Stress
sigma = F / A
Yield begins near sigma_y
Material property lookup
Yield Strength of Common Materials
Compare typical yield strength values for metals and polymers used in structural safety, stress checks, and material selection.
Instant strength lookup
Select a material or case
Select a material to view typical yield strength in MPa and ksi.
Selected value
Reference table
Yield strength table
| Material | Group | Yield Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (ksi) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 6061-T6 | Metal | 276 | 40 | Common heat-treated aluminum alloy |
| Carbon Steel A36 | Metal | 250 | 36 | Structural steel minimum yield |
| Mild Steel | Metal | 250 | 36 | Typical low-carbon steel |
| Stainless Steel 304 | Metal | 215 | 31 | Annealed reference value |
| Titanium Grade 2 | Metal | 275 | 40 | Commercially pure titanium |
| Brass | Metal | 200 | 29 | Varies by alloy and temper |
| Copper | Metal | 70 | 10 | Annealed reference value |
| Polycarbonate | Polymer | 60 | 8.7 | Typical tensile yield |
| Nylon | Polymer | 45 | 6.5 | Moisture dependent |
| PVC | Polymer | 50 | 7.3 | Rigid PVC reference |
Formulas
Yield strength formulas
Factor of safety
FOS = sigma_y / sigma_working
Allowable stress = sigma_y / FOS
Yield strength values vary by material grade, heat treatment, test direction, and standard. Always use certified values for final design.
Reference
How engineers use yield strength
Permanent deformation
Yield strength marks the stress level where plastic deformation begins.
Design margin
Allowable stress methods use yield strength with a factor of safety.
Material grades
Grade-specific values are essential because strength can vary widely within a material family.
Stress checks
Yield strength is used for axial, bending, torsion, and combined stress evaluations.
FAQ
Yield strength questions
What is yield strength of A36 steel?
A36 steel has a common minimum yield strength of about 250 MPa, or 36 ksi.
What is yield strength of 6061-T6 aluminum?
6061-T6 aluminum has a typical yield strength of about 276 MPa, or 40 ksi.
Is yield strength the same as tensile strength?
No. Yield strength is where permanent deformation begins; tensile strength is the maximum tensile stress before failure.
Related
Common material property tables
Bulk Modulus of Common Materials
Bulk modulus values for common solids and fluids used in compressibility checks.
Density of Common Materials
Density values for metals, polymers, ceramics, and construction materials.
Friction Coefficients of Common Materials
Static and kinetic friction coefficients for common material pairs.
Hardness Conversion Table
Approximate Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, and tensile strength conversion values.
Melting Point of Common Materials
Melting point reference values for common metals, plastics, and engineering materials.
Poisson's Ratio of Common Materials
Poisson ratio values for common engineering solids.