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What is ASTM A36?
Quick answer
- Definition
- ASTM A36 is the most widely used carbon structural steel in the Americas, with a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa (36 ksi), supplied as plates, bars and structural shapes.
- Family
- Carbon steel
- Key strength
- Minimum yield 250 MPa (36 ksi)
- Main forms
- Plates, Sheets, Bars, Angles, Channels, Beams
- Typical uses
- Buildings and industrial structures; Bridges; Base plates, gussets and brackets
ASTM A36 covers carbon steel shapes, plates and bars of structural quality for bolted, riveted or welded construction of bridges, buildings and general structures. Its 36 ksi minimum yield and good weldability make it the default specification for general fabrication in the US and many export projects.
For wide-flange beams, US practice has largely moved to ASTM A992, but A36 remains standard for plates, angles, channels and bars. It's broadly comparable in class to IS 2062 E250 and EN S235/S275, but the standards aren't interchangeable without engineering approval.
Key characteristics
- Minimum yield 250 MPa (36 ksi)
- Plates, bars and shapes
- Good weldability
- Standard for US-specified fabrication
What are the specifications and equivalents of A36?
| Product form | Specification / designation | Product page |
|---|---|---|
| Plates | ASTM A36 / ASME SA36 | A36 plates → |
| Sheets | ASTM A36 / ASME SA36 | A36 sheets → |
| Bars | ASTM A36 / ASME SA36 | A36 bars → |
| Angles | ASTM A36 / ASME SA36 | A36 angles → |
| Channels | ASTM A36 / ASME SA36 | A36 channels → |
| Beams | ASTM A36 / ASME SA36 | A36 beams → |
What is the chemical composition of A36?
| Element | Limit (%) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.25 max |
| Mn | — (by thickness) |
| P | 0.030 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Si | 0.40 max |
| Cu | 0.20 min (when copper steel is specified) |
What are the mechanical properties of A36?
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 400 – 550 MPa (58 – 80 ksi) |
| Yield strength (0.2% offset) | 250 MPa (36 ksi) |
| Elongation | 20% in 200 mm / 23% in 50 mm |
Physical properties and service temperature
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density (typical) | 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³) |
| Magnetism | Magnetic. |
| Heat treatment | As-rolled, normalised or as required by the specification. |
| Service temperature | — |
How is A36 welded and fabricated?
Readily weldable; heavier sections and higher carbon equivalents need preheat.
Always follow a qualified welding procedure (for example ASME Section IX) and the filler-metal recommendations for A36. Verify incoming material by PMI and check the mill test certificate against the specification.
Which A36 products do we supply?
ASTM A36 is available in 6 product forms, from ready stock or mill-sourced to your specification, with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates (3.2 with third-party inspection on request).
A36 SheetsASTM A36Specification & sizes
How it's madeHot-rolled coil is cold-rolled to final thickness, then annealed and pickled (2B/2D) or bright annealed (BA), temper-passed, and polished or textured as needed. Coils are then levelled and cut into sheets.
- Specification
- ASTM A36 / ASME SA36
- Size range
- Thickness about 0.3 – 6 mm, standard sizes 1,000 × 2,000, 1,219 × 2,438 (4 × 8 ft), 1,250 × 2,500 and 1,500 × 3,000 mm; custom cut lengths
- Finish
- 2B, 2D, BA, No.4 (brushed), HL (hairline), No.8 (mirror), embossed, PVC or laser-film protected
- Ends
- Sheared or slit edges; laser-cut blanks on request
Testing & documents
- Chemical and mechanical tests
- Surface and finish inspection
- Thickness and flatness checks
- Hardness and bend tests as specified
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate; 3.2 with third-party inspection
A36 BarsASTM A36Specification & sizes
How it's madeBillets are hot-rolled or forged to size, then heat treated (annealed, solution treated, or quenched and tempered) and finished by descaling, peeling, turning, cold-drawing or centreless grinding for bright bar with tight tolerance.
