Source: https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/w12x26-vs-w12x40/ Steel video · 0:55 # W12x26 vs W12x40: Same Depth Family, Different Beam Compare W12x26 and W12x40 dimensions, weight, flange width, stiffness, and connection implications before treating two W12 beams as equivalent. What you will learn - W12: Same nominal depth family. - 26: 26 lb/ft. - 40: 40 lb/ft. Published August 7, 2026 [Watch on YouTube ↗](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ5uq4AmTbU) [Watch the Short ↗](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eWLSHfLqtfM) Practical context ## How the steel information fits the project workflow W12×26 is 12.2 inches deep; W12×40 is 11.9 inches deep. Never substitute shapes using the W12 label or pounds per foot alone. Continue with the data ### Compare AISC steel shapes Move from the video explanation to the related reference, dimensions, properties, tools, and learning context. [Open related reference](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/steel-tools/) Companion reading and practice ## What changes when nominal depth stays similar? For a fictional 20 ft piece, nominal weight is 520 lb for W12X26 and 800 lb for W12X40. The difference is 280 lb before any added connection material. The common W12 prefix does not make the dimensions or section properties identical. Compare the actual database records and the property units. This comparison describes geometry and nominal weight; it does not show that either member can replace the other in a structure. ### Try it with a sample Open both sections in Shape Comparison and note which dimensions differ as well as the weight. [Compare the two reference records](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/shape-comparison/) Examples are fictional learning exercises. This companion text adds context to the video; the transcript below records the narration. Primary sources ## References and further reading - [AISC Shapes Database v16.0](https://www.aisc.org/aisc/publications/steel-construction-manual/aisc-shapes-database-v160/) Use the edition and requirements adopted for the project. These references support further reading; a short video does not reproduce the complete standards. Published by Quantum Steel Design. [Sources and editorial approach](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/about/#editorial-approach) · [Report a correction](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/contact/) · Companion guide updated September 28, 2026. Accessible transcript ## W12x26 vs W12x40: Same Depth Family, Different Beam transcript The visible transcript makes the video content available to people and search systems without requiring playback. - W twelve by twenty-six and W twelve by forty share a depth family, but they are very different beams. - The final numbers are nominal weight: twenty-six versus forty pounds per foot. - Here is the surprise. W twelve by twenty-six is twelve point two inches deep. W twelve by forty is only eleven point nine. - The heavier beam is wider: eight point zero one inches versus six point four nine at the flange. - Its major-axis moment of inertia is three hundred seven inches to the fourth, compared with two hundred four. - That changes stiffness, strength checks, connections, clearances, handling weight, and sometimes availability. - Same nominal depth does not mean the same envelope. Never substitute without comparing properties and obtaining required approval. - Compare both shapes side by side at Quantum Steel Design. Keep watching ## More structural steel detailing and fabrication videos. [View the complete video library](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/) [11:30](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/structural-steel-takeoff-workflow/) September 27, 2026Long-form field guide ## Structural Steel Takeoff: From Drawings to a Defensible Material List Build a traceable structural steel takeoff: define scope, count members, label lengths and units, calculate nominal weight, document allowances, and compare revisions. [Watch with transcript](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/structural-steel-takeoff-workflow/) [Watch on YouTube ↗](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv-RwOBNf-Y) [0:55](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/blank-steel-data-not-zero/) August 8, 2026AI-assisted detailing explainer ## Why Blank Steel Data Is Not Zero Learn why blank, zero, unknown, and not-applicable are different data states—and how silent conversion can make incomplete steel information appear valid. [Watch with transcript](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/blank-steel-data-not-zero/) [Watch Short ↗](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Iv2DZp-aR58) [0:48](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/2l4x4x3-8/) August 7, 2026Steel explainer ## What Does 2L4x4x3/8 Mean? Double Angles Explained Decode the 2L4x4x3/8 double-angle designation and understand why separation, connectors, eccentricity, and stability define the built-up member. [Watch with transcript](https://www.quantumsteeldesign.com/videos/2l4x4x3-8/) [Watch Short ↗](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KCsMtMCJJjw)