RSJ Beam Weight Per Meter Chart – Quick Reference for Ordering Steel in 2026

Knowing the exact weight of RSJ beams is essential for ordering, delivery planning, safe handling, and structural calculations. This comprehensive weight chart provides quick reference data for all common RSJ and Universal Beam sections available in the UK and Europe for 2026.

Why Beam Weight Matters

1. Ordering and Cost

Steel is typically priced per ton, so knowing weight helps you:

• Calculate exact material costs
• Compare quotes from different suppliers
• Verify you’re being charged correctly
• Budget accurately for projects

Example: 203×133×30 beam at £85/m weighs 30kg/m = £2.83/kg. If supplier quotes £3.50/kg, you’re overpaying by 24%!

2. Delivery Planning

Weight determines:

• Vehicle requirements: Van (<500kg), truck (>500kg)
• Offloading method: Manual (<100kg total), mechanical (>100kg)
• Delivery costs: Often calculated by weight
• Access restrictions: Some sites limit vehicle weights

Example: 305×165×40 UB at 6m length = 240kg. Too heavy for manual handling – need crane or forklift for offload.

3. Safe Handling

Manual handling regulations (UK):

• Maximum single person lift: 25kg
• Maximum two-person lift: ~50kg
• Recommended team lift: <100kg total load
• Above 100kg: Use mechanical aids (crane, engine hoist, pallet jack)

Example: 203×133×25 at 4m length = 100kg. Borderline for manual handling – 3-4 people minimum, or use mechanical aid for safety.

4. Structural Design

Beam self-weight is a dead load that adds:

• Bending moment
• Deflection
• End reactions

For light loads and long spans, beam weight can be 10-20% of total load!

Complete RSJ Weight Chart

Small Sections (127-178mm depth)

Designation	Weight (kg/m)	3m Total (kg)	4m Total (kg)	5m Total (kg)	6m Total (kg)
127×76×13	13.0	39	52	65	78
152×89×16	16.0	48	64	80	96
152×127×37	37.0	111	148	185	222
178×102×19	19.0	57	76	95	114

Handling: Small beams (<100kg total) can be manually handled with 2-3 people. 152×127×37 at >3m requires mechanical aid or 4-person team.

Medium Sections (203mm depth)

Designation	Weight (kg/m)	3m Total (kg)	4m Total (kg)	5m Total (kg)	6m Total (kg)
203×102×23	23.0	69	92	115	138
203×133×25	25.0	75	100	125	150
203×133×30	30.0	90	120	150	180
203×203×46	46.0	138	184	230	276
203×203×52	52.0	156	208	260	312

Handling: 203×133 series at 3m manageable with 3-4 people. At 4m+ or wider 203×203 series, use crane/hoist.

Most Popular: 203×133×25 and 203×133×30 are most common residential sizes.

Large Sections (254mm depth)

Designation	Weight (kg/m)	3m Total (kg)	4m Total (kg)	5m Total (kg)	6m Total (kg)
254×102×22	22.0	66	88	110	132
254×102×25	25.0	75	100	125	150
254×102×28	28.0	84	112	140	168
254×146×31	31.0	93	124	155	186
254×146×37	37.0	111	148	185	222
254×146×43	43.0	129	172	215	258
254×254×73	73.0	219	292	365	438
254×254×89	89.0	267	356	445	534

Handling: All require mechanical assistance at lengths >3m. 254×254 sections very heavy – need proper lifting equipment.

Extra Large Sections (305mm+ depth)

Designation	Weight (kg/m)	3m Total (kg)	4m Total (kg)	5m Total (kg)	6m Total (kg)	7m Total (kg)	8m Total (kg)
305×102×25	25.0	75	100	125	150	175	200
305×102×28	28.0	84	112	140	168	196	224
305×102×33	33.0	99	132	165	198	231	264
305×165×40	40.0	120	160	200	240	280	320
305×165×46	46.0	138	184	230	276	322	368
305×165×54	54.0	162	216	270	324	378	432
305×305×97	97.0	291	388	485	582	679	776
305×305×118	118.0	354	472	590	708	826	944

Handling: All require crane or heavy lifting equipment. 305×305 sections extremely heavy – plan lifting operations carefully.

