 ksi typical
- Tensile Strength: 58-65 ksi typical
- Density: 490 lb/ft³
- Modulus of Elasticity: 29,000 ksi
Real-World Applications
Construction
- • Building frames
- • Support brackets
- • Stair stringers
- • Roof trusses
Industrial
- • Machine frames
- • Conveyor supports
- • Platform structures
- • Equipment mounting
DIY Projects
- • Garden structures
- • Furniture frames
- • Shelving systems
- • Decorative elements
Angle Selection Guide
Key Selection Factors
- Load Requirements: Calculate maximum expected loads (dead, live, wind, seismic)
- Span Length: Longer spans require larger sections or additional support
- Connection Method: Bolted vs. welded connections affect size selection
- Environmental Conditions: Consider corrosion resistance and temperature effects
- Code Compliance: Ensure selection meets local building codes
| Application Type | Recommended Size Range | Typical Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Framing | 1" × 1" to 2" × 2" | 1/8" to 3/16" | Residential, light commercial |
| Structural Support | 3" × 3" to 6" × 6" | 1/4" to 3/8" | Primary load-bearing members |
| Heavy Construction | 6" × 6" to 8" × 8" | 3/8" to 1/2" | Industrial, high-load applications |
| Decorative/Light Duty | 1" × 1" to 2" × 2" | 1/8" | Non-structural applications |
Download Complete Angle Size Chart PDF
Complete Reference Package
Our comprehensive PDF includes detailed tables for both equal and unequal leg angles, material specifications, load calculations, and selection guidelines. Perfect for field reference and project planning.
- ✓ Standard AISC steel angle sizes
- ✓ Metric conversion tables
- ✓ Load capacity guidelines
- ✓ Material specifications
- ✓ Quick reference charts
File size: ~2.5 MB
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Weight Calculation
Problem: Calculate the total weight of 20 feet of 4" × 4" × 1/4" equal angle steel.
Solution:
From the table: 4" × 4" × 1/4" = 6.6 lb/ft
Total weight = 6.6 lb/ft × 20 ft = 132 lb
Example 2: Load Capacity Estimation
Problem: Estimate allowable load for a 3" × 3" × 1/4" angle used as a 10-foot beam.
Basic Calculation:
Section Modulus (S) ≈ Ix / (depth/2)
For 3" × 3" × 1/4": Ix = 1.24 in⁴
S ≈ 1.24 / 1.5 = 0.83 in³
Allowable moment ≈ 0.6 × Fy × S = 0.6 × 36,000 × 0.83 = 17,928 in-lb
Note: This is a simplified calculation. Professional engineering analysis required for actual design.
Safety Considerations
Important Safety Notes
- • Always consult a qualified structural engineer for load-bearing applications
- • Follow local building codes and regulations
- • Consider dynamic loads, wind, and seismic forces in design
- • Use appropriate safety factors (typically 2.0 or higher)
- • Ensure proper connections and fastening methods
- • Account for buckling in compression members
- • Consider corrosion protection in harsh environments
Related Calculator Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Share This Resource
Bookmark This Resource
This comprehensive angle size chart serves as an essential reference for professionals and enthusiasts working with structural steel. Bookmark this page and download the PDF for offline access to ensure you always have accurate specifications at hand.
Explore our other calculation tools to streamline your engineering and construction projects.