Steel Beam Load Capacity Tables
Steel beam load capacity tables provide the maximum allowable load a beam can carry for a given span, section size, and steel grade. The values below are based on simply supported beams with full lateral restraint, calculated per Eurocode 3 (EN 1993-1-1) using the plastic moment resistance of the section. Both strength and deflection (L/250 limit) are checked; the governing value is shown.
Maximum Uniformly Distributed Load (kN/m): S355 Steel
The following steel beam load capacity values represent the maximum factored UDL for simply supported beams in S355 steel, governed by either bending resistance or deflection (L/250), whichever is more restrictive.
| Profile | Weight (kg/m) | 4 m Span | 5 m Span | 6 m Span | 8 m Span | 10 m Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPE 200 | 22.4 | 38.5 | 24.6 | 17.1 | 7.6 | 3.9 |
| IPE 300 | 42.2 | 102.8 | 65.8 | 45.7 | 19.3 | 9.9 |
| IPE 400 | 66.3 | 199.0 | 127.4 | 88.4 | 37.3 | 19.1 |
| IPE 500 | 90.7 | 321.0 | 205.4 | 142.7 | 60.2 | 30.8 |
| HEA 200 | 42.3 | 67.2 | 43.0 | 29.8 | 14.4 | 7.4 |
| HEA 300 | 88.3 | 204.5 | 130.9 | 90.9 | 38.3 | 19.6 |
| HEB 200 | 61.3 | 100.5 | 64.3 | 44.7 | 21.4 | 11.0 |
| HEB 300 | 117.0 | 290.5 | 186.0 | 129.2 | 54.5 | 27.9 |
| HEB 400 | 155.0 | 483.0 | 309.0 | 214.6 | 90.5 | 46.3 |
Values are maximum factored UDL (kN/m) including self-weight. Governed by bending resistance (Mpl,Rd) or deflection limit (L/250), whichever is lower. Full lateral restraint assumed. For laterally unrestrained beams, lateral-torsional buckling reduces capacity significantly.
Maximum Central Point Load (kN): S355 Steel
| Profile | 4 m Span | 5 m Span | 6 m Span | 8 m Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPE 200 | 60.9 | 48.7 | 40.6 | 22.0 |
| IPE 300 | 162.4 | 129.9 | 108.3 | 57.2 |
| IPE 400 | 313.8 | 251.0 | 209.2 | 110.8 |
| HEA 200 | 107.4 | 85.9 | 71.6 | 42.3 |
| HEB 200 | 160.6 | 128.5 | 107.1 | 62.8 |
| HEB 300 | 457.8 | 366.3 | 305.2 | 161.5 |
Maximum factored central point load (kN). Simply supported beam, S355, full lateral restraint. Self-weight deducted from capacity.
Important Limitations
These load capacity tables are simplified aids for preliminary sizing. Final design must account for:
- Partial safety factors per Eurocode 3 load combinations
- Lateral-torsional buckling for unrestrained beams
- Web buckling and bearing at concentrated load points
- Shear capacity (typically governs only for short, heavily loaded spans)
- Combined bending and axial load for beam-columns
For profiles beyond the range shown, refer to the detailed dimension tables for HEA/HEB beams and IPE/IPN beams.
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