Very Large Sections (356-457mm depth)

Designation	Weight (kg/m)	4m Total (kg)	5m Total (kg)	6m Total (kg)	7m Total (kg)	8m Total (kg)
356×171×45	45.0	180	225	270	315	360
356×171×51	51.0	204	255	306	357	408
356×171×57	57.0	228	285	342	399	456
356×171×67	67.0	268	335	402	469	536
406×178×54	54.0	216	270	324	378	432
406×178×60	60.0	240	300	360	420	480
406×178×67	67.0	268	335	402	469	536
406×178×74	74.0	296	370	444	518	592
457×191×67	67.0	268	335	402	469	536
457×191×74	74.0	296	370	444	518	592
457×191×82	82.0	328	410	492	574	656
457×191×89	89.0	356	445	534	623	712

Handling: Heavy commercial/industrial sections. Require proper crane operations, qualified rigging, and careful planning.

Weight per Length for Common Beams

203×133×25 RSJ (Most Popular Residential)

Length	Weight	Handling Method
2.0m	50kg	2 people possible
2.5m	63kg	2-3 people
3.0m	75kg	3 people minimum
3.5m	88kg	3-4 people
4.0m	100kg	4 people or mechanical
4.5m	113kg	Mechanical aid required
5.0m	125kg	Mechanical aid required
6.0m	150kg	Crane/hoist required

254×146×31 RSJ (Common Loft Conversion)

Length	Weight	Handling Method
3.0m	93kg	3-4 people
4.0m	124kg	Mechanical aid required
5.0m	155kg	Crane/hoist required
6.0m	186kg	Crane required
7.0m	217kg	Crane required

305×165×40 UB (Large Residential/Commercial)

Length	Weight	Handling Method
4.0m	160kg	Mechanical aid required
5.0m	200kg	Crane required
6.0m	240kg	Crane required
7.0m	280kg	Heavy crane required
8.0m	320kg	Heavy crane required

European IPE Section Weights

Common in Poland and EU:

IPE Size	Weight (kg/m)	Approx. UK Equivalent	4m Total (kg)	6m Total (kg)
IPE 140	12.9	152×127×37 (lighter)	52	77
IPE 160	15.8	152×89×16	63	95
IPE 180	18.8	178×102×19	75	113
IPE 200	22.4	203×133×25	90	134
IPE 220	26.2	203×133×30	105	157
IPE 240	30.7	254×102×22	123	184
IPE 270	36.1	254×146×31	144	217
IPE 300	42.2	305×165×40	169	253
IPE 330	49.1	305×165×46	196	295
IPE 360	57.1	356×171×51	228	343

Note: IPE sections generally lighter than UK equivalents for similar depth.

Weight-Based Cost Calculations

Calculating Total Steel Cost

Formula: Total Cost = (Weight per meter × Length × Price per kg)

Example 1: 203×133×30, 4.3m length

• Weight: 30 kg/m
• Total weight: 30 × 4.3 = 129kg
• Price: £2.80/kg (typical 2026 UK price)
• Total: 129 × £2.80 = £361

Example 2: 254×146×37, 5.2m length

• Weight: 37 kg/m
• Total weight: 37 × 5.2 = 192kg
• Price: £2.75/kg
• Total: 192 × £2.75 = £528

Price per kg by Beam Size (2026 UK Market)

Size Category	Typical Price/kg	Notes
Small (127-178mm)	£2.60-3.20	Premium per kg (less efficient)
Medium (203mm)	£2.50-2.90	Most competitive pricing
Large (254mm)	£2.55-2.95	Good value
Extra large (305mm+)	£2.70-3.10	Slight premium for handling
Very large (356mm+)	£2.80-3.30	Commercial pricing

Bulk discounts: Orders >1 ton typically receive 10-20% discount.