- Specification
- ASTM A36 / ASME SA36
- Size range
- Round bars about 3 – 500 mm diameter; hex 6 – 100 mm A/F; square and flat sections to order; lengths 3 – 6 m random or cut to size
- Finish
- Black (hot-rolled), peeled, bright drawn, centreless ground and polished (h9 / h11 tolerance)
- Ends
- Saw-cut, chamfered on request
Testing & documents
- Chemical and mechanical tests
- Ultrasonic testing for internal soundness
- Hardness, IGC and impact tests as specified
- Straightness and tolerance checks
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate; 3.2 with third-party inspection
A36 AnglesASTM A36Specification & sizes
How it's madeHot-rolled from billets on section mills (carbon steel), hot-rolled or laser-fused (stainless steel), or extruded (aluminium).
- Specification
- ASTM A36 / ASME SA36
- Size range
- Equal angles about 20 × 20 × 3 mm to 200 × 200 × 25 mm; unequal angles to order; lengths 6 m / 12 m or cut
- Finish
- Mill black, shot-blasted and primed, galvanised; pickled or polished (stainless)
- Ends
- Saw-cut to length; drilled or punched on request
Testing & documents
- Chemical and mechanical tests
- Dimensional and straightness checks
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate; 3.2 with third-party inspection
A36 ChannelsASTM A36Specification & sizes
How it's madeHot-rolled on section mills (carbon steel), hot-rolled or laser-fused (stainless), or extruded (aluminium).
- Specification
- ASTM A36 / ASME SA36
- Size range
- ISMC 75 – ISMC 400 and equivalents; UPN 80 – UPN 400; lengths 6 m / 12 m or cut
- Finish
- Mill black, primed or galvanised; pickled or polished (stainless)
- Ends
- Saw-cut to length
Testing & documents
- Chemical and mechanical tests
- Dimensional and straightness checks
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate; 3.2 with third-party inspection
A36 BeamsASTM A36Specification & sizes
How it's madeHot-rolled on universal beam mills; heavier or non-standard sizes are welded from plate (built-up beams).
- Specification
- ASTM A36 / ASME SA36
- Size range
- ISMB 100 – ISMB 600; NPB/WPB and IPE/HE ranges; lengths 6 m / 12 m or cut
- Finish
- Mill black, shot-blasted and primed, galvanised
- Ends
- Saw-cut; coped and drilled to drawing on request
Testing & documents
- Chemical and mechanical tests
- Dimensional and straightness checks
- EN 10204 3.1 certificate; 3.2 with third-party inspection
Where is A36 used?
Typical applications
- Buildings and industrial structures
- Bridges
- Base plates, gussets and brackets
- Tanks and general fabrication
- Machinery frames
What should you specify when buying A36?
- Grade and specification, e.g. ASTM A36
- Product form, size and tolerance
- Heat treatment / condition and surface finish
- Quantity, delivery location and required date
- Tests: PMI, hydro/NDT, IGC, impact or hardness as required
- Certificate type (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2) and third-party inspection
See our RFQ checklist guide and what drives metal prices.
Explore more on A36
Comparisons & articles
Related grades
Charts & tools
Frequently asked questions
Is A36 the same as IS 2062 E250?
They're similar in strength class (about 250 MPa yield) but are different standards, with different chemistry, testing and tolerance requirements. Substitution needs engineering approval.
What is A36 used for?
Buildings and industrial structures, Bridges, Base plates, gussets and brackets, Tanks and general fabrication. It's used across Construction & Architecture, Infrastructure, Heavy Engineering, Engineering & Fabrication.
What is the UNS number of ASTM A36?
ASTM A36 has no UNS designation. See the specification notes above.
Which product forms is A36 available in?
Plates, Sheets, Bars, Angles, Channels, Beams, to ASTM A36, ASTM A36, ASTM A36 and related specifications.
What is the density of ASTM A36?
About 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³), used for weight calculations.
Is ASTM A36 magnetic?
Magnetic.