W18 Beam Sizes and Section Properties

Compare AISC W18 wide-flange sections by weight, actual depth, flange width, moment of inertia and section modulus.

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Showing AISC · W18 · Imperial

AISC Shapes Database v16.0 · 2,299 sections

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Showing the most relevant 75 sections.

AISC W-shape dimensions and section properties in imperial units
Designation Weight (lb/ft) Depth, d (in) Flange width, bf (in) Area (in²) Ix (in⁴) Sx (in³)
W18x311 311 22.3 12 91.6 6970 624
W18x283 283 21.9 11.9 83.3 6170 565
W18x258 258 21.5 11.8 76 5510 514
W18x234 234 21.1 11.7 68.6 4900 466
W18x211 211 20.7 11.6 62.3 4330 419
W18x192 192 20.4 11.5 56.2 3870 380
W18x175 175 20 11.4 51.4 3450 344
W18x158 158 19.7 11.3 46.3 3060 310
W18x143 143 19.5 11.2 42 2750 282
W18x130 130 19.3 11.2 38.3 2460 256
W18x119 119 19 11.3 35.1 2190 231
W18x106 106 18.7 11.2 31.1 1910 204
W18x97 97 18.6 11.1 28.5 1750 188
W18x71 71 18.5 7.64 20.9 1170 127
W18x65 65 18.4 7.59 19.1 1070 117
W18x86 86 18.4 11.1 25.3 1530 166
W18x60 60 18.2 7.56 17.6 984 108
W18x76 76 18.2 11 22.3 1330 146
W18x46 46 18.1 6.06 13.5 712 78.8
W18x55 55 18.1 7.53 16.2 890 98.3
W18x50 50 18 7.5 14.7 800 88.9
W18x40 40 17.9 6.02 11.8 612 68.4
W18x35 35 17.7 6 10.3 510 57.6

Series overview

W18 series

The W18 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 W18 series contains 23 published sections ranging from 35.00 to 311.00 lb/ft . Actual depths range from 17.70 to 22.30 inches, despite the shared W18 nominal designation .

Lightest W18
W18X35
Highest Ix
W18X311
Shallowest actual depth
W18X35
Widest flange
W18X311

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Source: AISC Shapes Database v16.0 · Methodology

Questions & answers

W18 FAQs

What is the W18 series?

It is the set of published AISC W shapes whose designation begins with W18. Members share a nominal-depth label but can differ in weight, actual depth and properties.

Why do actual depths differ within W18?

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 W18 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 W18 section in Optimal Beam?

Yes. Select a designation above and choose Analyze to load its properties into the beam calculator.