W16×40 wide-flange beam

Detailing dimensions and section properties from the AISC Shapes Database, 16th Edition. Values are shown to the nearest 1/16 in. as they appear on a shop drawing.

W16×40 measures 16 in. deep with a 7 in. flange, on a 5/16 in. web and 1/2 in. flanges.

At 40 lb per foot it is one of the 11 W16 sizes, which run from 26 to 100 lb/ft.

For strong-axis bending its section modulus is Sx = 64.7 in³ and its moment of inertia Ix = 518 in⁴, with a plastic modulus Zx = 73 in³.

Detailing dimensions

Depth (d)16"
Flange width (bf)7"
Web thickness (tw)5/16"
Flange thickness (tf)1/2"
k (detailing)1 3/16"
Workable gage (g)3 1/2"

Section properties

Weight40 lb/ft
Area (A)11.8 in²
Ix518 in⁴
Sx64.7 in³
Zx73 in³
rx6.63 in
Iy28.9 in⁴
Sy8.25 in³
Zy12.7 in³
ry1.57 in
J0.794 in⁴

Other W16 sizes

Same nominal size, different weight — useful when you are checking a substitution or a lighter section.

W16×26W16×31W16×36W16×45W16×50W16×57W16×67W16×77W16×89W16×100

All W16 sizes and dimensions →

Similar weight wide-flange beams

Comparable 40 lb/ft sections in other wide-flange beam sizes.

W18×4040 lb/ft · Sx 68.4 in³W12×4040 lb/ft · Sx 51.5 in³W8×4040 lb/ft · Sx 35.5 in³W10×3939 lb/ft · Sx 42.1 in³W14×3838 lb/ft · Sx 54.6 in³W14×4343 lb/ft · Sx 62.6 in³W21×4444 lb/ft · Sx 81.6 in³W18×3535 lb/ft · Sx 57.6 in³

Compare W16×40 with a nearby size

W16×36 vs W16×40W16×40 vs W16×45W12×40 vs W16×40W16×40 vs W18×40

Detailing values are rounded to the nearest 1/16 in. per the AISC Steel Construction Manual. Verify critical dimensions against the current Manual before fabrication. Need W16×40 cut, formed, or fabricated? Huntington Steel & Supply Co.

Browse more: Wide flange beams · Steel Beam Size Chart

Interactive drawing