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Steel Angle Dimensions and Size Lookup
Dimensions and properties are nominal reference values.
L4X4X1/4 selected
- Designation
- L4X4X1/4
- Long leg, b
- 4 in
- Short leg, d
- 4 in
- Thickness, t
- 1/4 in
- Nominal weight
- 6.6 lb/ft
- Area
- 1.93 in²
Selected-angle weight estimator
For the default L4X4X1/4 selection, one 20 ft piece weighs 132 lb nominally: 6.6 lb/ft × 20 ft × 1.
Engineering limit
Size and weight values are nominal. This lookup does not establish material grade, rolling-tolerance compliance, supplier availability, connection suitability, structural capacity, or project approval.
Selected reference scope
AISC Steel Angle Sizes, Dimensions, Weight, and Area
24 representative single-angle sizes from AISC Shapes Database v16.0.
Search or filter above, then choose a radio button to update the diagram and estimator. This is a deliberately non-exhaustive educational subset; use the linked AISC database for the complete shape library.
No selected AISC L shape matches this search and filter. Check the designation format or clear the filter; nonstandard sizes are not interpolated.
Scroll horizontally to view additional columns and vertically to view additional rows. Column headers remain visible while scrolling.
| Select | Nominal dimensions | Section data | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L12X12X1-3/8 | Equal | 12 in | 12 in | 1-3/8 in | 105 lb/ft | 31.1 in² | |
| L10X10X3/4 | Equal | 10 in | 10 in | 3/4 in | 49.1 lb/ft | 14.5 in² | |
| L8X8X1/2 | Equal | 8 in | 8 in | 1/2 in | 26.4 lb/ft | 7.84 in² | |
| L8X6X1/2 | Unequal | 8 in | 6 in | 1/2 in | 23 lb/ft | 6.8 in² | |
| L8X4X1/2 | Unequal | 8 in | 4 in | 1/2 in | 19.6 lb/ft | 5.8 in² | |
| L7X4X3/8 | Unequal | 7 in | 4 in | 3/8 in | 13.6 lb/ft | 4 in² | |
| L6X6X1/2 | Equal | 6 in | 6 in | 1/2 in | 19.6 lb/ft | 5.77 in² | |
| L6X4X3/8 | Unequal | 6 in | 4 in | 3/8 in | 12.3 lb/ft | 3.61 in² | |
| L6X3-1/2X3/8 | Unequal | 6 in | 3.5 in | 3/8 in | 11.7 lb/ft | 3.44 in² | |
| L5X5X1/2 | Equal | 5 in | 5 in | 1/2 in | 16.2 lb/ft | 4.79 in² | |
| L5X3-1/2X3/8 | Unequal | 5 in | 3.5 in | 3/8 in | 10.4 lb/ft | 3.05 in² | |
| L5X3X1/4 | Unequal | 5 in | 3 in | 1/4 in | 6.6 lb/ft | 1.94 in² | |
| L4X4X3/4 | Equal | 4 in | 4 in | 3/4 in | 18.5 lb/ft | 5.44 in² | |
| L4X4X1/2 | Equal | 4 in | 4 in | 1/2 in | 12.8 lb/ft | 3.75 in² | |
| L4X4X3/8 | Equal | 4 in | 4 in | 3/8 in | 9.8 lb/ft | 2.86 in² | |
| L4X4X1/4 | Equal | 4 in | 4 in | 1/4 in | 6.6 lb/ft | 1.93 in² | |
| L4X3-1/2X1/4 | Unequal | 4 in | 3.5 in | 1/4 in | 6.2 lb/ft | 1.82 in² | |
| L4X3X3/8 | Unequal | 4 in | 3 in | 3/8 in | 8.5 lb/ft | 2.49 in² | |
| L4X3X1/4 | Unequal | 4 in | 3 in | 1/4 in | 5.8 lb/ft | 1.69 in² | |
| L3-1/2X3-1/2X1/4 | Equal | 3.5 in | 3.5 in | 1/4 in | 5.8 lb/ft | 1.7 in² | |
| L3X3X1/2 | Equal | 3 in | 3 in | 1/2 in | 9.4 lb/ft | 2.76 in² | |
| L3X3X1/4 | Equal | 3 in | 3 in | 1/4 in | 4.9 lb/ft | 1.44 in² | |
| L3X2X1/4 | Unequal | 3 in | 2 in | 1/4 in | 4.1 lb/ft | 1.2 in² | |
| L2X2X1/8 | Equal | 2 in | 2 in | 1/8 in | 1.65 lb/ft | 0.491 in² | |
AISC L-shape designations describe geometry, not steel grade. Verify project specifications, current mill availability, permitted variations, connection geometry, and structural capacity separately.
