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Steel Shape Comparison and Favorites
Compare up to four AISC steel shapes by dimensions and section properties in US or SI units. Save favorites, see differences, and share a comparison link.
Compare the properties that matter
Select up to four exact shapes from the AISC v16.0 database. Show percentage differences from the first shape, switch display units, and keep frequently used profiles in your browser.
Loading the AISC shape database…
Shape properties side by side
Add a shape above, or start with W18X35 and W18X40.
A dash means the source database does not provide that property for the selected shape. The first shape is the reference for percentage differences; a larger value does not imply a suitable structural substitution.
Your saved shapes
Use “Save favorite” under a selected shape to keep it here for later.
Favorites are stored only in this browser. Clearing website data removes them. A comparison link includes the chosen shapes and units, but not your favorites.
Understand this comparison
Data comes from the AISC Shapes Database v16.0. SI display values are converted from the source US customary data: dimensions use 25.4 mm/in; area, section modulus, moment of inertia, and warping constant use that factor raised to the second, third, fourth, and sixth powers. Weight per length uses kg/m.
Use this tool to organize a reference review. It does not check loads, member capacity, bracing, local slenderness, connections, material grade, or code requirements and does not approve shape substitutions. Verify the database, product availability, and the project's engineering requirements.
Open the material takeoff builder, browse the complete shape catalog, or study steel shapes and properties.
Read a shape comparison without losing the context
Start with the section named in your drawing or schedule, then add the other shapes you want to examine. The first column is the reference for every percentage difference. This makes the comparison useful for checking recorded dimensions and properties before discussing a change with the responsible project team.
Set up a focused comparison
- Add the reference shape first, followed by up to three other exact database designations.
- Choose US customary or SI display units. Compare the same property row across the columns; depth, area, and moment of inertia use different units.
- Keep the percentage differences visible when checking the size of a change. Remove and re-add shapes if you need a different first column.
Worked example: W18X35 and W18X40
Open the two-shape example. With W18X35 first, the nominal weight row compares 35 and 40 lb/ft: (40 − 35) ÷ 35 × 100 = 14.29% more weight per foot. If you reverse the reference, 35 versus 40 becomes 12.5% less. Percentage differences depend on which shape is first.
Read the depth and flange-width rows separately from that weight comparison. A matching nominal depth in the designation does not make every listed dimension equal. Larger section properties do not, by themselves, establish an acceptable substitution.
Understand missing values and saved selections
A dash means the source does not supply that property for that shape; it is not zero. Only properties supplied for at least one selected shape are shown. SI values are converted from the same source entries, so switching units should not change the percentage differences.
Favorites keep frequently used sections in this browser. A comparison link carries the selected shapes and units, while CSV preserves a readable table for your records. Open a shape's linked reference page for its full catalog entry, or use the shape-properties learning path to understand the terminology.