W6×20 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.

W6×20 measures 6 1/4 in. deep with a 6 in. flange, on a 1/4 in. web and 3/8 in. flanges.

At 20 lb per foot it is one of the 7 W6 sizes, which run from 8.5 to 25 lb/ft.

For strong-axis bending its section modulus is Sx = 13.4 in³ and its moment of inertia Ix = 41.4 in⁴, with a plastic modulus Zx = 14.9 in³.

Detailing dimensions

Depth (d)6 1/4"
Flange width (bf)6"
Web thickness (tw)1/4"
Flange thickness (tf)3/8"
k (detailing)7/8"
Workable gage (g)3 1/2"

Section properties

Weight20 lb/ft
Area (A)5.87 in²
Ix41.4 in⁴
Sx13.4 in³
Zx14.9 in³
rx2.66 in
Iy13.3 in⁴
Sy4.41 in³
Zy6.72 in³
ry1.5 in
J0.24 in⁴

Other W6 sizes

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

W6×8.5W6×9W6×12W6×15W6×16W6×25

All W6 sizes and dimensions →

Similar weight wide-flange beams

Comparable 20 lb/ft sections in other wide-flange beam sizes.

W12×1919 lb/ft · Sx 21.3 in³W10×1919 lb/ft · Sx 18.8 in³W5×1919 lb/ft · Sx 10.2 in³W8×2121 lb/ft · Sx 18.2 in³W8×1818 lb/ft · Sx 15.2 in³W14×2222 lb/ft · Sx 29 in³W12×2222 lb/ft · Sx 25.4 in³W10×2222 lb/ft · Sx 23.2 in³

Compare W6×20 with a nearby size

W6×16 vs W6×20W6×20 vs W6×25

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 W6×20 cut, formed, or fabricated? Huntington Steel & Supply Co.

Browse more: Wide flange beams · Steel Beam Size Chart

Interactive drawing