W5 Beam Sizes and Section Properties

Compare AISC W5 wide-flange sections by weight, actual depth, flange width, moment of inertia and section modulus.

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Showing AISC · W5 · 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)
W5x19 19 5.15 5.03 5.56 26.3 10.2
W5x16 16 5.01 5 4.71 21.4 8.55

Series overview

W5 series

The W5 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 W5 series contains 2 published sections ranging from 16.00 to 19.00 lb/ft . Actual depths range from 5.01 to 5.15 inches, despite the shared W5 nominal designation .

Lightest W5
W5X16
Highest Ix
W5X19
Shallowest actual depth
W5X16
Widest flange
W5X19

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Analyze a W5 section

Select a designation above and load it into Optimal Beam for span, support and load analysis.

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All W-Shapes W6 W4

Source: AISC Shapes Database v16.0 · Methodology

Questions & answers

W5 FAQs

What is the W5 series?

It is the set of published AISC W shapes whose designation begins with W5. Members share a nominal-depth label but can differ in weight, actual depth and properties.

Why do actual depths differ within W5?

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 W5 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 W5 section in Optimal Beam?

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