The most comprehensive I beam weight chart in kg per metre — covering every standard ISMB (Indian Standard Medium Weight Beam) size from ISMB 100 to ISMB 600 as per IS 808:1989. Free reference for structural engineers, contractors, fabricators, and project estimators across India.
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Send EnquiryFill the contact form Join WhatsApp ChannelDaily rate updatesThis page provides the complete I beam weight chart in kg per metre for all standard ISMB sizes as per IS 808:1989. Whether you are a structural engineer preparing a BOQ, a contractor estimating freight, or a fabricator quoting a project — this I beam weight chart in kg gives you accurate, standard-compliant weight data for every ISMB size from ISMB 100 to ISMB 600. All values are based on IS 808:1989 nominal dimensions at the standard steel density of 7.85 g/cm³. Also includes cross-section diagram, formula, worked examples, and a grade and application guide.
Indian Standard Medium Weight Beam (ISMB) • IS 808:1989 • Hot Rolled Structural Steel
An I beam — officially designated ISMB (Indian Standard Medium Weight Beam) in India — is a hot-rolled structural steel section with an I-shaped (or H-shaped) cross-section. Two horizontal flat plates called flanges are connected by a vertical plate called the web. This geometry makes the I beam highly efficient in bending: the flanges carry bending stresses while the web resists shear. Before reading the I beam weight chart in kg, understanding what controls weight and performance helps you choose the right size.
ISMB sections are produced by hot rolling — a heated steel billet is progressively shaped through a series of rolls that form the web and flange profile simultaneously. The finished section is straightened, cut to standard lengths (typically 6 metres or 12 metres per piece), and bundled for dispatch. The root radius at the web-flange junction is a natural product of the rolling process and adds material that is accounted for in IS 808 tabulated weights.
The IS 808:1989 standard specifies exact dimensions for depth, flange width, flange thickness, web thickness, and root radius for each ISMB size. Material grade is governed by IS 2062:2011 — most commonly Grade E250 for standard structural applications.
Structural steel is sold by the tonne at mill and wholesale level — but specified, estimated, and used by the metre at the project level. The I beam weight chart in kg per metre bridges this gap. It lets you:
• Convert a per-tonne mill price into a per-metre structural cost
• Estimate total weight and freight cost for a fabricated structure
• Prepare accurate BOQs for tendering structural steel work
• Verify that delivered I beam sizes match the specified ISMB designation
• Compare structural efficiency (strength per kg) across different ISMB sizes
Without the I beam weight chart in kg, estimating a steel structure is guesswork — and guesswork in structural steel procurement is costly.
Depth (D) • Flange Width (B) • Flange Thickness (T) • Web Thickness (t) • Root Radius (r)
Every value in the I beam weight chart in kg is governed by five dimensional parameters. Understanding them helps you read the weight chart correctly and specify the right section for your application.
Depth (D): The overall height of the I beam in mm, measured from the outer face of the top flange to the outer face of the bottom flange. This is the ISMB designation number — ISMB 200 has a nominal depth of 200mm. Greater depth means greater bending resistance for the same weight.
Flange Width (B): The width of the horizontal top and bottom plates in mm. In ISMB sections, the flange width is typically narrower than the depth — distinguishing them from wide-flange or H-sections where B ≈ D.
Flange Thickness (T): The thickness of the flange plate. Thicker flanges carry more bending stress and add weight. In ISMB sections, T is greater than web thickness t.
Web Thickness (t): The thickness of the vertical connecting plate. The web primarily resists shear force. A thinner web reduces weight without significantly reducing bending capacity — which is why I beams are more weight-efficient than solid rectangular sections.
Root Radius (r): The curved fillet at the junction of the web and each flange — a natural product of the hot rolling process. IS 808 specifies root radii for each ISMB size. The root radius adds material in the web-flange junction zone and is included in all tabulated weights in the I beam weight chart in kg.
IS 808 allows tolerances of ±2mm on depth, +4/−2mm on flange width, and approximately ±7.5% on web/flange thickness for individual pieces. For structural design calculations, always use the nominal tabulated section properties, not field-measured values. Verify critical dimensions via Mill Test Certificates (MTC).
