W16 Beam Sizes and Section Properties
Compare AISC W16 wide-flange sections by weight, actual depth, flange width, moment of inertia and section modulus.
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AISC Shapes Database v16.0 · 2,299 sections
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Showing the most relevant 75 sections.
| Designation | Weight (lb/ft) | Depth, d (in) | Flange width, bf (in) | Area (in²) | Ix (in⁴) | Sx (in³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W16x100 | 100 | 17 | 10.4 | 29.4 | 1490 | 175 |
| W16x89 | 89 | 16.8 | 10.4 | 26.2 | 1300 | 155 |
| W16x77 | 77 | 16.5 | 10.3 | 22.6 | 1110 | 134 |
| W16x57 | 57 | 16.4 | 7.12 | 16.8 | 758 | 92.2 |
| W16x50 | 50 | 16.3 | 7.07 | 14.7 | 659 | 81 |
| W16x67 | 67 | 16.3 | 10.2 | 19.6 | 954 | 117 |
| W16x45 | 45 | 16.1 | 7.04 | 13.3 | 586 | 72.7 |
| W16x40 | 40 | 16 | 7 | 11.8 | 518 | 64.7 |
| W16x31 | 31 | 15.9 | 5.53 | 9.13 | 375 | 47.2 |
| W16x36 | 36 | 15.9 | 6.99 | 10.6 | 448 | 56.5 |
| W16x26 | 26 | 15.7 | 5.5 | 7.68 | 301 | 38.4 |
Series overview
W16 series
The W16 series groups AISC W-family shapes that share the same nominal-depth designation prefix. Weights and actual depths still vary within the series, so use the table below to compare candidates before analysis.
The AISC W16 series contains 11 published sections ranging from 26.00 to 100.00 lb/ft . Actual depths range from 15.70 to 17.00 inches, despite the shared W16 nominal designation .
- Lightest W16
- W16X26
- Highest Ix
- W16X100
- Shallowest actual depth
- W16X26
- Widest flange
- W16X100
Beam calculator
Analyze a W16 section
Select a designation above and load it into Optimal Beam for span, support and load analysis.
Source: AISC Shapes Database v16.0 · Methodology
Questions & answers
W16 FAQs
What is the W16 series?
It is the set of published AISC W shapes whose designation begins with W16. Members share a nominal-depth label but can differ in weight, actual depth and properties.
Why do actual depths differ within W16?
The number in the designation is nominal. Published overall depth varies by weight. Always use the tabulated depth for clearance and detailing.
How should I choose among W16 weights?
Compare weight, Ix, Sx, flange geometry and project constraints, then analyze finalists under the same span and loads. There is no universal “best” section.
Can I analyze a W16 section in Optimal Beam?
Yes. Select a designation above and choose Analyze to load its properties into the beam calculator.