Rectangular tube sizes and dimensions chart

Rectangular steel tubes, also known as Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS), are widely used in structural construction, machinery frames, vehicle chassis, and general fabrication. Their rectangular cross-section provides different bending properties along the two principal axes, making them suitable for beams, horizontal supports, and other structural applications.

Rectangular tube dimensions are generally specified by three main measurements: outside height (H) × outside width (B) × wall thickness (t). Available sizes are expressed in millimeters or inches, depending on the applicable standard and market.

This guide covers common RHS dimensions, theoretical weights, steel gauge conversions, dimensional tolerances, and size selection for different applications.

1. Global Standards for Rectangular Steel Tubes

Rectangular hollow sections are manufactured according to different international standards. The applicable standard depends on the destination market, material grade, and structural requirements.

Note: The ranges above are indicative market and supply ranges, not universal dimensional limits established by each standard. Actual availability depends on the manufacturer and product specification. Metric and imperial dimensions are not always exact equivalents.

Commonly specified rectangular tube sizes include 50 × 25 mm, 60 × 40 mm, 80 × 40 mm, and 100 × 50 mm.

2. RHS Steel Sizes Chart: Metric and Imperial Dimensions

The following rectangular tubing sizes chart provides common dimensions, approximate inch equivalents, and theoretical weights. The 6-meter weight is calculated by multiplying the nominal weight per meter by six.

Note: Inch equivalents are approximate. The listed weights are reference values and may differ from calculated theoretical weights based on actual corner radii and manufacturing dimensions. Common stock lengths include 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m, while custom lengths may be available upon request.

How to Calculate Rectangular Tube Weight

If your required size is not listed in the RHS steel sizes chart, you can estimate its theoretical weight using the following formulas.

Metric formula (kg/m):

[W = 2(H+B-2t)\times t\times0.00785]

Where H, B, and t are in millimeters, and 0.00785 represents the density conversion for carbon steel at approximately 7,850 kg/m³.

Imperial formula (lb/ft):

[W = 2(H+B-2t)\times t\times3.403]

Where H, B, and t are in inches, and 3.403 is the approximate conversion factor for carbon steel.

These simplified formulas do not account for rounded corners or other detailed sectional geometry. For engineering calculations and purchasing, use the manufacturer's sectional data or the applicable standard. Actual product weight may vary according to dimensional and mass tolerances.

3. Steel Gauge to Wall Thickness Conversion

For North American projects, rectangular tubing wall thickness may be specified using steel gauge numbers. The following table provides common reference conversions.

Gauge numbers are commonly used in North America for thin-wall steel tubing. However, gauge-to-thickness conversions can vary depending on the gauge system and material. Metric wall thickness in millimeters is generally preferred for international engineering drawings because it specifies the nominal thickness directly.

4. How to Choose Rectangular Tube Sizes by Application

RHS profiles have different height and width dimensions, allowing engineers to select the section orientation according to structural loading. When the longer side is positioned vertically, a rectangular tube generally provides greater bending stiffness about that axis than when positioned horizontally.

Typical size recommendations include:

These are general application examples, not engineering design recommendations. Final size selection should consider loading conditions, span, material grade, wall thickness, connection design, and applicable structural codes.

For other hollow-section options, see our [Square Tube Sizes and Dimensions Chart].

5. Rectangular Tube Dimensional Tolerances

Dimensional tolerances affect fabrication accuracy, structural fit-up, and product interchangeability. Requirements vary according to the applicable standard and product dimensions.

Note: Tolerances must be checked against the applicable edition of the standard, product dimensions, and purchase specification. EN 10219-2:2019 specifies additional requirements for outside dimensions, corner profiles, twist, concavity/convexity, and straightness. ASTM A500 tolerances should likewise be verified against the applicable edition rather than assumed to be identical for every HSS size.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct rectangular tube size requires more than checking outside dimensions. Wall thickness, theoretical weight, material grade, dimensional tolerances, and application requirements all affect product suitability. This RHS steel sizes chart provides a practical reference for comparing common metric and imperial rectangular tubing sizes and planning material requirements.

Union Steel Industry supplies structural steel products for different project specifications. Buyers can provide the required RHS dimensions, wall thickness, material grade, standard, and delivery length to confirm product availability and suitable manufacturing options.

FAQ

1. What are the standard sizes of rectangular steel tubes?
Common sizes include 40 × 20, 50 × 25, 60 × 40, 80 × 40, and 100 × 50 mm, with larger sections available depending on manufacturing capability.

2. How do you calculate rectangular tube weight?
The approximate weight is calculated from the cross-sectional area multiplied by the density of steel. The result is usually expressed in kg/m or lb/ft.

3. What is the difference between RHS and SHS?
RHS stands for Rectangular Hollow Section, while SHS stands for Square Hollow Section. RHS has unequal side dimensions, whereas SHS has equal sides.

4. What standards are used for rectangular steel tubes?
Common standards include EN 10219, EN 10210, GB/T 6728, and ASTM A500, depending on the market and application.

5. What is the difference between rectangular tube height and width?
Height and width refer to the two outside dimensions of the rectangular section. Their orientation affects the section's bending properties and should be specified clearly in engineering drawings.