All Standard ISMB Sizes • 100mm to 600mm Depth • Nominal Weight kg/m
The following I beam weight chart in kg covers all standard ISMB sizes as per IS 808:1989. Weights are in kilograms per metre (kg/m). Each row gives the full dimensional profile and derived nominal weight. Colour coding: ■ lighter, ■ medium, ■ heavy. The most commonly specified sizes are highlighted.
| ISMB Designation |
Depth D (mm) |
Flange Width B (mm) |
Flange Thick. T (mm) |
Web Thick. t (mm) |
Root Radius r (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
Wt per 6m piece (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| → Light I Beams — ISMB 100 to ISMB 150 | |||||||
| ISMB 100 | 100 | 75 | 7.2 | 4.0 | 7.0 | 8.90 | 53.40 |
| ISMB 125 | 125 | 75 | 7.6 | 4.4 | 8.0 | 13.10 | 78.60 |
| ISMB 150 | 150 | 80 | 7.6 | 4.8 | 9.0 | 14.90 | 89.40 |
| → Medium I Beams — ISMB 175 to ISMB 250 | |||||||
| ISMB 175 | 175 | 90 | 8.6 | 5.1 | 10.0 | 19.60 | 117.60 |
| ISMB 200 ★ POPULAR | 200 | 100 | 10.8 | 5.7 | 12.0 | 25.40 | 152.40 |
| ISMB 225 | 225 | 110 | 11.8 | 6.5 | 13.0 | 31.20 | 187.20 |
| ISMB 250 ★ POPULAR | 250 | 125 | 12.5 | 6.9 | 13.0 | 37.30 | 223.80 |
| → Standard Structural I Beams — ISMB 300 to ISMB 400 | |||||||
| ISMB 300 | 300 | 140 | 12.4 | 7.5 | 14.0 | 46.10 | 276.60 |
| ISMB 350 ★ POPULAR | 350 | 140 | 14.2 | 8.1 | 14.0 | 52.40 | 314.40 |
| ISMB 400 | 400 | 140 | 16.0 | 8.9 | 14.0 | 61.50 | 369.00 |
| → Heavy Structural I Beams — ISMB 450 to ISMB 600 | |||||||
| ISMB 450 | 450 | 150 | 17.4 | 9.4 | 15.0 | 72.40 | 434.40 |
| ISMB 500 | 500 | 180 | 17.2 | 10.2 | 17.0 | 86.90 | 521.40 |
| ISMB 550 | 550 | 190 | 19.3 | 11.2 | 17.0 | 103.70 | 622.20 |
| ISMB 600 | 600 | 210 | 20.8 | 12.0 | 17.0 | 122.60 | 735.60 |
All values in this I beam weight chart in kg are nominal/theoretical weights derived from IS 808:1989 standard dimensions at steel density 7.85 g/cm³. Actual manufactured weights may vary within IS tolerance limits. For freight contracts, verify on a weigh-bridge. For project BOQ, include a 2–3% tolerance buffer above the chart value. Dimensional data reproduced above is indicative — always refer to the current IS 808:1989 edition for design-critical applications.
Cross-Section Area Method • Component Method • Two Worked Examples
Unlike round bars or hollow sections, the I beam weight formula is more complex because the cross-section has multiple components. Understanding the calculation gives you confidence in the I beam weight chart in kg and lets you estimate non-standard or fabricated plate girder sections independently.
Given: D=200, B=100, T=10.8, t=5.7 (all mm)
Two flange areas: 2 × (100 × 10.8) = 2,160 mm²
Web area: (200 − 2×10.8) × 5.7 = 178.4 × 5.7 = 1,017 mm²
Total (approx): 3,177 mm² = 31.77 cm²
Weight ≈ 31.77 × 0.785 = 24.94 kg/m
IS 808 tabulated value: 25.4 kg/m. Difference ≈ 1.8% — accounted for by root radius material. For project estimation always use the IS 808 table value from this I beam weight chart in kg.
Given: D=350, B=140, T=14.2, t=8.1 (all mm)
Two flange areas: 2 × (140 × 14.2) = 3,976 mm²
Web area: (350 − 2×14.2) × 8.1 = 321.6 × 8.1 = 2,605 mm²
Total (approx): 6,581 mm² = 65.81 cm²
Weight ≈ 65.81 × 0.785 = 51.66 kg/m
IS 808 tabulated value: 52.4 kg/m. Difference ≈ 1.4% — root radius correction again. The simplified formula is reliable for preliminary estimation; always finalise with IS 808 table values.
