Steel Column Calculator — m, load, section
How to use this calculator
Pick a section type, choose a standard European profile, enter the cut length in m/cm/mm, and the number of columns. The result is mass per metre, mass per column, and total tonnes — the numbers used to size the crane pick, write the lift list, and price the structural-steel line. Use the fabricated stick length, not the architectural floor-to-floor, so the takeoff matches the delivered piece.
Cost — enter price per kg, per meter, or per column to get total material cost. Select your currency (EUR, PLN, CZK, SEK, etc.).
Base Plate — optionally estimate a simplified base plate size.
Steel Grade — S235, S275, S355 per EN 10025.
Saved Calculations
| Time | Section | Height | Qty | kg/col | Total kg | Cost |
|---|
How to Calculate Steel Column Weight (Metric)
Column mass is the section's mass per metre multiplied by the cut length. Pick the shape tab, choose the profile, and enter the fabricated stick length including base- and cap-plate allowances so the takeoff matches the delivered piece, not just the floor-to-floor height. Total mass drives crane selection, erection sequence, and the structural-steel cost line.
Formula
Mass per column = g × L, where g is the catalogue mass (kg/m) and L is the length in metres. Total mass = g × L × N for N columns; tonnes = total ÷ 1000. Example: HEB 240 at 3.5 m = 83.2 × 3.5 = 291 kg each. SHS and CHS masses already include the wall, so no separate area term is needed. Size the connecting framing with the steel beam weight calculator.
Section Types & Grades
HEB wide-flange profiles (HEB 200–400) are the standard European column section in S235/S275/S355 per EN 10025. SHS hollow sections (EN 10210/10219) give equal biaxial capacity for slender unbraced columns; CHS tubes suit exposed architectural columns. Buckling resistance Nb,Rd per EN 1993-1-1 still governs design load — this tool computes mass and cost, not axial capacity.
Base Plate Sizing
The optional base plate uses a simplified rule: plan size = section depth + 150 mm each side, at user-set thickness, weighed at 7 850 kg/m³ (7.85 kg/m² per mm of plate). Final design per EN 1993-1-8 must check concrete bearing, plate bending, and holding-down bolts — use the bolt pattern calculator for anchor layout and the steel plate weight calculator for stiffeners and fin plates.
On the jobsite
Three estimator mistakes that show up on the snag list. Forgot the base plate & cap plate — an HEB 240 column at 3.5 m gets a 360×360×25 mm base plate (≈25 kg) plus a 280×280×12 mm cap plate (≈7 kg); skip them and the lift list comes in 5–8% light. Pricing by €/kg without fabrication — mill mass is €0.80–€2.00/kg in 2025 Europe, but a fabricated-and-delivered column with welded base plate, drilled bolt holes, and shop primer runs €2.50–€5.00/kg; use the €/column tab for sub-bids. Holding-down bolt template not ordered — M20/M24 anchor bolts need a setting template and 250–400 mm embedment per EN 1992-4; pocket dimensions and bolt projection must match the EN 1993-1-8 base-plate detail before the concrete is cast. Cross-check the bolt pattern calculator for anchor layout, the steel beam weight calculator for the connecting framing, and the rebar calculator for pier ties on composite columns.
FAQ
Does the mass include base and cap plates? No — the main result is the rolled section only. Enable the Base Plate option for a simplified plate mass and add cap/stiffener plate mass separately.
Why does the mill certificate differ slightly? Catalogue mass is nominal; rolled mass varies about ±4% within EN 10034 / EN 10210 tolerance.
HEA or HEB for columns? HEB (heavier, square profile) is the usual column choice; HEA is lighter and more common for beams.
