Steel Column Calculator — ft, load, section
How to use this calculator
Select a column section type (W-shape, HSS square, HSS round, or pipe), pick a common AISC size, enter the column height in feet and inches, and the number of columns. Results update instantly with weight per foot, total weight per column, and total weight for all columns.
Cost — enter price per pound or per linear foot to get total material cost.
Base Plate — optionally estimate a simplified base plate size based on the column section.
Steel Grade — A992 (50 ksi) for W-shapes, A500 for HSS, A53 for pipe.
Saved Calculations
| Time | Section | Height | Qty | Wt/col | Total lbs | Cost |
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How to Calculate Steel Column Weight
This steel column calculator estimates the total weight of structural steel columns using AISC standard sections. Select from W-shapes (wide flange), HSS square tubes, HSS round tubes, or standard pipe sections. Enter the column height in feet and inches with fraction precision, specify the number of columns, and get instant results for weight per foot, weight per column, and total project weight.
Section Types
W-shapes (W8×31 through W14×90) are the most common column sections for building frames. HSS square sections (4×4 through 12×12) provide excellent biaxial bending resistance. HSS round and pipe sections offer uniform properties in all directions, ideal for exposed architectural columns.
Base Plate Sizing
The optional base plate estimate uses a simplified method: plate dimensions are the column depth plus 6 inches on each side. Actual base plate design requires consideration of axial load, moment, concrete bearing strength per AISC Design Guide 1, and anchor bolt layout. Consult a structural engineer for final design.
Cost Estimation
Steel pricing varies by section type, grade, quantity, and market conditions. Typical structural steel costs $0.50–$1.50 per pound for material, with fabrication and erection adding $0.50–$2.00 per pound. All estimates are for planning purposes only.