Weight and Transport

Vehicle Requirements by Weight

Car with trailer (up to 500kg total):

• Suitable for beams up to:
  • 203×133×25: 6m length (150kg) + other materials
  • 203×133×30: 5m length (150kg)
• Must have proper tie-downs and loading method

Long wheelbase van (up to 1,000kg):

• Suitable for most residential beams
• Can carry 203×133×25 up to 12m (if van long enough)
• 254×146×37 up to 8m
• Requires proper securing

Flatbed truck (up to 3,000kg):

• Any residential beam
• Multiple beams for large projects
• Commercial deliveries

Dedicated steel delivery (crane-equipped):

• Heavy beams (>300kg each)
• Multiple large sections
• Sites without offloading equipment

Delivery Costs by Weight

2026 UK typical costs:

Total Weight	Local (<30 miles)	Regional (30-100 miles)
<100kg	Free (click & collect)	£50-80
100-250kg	£50-80	£80-120
250-500kg	£70-100	£100-150
500-1000kg	£90-130	£120-180
>1000kg	£120-180	£150-250+

Crane offload: Add £100-250 depending on access and beam location.

Lifting and Handling Equipment

Equipment Capacity Requirements

Engine crane (cherry picker):

• Typical capacity: 2 tons (2000kg)
• Safe for beams up to 500kg at short radius
• Cost: £60-100/day hire or £200-400 to buy

Gantry crane:

• Capacity: 1-5 tons depending on model
• Better for controlled lifting in workshops
• Cost: £100-200/day hire or £600-2000 to buy

Telehandler/forklift:

• Most versatile for construction sites
• Capacity: 2-4 tons typical
• Cost: £150-300/day hire

Tower crane (commercial sites):

• Multi-ton capacity
• Required for very heavy beams (>1000kg) at height
• Cost: £800-2000/day

Safe Lifting Calculations

Lifting strap requirements:

Beam Weight	Minimum Strap Rating	Typical Config
<100kg	1 ton (yellow)	2-point lift
100-250kg	2 ton (green)	2-point lift
250-500kg	3 ton (orange)	4-point lift
>500kg	5 ton+ (red/purple)	4-point lift

Working Load Limit (WLL): Always use straps rated for at least 3× the beam weight for safety factor.

Weight Impact on Structural Design

Self-Weight as Dead Load

For lighter loads, beam weight can be significant portion of total:

Example Scenario:

• 305×165×40 UB, 6m span
• Beam weight: 40kg/m = 0.4 kN/m
• Floor load: 3.5 kN/m² × 2m width = 7 kN/m
• Beam self-weight = 5.7% of total load

For very heavy beams and light loads, self-weight can exceed 10%!

Always include beam weight in structural calculations.

Quick Reference: When to Use Mechanical Lifting

Manual handling acceptable:

• Total weight <80kg
• 3+ people available
• Good lifting technique
• Short distance to move
• Level ground

Mechanical aid recommended:

• Total weight 80-150kg
• Long distances
• Lifting to height
• Uneven ground

Mechanical aid required:

• Total weight >150kg
• Lifting above shoulder height
• Precision placement needed
• Safety-critical operations

Conclusion

Accurate weight data is essential for ordering steel, planning delivery, ensuring safe handling, and performing structural calculations. Use this comprehensive weight chart for all your RSJ and Universal Beam projects in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Verify weights when ordering (price per kg × weight = cost per meter)
• Plan lifting equipment based on total beam weight
• Include beam self-weight in structural calculations
• Never exceed safe manual handling limits
• Factor weight into delivery costs and logistics

For project-specific weight calculations and structural design, always consult with a chartered structural engineer and approved steel supplier.

Disclaimer: Weights are nominal values from standard steel section tables. Actual weights may vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances (typically ±2.5%). Always verify exact weights with your supplier for critical applications.