Bending stress
σ = M / Sx
M is bending moment and Sx is the strong-axis section modulus.
Structural steel reference
American Steel Channels
Search American standard steel channel dimensions and strong-axis section properties in imperial units for framing, lintels, supports, and structural design checks.
Channel lookup
Select a C-channel designation
Choose a steel channel to surface its key dimensions, weight, area, and strong-axis section properties.
Selected section
Reference table
C-channel dimensions and properties chart
| Designation | Depth d (in) | Flange Width bf (in) | Web Thickness tw (in) | Weight (lb/ft) | Area (in2) | Ix (in4) | Sx (in3) | rx (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3x4.1 | 3 | 1.41 | 0.17 | 4.1 | 1.2 | 1.63 | 1.09 | 1.16 |
| C4x5.4 | 4 | 1.58 | 0.17 | 5.4 | 1.59 | 4.12 | 2.06 | 1.61 |
| C6x8.2 | 6 | 1.92 | 0.2 | 8.2 | 2.41 | 14.3 | 4.77 | 2.44 |
| C8x11.5 | 8 | 2.28 | 0.27 | 11.5 | 3.38 | 38.6 | 9.64 | 3.38 |
| C10x15.3 | 10 | 2.68 | 0.31 | 15.3 | 4.5 | 78.6 | 15.7 | 4.19 |
| C12x20.7 | 12 | 3 | 0.34 | 20.7 | 6.09 | 168 | 28 | 5.26 |
| C15x33.9 | 15 | 3.56 | 0.49 | 33.9 | 9.96 | 497 | 66.4 | 7.05 |
| C18x45.3 | 18 | 4.94 | 0.68 | 45.3 | 13.3 | 972 | 108 | 8.55 |
| C24x62.0 | 24 | 6.56 | 0.75 | 62 | 18.2 | 2300 | 192 | 11.2 |
Formulas
Common C-channel section relationships
Bending stiffness
E Ix
Ix controls strong-axis flexural stiffness when the channel is used as a beam.
Axial stress
σ = P / A
P is axial load and A is cross-sectional area.
Radius of gyration
rx = √(Ix / A)
Used for slenderness and stability checks in compression members.
Definitions
What the C-channel properties mean
Designation
C indicates an American standard steel channel. The first number is nominal depth in inches and the second is weight in pounds per foot.
Ix
Strong-axis moment of inertia. Larger Ix generally means greater bending stiffness and lower deflection.
Sx
Strong-axis section modulus. It is used to estimate bending stress from an applied moment.
tw
Web thickness. This dimension is important for shear checks, web bearing, and connection detailing.
FAQ
C-channel questions
What does a C-channel designation mean?
A designation such as C10x15.3 means an American standard channel with about 10 inches nominal depth and 15.3 lb/ft weight.
Where are steel channels commonly used?
Steel channels are used in framing, lintels, stair stringers, trusses, equipment supports, and edge members where an open section is useful.
Can this channel chart replace the AISC Steel Construction Manual?
No. Use this page for quick reference and early comparison. Final structural design should use current AISC data, governing codes, and project requirements.
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