Axial stress
σ = P / A
P is axial load and A is the tube cross-sectional area.
Structural steel reference
Hollow Structural Sections
Search square and rectangular HSS dimensions and section properties in imperial units for columns, frames, trusses, supports, and torsion-resistant members.
HSS lookup
Select an HSS designation
Choose a hollow structural section to surface its dimensions, wall thickness, weight, area, and section properties.
Selected section
Reference table
HSS dimensions and properties chart
| Designation | Depth H (in) | Width B (in) | Wall Thickness t (in) | Weight (lb/ft) | Area (in2) | Ix (in4) | Iy (in4) | Zx (in3) | Zy (in3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSS 2x2x1/4 | 2 | 2 | 0.25 | 3 | 0.89 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 0.17 |
| HSS 3x3x1/4 | 3 | 3 | 0.25 | 5 | 1.49 | 0.56 | 0.56 | 0.37 | 0.37 |
| HSS 4x2x3/8 | 4 | 2 | 0.375 | 8.5 | 2.53 | 1.62 | 0.35 | 0.81 | 0.35 |
| HSS 6x4x1/2 | 6 | 4 | 0.5 | 17.2 | 5.1 | 8.2 | 1.91 | 2.73 | 0.95 |
Formulas
Common HSS section relationships
Bending stress
σ = M / Z
M is bending moment and Z is the section modulus about the bending axis.
Bending stiffness
E I
I controls flexural stiffness and deflection for beams and frame members.
Column slenderness
KL / r
Closed HSS shapes are often efficient compression members because material is distributed away from the centroid.
Definitions
What the HSS properties mean
Designation
HSS designations list the outside depth, outside width, and nominal wall thickness in inches.
Wall Thickness
The tube wall thickness affects axial strength, local buckling behavior, connection detailing, and weight.
Ix, Iy
Moments of inertia about each axis. These values describe bending stiffness and deflection resistance.
Zx, Zy
Section modulus values used to estimate bending stress about the x- and y-axes.
FAQ
HSS questions
What does an HSS designation mean?
A designation such as HSS 6x4x1/2 means a hollow structural section with 6 inch outside depth, 4 inch outside width, and 1/2 inch wall thickness.
Why are HSS members useful in structural design?
HSS members have closed sections with good torsional stiffness and efficient compression behavior, making them useful for columns, frames, trusses, and exposed steelwork.
Can this HSS chart replace the AISC Steel Construction Manual?
No. Use this page for quick reference and early comparison. Final design should use current AISC data, governing codes, and project requirements.
Related
Structural reference resources
American Steel Angles Dimensions and Properties
Imperial L angle dimensions and section properties.
American Steel Channels Dimensions and Properties
Imperial C channel dimensions and section properties.
American Wide Flange Steel Beams Dimensions and Properties
Imperial W beam dimensions and section properties.