Standard ISMB I beams come in 6-metre and 12-metre lengths. To get weight per piece, multiply kg/m by the piece length.
ISMB 200 at 6m: 25.4 × 6 = 152.4 kg per piece.
ISMB 200 at 12m: 25.4 × 12 = 304.8 kg per piece.
Pieces per MT (6m lengths): 1,000 ÷ 152.4 = ≈ 6.6 pieces per MT for ISMB 200.
For ISMB 350 at 6m: 1,000 ÷ 314.4 = ≈ 3.2 pieces per MT.
Depth Selection • Span Guidance • Structural vs Light Use • Weight Implications
The ISMB size — and therefore the weight per metre from the I beam weight chart in kg — is primarily driven by the required bending resistance for your span and load. Deeper sections are stiffer and stronger but heavier. Here is a practical guide to selecting the appropriate ISMB depth for common applications.
Lightweight I beams suitable for spans up to approximately 2–3 metres under moderate loads. Common applications: loft floor joists in industrial buildings, short lintel beams over openings, secondary floor framing in mezzanine structures, and small crane runway beams for very light hoists. ISMB 100 at 8.9 kg/m is the lightest structural I beam in the IS 808 range.
The most widely stocked and specified ISMB sizes in India. Used for main floor beams in mezzanines, portal frame rafters in light industrial sheds, roof purlins and eaves beams, medium-span lintels, and equipment support beams. ISMB 200 at 25.4 kg/m and ISMB 250 at 37.3 kg/m are the reference sizes most procurement teams carry in stock.
The primary structural range for industrial buildings, warehouse floor beams, crane girders for 1–5 tonne SWL cranes, bridge deck main beams, and heavy mezzanine main frames. ISMB 350 at 52.4 kg/m and ISMB 400 at 61.5 kg/m are the go-to sizes for structural engineers designing light-to-medium industrial frames. Always confirm with structural design calculations.
Heavy-duty structural I beams for long-span bridges, heavy industrial crane girders (5–20+ tonne), portal frame main columns and rafters in large industrial structures, and highway overpass deck beams. ISMB 600 at 122.6 kg/m per metre is a serious structural member — these are always engineer-specified and require detailed structural analysis before procurement and fabrication.
A widely used preliminary guideline in Indian structural practice: for a simply supported steel beam under moderate uniform load, the nominal beam depth in mm is approximately span (mm) ÷ 20 to span ÷ 25. For example, a 4-metre span → try ISMB 160–200 as a starting point. This is a very rough preliminary guide only — actual beam selection must always be verified by a qualified structural engineer using proper load and deflection calculations. Never rely on a depth rule for final structural design.
Construction • Industrial • Infrastructure • Fabrication
ISMB I beams are the backbone of structural steel construction in India. Their efficient I-shaped cross-section maximises bending resistance for a given weight — which is why they appear in virtually every category of steel-framed construction. Here is how the sizes from the I beam weight chart in kg map to real-world structural applications.
Smaller pre-engineered and portal frame buildings use ISMB sections for primary and secondary structural members — rafters, columns, eaves beams, and wind columns. Larger PEB structures typically use fabricated plate girders, but ISMB sections remain common for infill and secondary framing.
Small vehicular and pedestrian bridges, railway culvert deck beams, and drainage channel covers use ISMB sections. ISMB 600 at 122.6 kg/m is near the upper limit of standard hot-rolled I beams — longer spans require fabricated plate girders or wide-flange sections.
Ground-mounted solar farm main support beams, substation equipment support frames, electrical switchyard structures, and transmission line gantry horizontal members use ISMB sections. Hot-dip galvanising is standard for all outdoor applications to prevent corrosion.