How to Read a Steel Angle Designation
An AISC single-angle label follows L × longer leg × shorter leg × nominal thickness. For example, L4X3X3/8 identifies a steel angle with a 4 in leg, a 3 in leg, and 3/8 in nominal thickness. The designation does not state piece length, steel grade, root radius, strength, or availability.
- L
- Single L-shaped structural angle.
- 4 × 3
- Nominal long and short leg dimensions in inches.
- 3/8
- Nominal leg thickness in inches.
Equal-Leg vs Unequal-Leg Steel Angles
An equal-leg angle has the same nominal dimension on both legs, such as L4X4X1/4. An unequal-leg angle has different leg dimensions, such as L4X3X3/8. Orientation matters because rotating an unequal angle changes which leg projects in each direction and can change connection geometry, eccentricity, and structural behavior.
- Use the selected diagram to confirm which value is the long leg b and which is the short leg d.
- Do not assume two angles with similar weight are interchangeable.
- Confirm the actual orientation on drawings, details, and connection schedules.
Worked Steel Angle Lookup and Weight Examples
One L4X4X1/4 piece
Assume one 20 ft uncoated piece. The chart gives 6.6 lb/ft. Total nominal weight is 6.6 × 20 × 1 = 132 lb. This excludes cutting loss, coatings, holes, weld metal, and attachments.
Six L4X3X3/8 pieces
Assume six pieces, each 12 ft long. The chart gives 8.5 lb/ft. Total nominal weight is 8.5 × 12 × 6 = 612 lb. Use supplier-certified mass when procurement or shipping limits require tighter accuracy.
Nominal Dimensions, Rolling Tolerances, and Availability
Tabulated dimensions and weights are nominal references. Delivered shapes may vary within the permitted variations of the applicable product specification, and a shape listed in the AISC database may not be stocked by a particular mill or service center. Verify the current project specification, material certification, mill availability, and measured fit before fabrication.
Do not use this schematic as a fabrication drawing. It omits fillets, corner radii, permitted variations, edge condition, holes, and connection details.
Steel Angle Size Is Not Material Grade or Capacity
Geometry and nominal weight alone cannot establish structural adequacy. Final selection can require material yield strength, member length, orientation, unbraced length, local and overall buckling, eccentric loading, shear lag, connection details, corrosion allowance, fire protection, and the governing code.
- Confirm the required product specification and material grade.
- Verify the full section properties and applicable limit states.
- Check connection geometry, edge distances, bolt or weld requirements, and eccentricity.
- Confirm current availability, tolerances, and project approval requirements.
Engineering Sources and Data Scope
This page uses a transformed, non-exhaustive 24-row selection of single L shapes and only the fields needed for size lookup and nominal weight estimation.
The source basis is AISC Shapes Database v16.0. U.S. values remain canonical; SI values are calculated with NIST conversion factors. No ASTM table, annex, or protected figure is reproduced, and no full or filtered CSV is offered.
- AISC Shapes Database v16.0Official dimensions and properties consistent with the Steel Construction Manual, 16th Edition.
- ASTM A6/A6M-26aPublic scope reference for rolled structural shapes and permitted variations; protected standard tables are not reproduced.
- NIST SP 811, Appendix BExact inch-foot and SI conversion basis.
- AISC Terms & ConditionsReuse scope reviewed to prevent an unrestricted database republication or bulk download.
Dataset and Source-Check Details
- Dataset
- AISC Shapes Database v16.0, selected Type L rows
- Edition
- Version 16.0, August 2023
- Canonical units
- in, in², and lb/ft
- Calculated display
- mm, mm², and kg/m
- Public scope
- 24 representative equal- and unequal-leg sizes
- Excluded
- Advanced properties, full database export, capacity, grade, and availability
- Source check
- August 7, 2026
- Publisher
- Turn2Engineering
Steel Angle Size Chart FAQs
It denotes a single angle with nominal 4 in and 3 in legs and 3/8 in thickness. It does not identify piece length or material grade.
“Angle iron” is common trade language, while structural references usually use steel angle or L shape. Always verify the intended product, manufacturing method, and governing standard.
No. The L designation defines section geometry. Material grade must be established separately by the project specification and material documentation.
The chart values are nominal. Rolling variations, rounding, mill practice, and the applicable product specification can produce permitted differences in actual dimensions and mass.
No. Structural selection also requires loads, material properties, length, orientation, buckling, eccentricity, connections, and governing code checks.
Use the Chart as a Geometry and Takeoff Reference
Choose an available angle row to inspect its nominal legs, thickness, weight, area, and profile. Use the estimator for preliminary material takeoff, then verify the full AISC record, project specifications, tolerances, availability, and structural design requirements before release.