I Beam vs Column Section vs Wide Flange • Weight & Performance Compared
Indian structural steel supply includes ISMB (I beams), ISSC (Indian Standard Special Channel — sometimes incorrectly called H-columns), and wide-flange (WF/UB/UC) sections imported or made to EN/ASTM standards. Understanding the difference helps you specify correctly and read the I beam weight chart in kg in context.
| Parameter | ISMB (I Beam) | ISSC (Indian Std. Column) | Wide Flange (WF / UB) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flange width vs depth | Narrow flange — B typically 50–55% of D | Medium flange — B approx 60–70% of D | Wide flange — B approximately equal to D | WF — biaxial bending |
| Best loading direction | Strong in major axis bending (vertical load) | Better biaxial — suited to columns | Efficient in both axes — versatile | ✔ ISMB for beams; WF for columns |
| Use as a beam | ✔ Primary choice — high depth-to-width ratio maximises bending stiffness | Can be used as beam — less efficient than ISMB of equal weight | Very efficient — standard in UK/US beam use | ✔ ISMB or WF |
| Use as a column | Possible for light columns — inefficient in minor axis | ✔ Better — wider flange gives better radius of gyration in both axes | ✔ Preferred — equal-flange sections maximise column efficiency | WF or ISSC for columns |
| IS Standard governing | IS 808:1989 | IS 808:1989 | IS 12778 / EN 10034 / ASTM A6 | Specify standard on PO |
| Availability in India | ✔ Excellent — ISMB is the standard stocked section | Good — ISSC stocked by major distributors | Limited — often imported; longer lead time | ✔ ISMB — immediate availability |
| Weight chart reference | This I beam weight chart in kg (IS 808) | IS 808 ISSC section tables | Manufacturer / IS 12778 tables | Confirm with IS 808 |
When the required beam depth exceeds ISMB 600 (the deepest standard rolled section in the IS 808 I beam weight chart in kg), or when a non-standard depth or flange size is needed, engineers specify a fabricated plate girder — a custom I-shaped section built up from three steel plates welded together. Plate girders are used for large bridges, heavy industrial crane girders above about 20t SWL, and long-span roofs exceeding approximately 30–40 metres. Plate girder weight must be calculated from actual plate dimensions — the IS 808 I beam weight chart does not apply.
Per-MT to Per-Metre Conversion • Specification Language • Common Procurement Errors
Structural I beams are sold by the tonne at mill level — but procured and estimated by the metre or piece at the project level. The I beam weight chart in kg per metre is the conversion bridge. Without it, you cannot evaluate whether a supplier's per-piece quote is competitive against a per-MT rate.
Step-by-step example for ISMB 200:
Step 1: Get per-MT price from supplier.
Example: ₹74,000 per MT (ISMB 200, IS 2062 E250)
Step 2: Look up in I beam weight chart in kg.
ISMB 200 = 25.4 kg/m
Step 3: Per-metre rate = (74,000 ÷ 1,000) × 25.4
= 74 × 25.4 = ₹1,880 per metre
Step 4: Per 6-metre piece = 1,880 × 6 = ₹11,280 per piece
With this benchmark you can directly evaluate any supplier's per-piece quote and identify underspecification or over-pricing immediately.
1. Specifying depth only: Saying "200mm I beam" without the ISMB designation leaves room for non-standard sections. Always specify "ISMB 200, IS 808:1989" explicitly.
2. Confusing ISMB with ISSC or WF: Different section types at the same nominal depth have different flange widths and different weights per metre. An ISSC 200 is not the same product as ISMB 200 — do not use this I beam weight chart in kg for ISSC sections.
3. Not specifying material grade: Standard structural steel is IS 2062 Grade E250, but higher grades (E350, E410) are available and priced differently. State the required grade on your purchase order.
Section: I Beam (ISMB)
Designation: ISMB 200 (IS 808:1989)
Length: 6 metres per piece (or 12m, state clearly)
Standard: IS 808:1989 (Dimensions)
Material: IS 2062:2011 Grade E250
Mark: IS mark mandatory on section
MTC: Mill Test Certificate required with delivery
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — IS 808:1989 — Dimensions for Hot Rolled Steel Beam, Column, Channel and Angle Sections
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — IS 2062:2011 — Hot Rolled Medium and High Tensile Structural Steel (Material Grade)
• Ministry of Steel, Government of India — Steel industry standards, consumption data, and policy information
FAQ • For Structural Engineers, Contractors & Steel Traders
Vishwageeta Ispat is Raipur's trusted iron and steel stockist — supplying TMT bars, ISMB I beams (IS 808), MS angles, ISMC channels, MS round pipes (IS 1239), square MS pipes (IS 4923), GI pipes, MS sheets, chequered plates, and all structural steel products. This I beam weight chart in kg is published as a free technical reference for structural engineers, contractors, fabricators, project estimators, and procurement teams across Chhattisgarh and Central India.
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