Steel angle guide: grades, sizes and applications
Steel angle is an L-shaped hot-rolled section, made with equal or unequal legs to EN 10056, in structural grades S235JR, S275JR and S355J2 to EN 10025-2. Its right-angle shape makes it stiff and easy to bolt or weld, which is why it is one of the most widely used sections for frames, brackets, supports and bracing. The grade sets the strength and the leg sizes set the stiffness. This guide covers the types, sizes, grades, strength and protection of steel angle, so you can specify the right one.
What steel angle is
Steel angle is a length of steel rolled into an L-shaped cross section, with two legs meeting at a right angle. That simple shape gives a lot of stiffness for the weight of metal, because the material sits away from the bend where it resists bending best, and it provides two flat faces that are easy to drill, bolt and weld to. Angle is produced by hot rolling to EN 10056, which makes it economical and consistent, and it is one of the workhorse sections of steel fabrication alongside beams, channels and flat bar.
Equal and unequal leg angle
Steel angle comes in two forms. Equal leg angle has two legs of the same length, giving symmetrical strength, and is the default for general framing, brackets and supports. Unequal leg angle has one leg longer than the other, which suits situations where more depth or a wider fixing face is wanted in one direction, such as lintels and edge trims. Both are covered by the same standard, and the choice between them is driven by how the section is loaded and fixed rather than by cost.
Sizes and the standard
Dimensions and tolerances are set by European standards, which is what lets angle from different sources fit together predictably. EN 10056-1 defines the dimensions of equal and unequal leg angles, and EN 10056-2 defines the tolerances on shape and dimension. Equal leg angle runs from around 20 by 20 by 3 millimetres up to about 250 by 250 millimetres, and unequal leg angle from around 30 by 20 up to about 200 by 150 millimetres, in thicknesses from roughly 3 to 24 millimetres. Because the range is broad, the exact size for a job is confirmed against the standard and availability rather than assumed.
Steel grades for angle
Steel angle is rolled in the structural grades of EN 10025-2, defined by their minimum yield strength.
| Grade | Minimum yield strength | Character |
|---|---|---|
| S235JR | 235 MPa | General structural, very weldable |
| S275JR | 275 MPa | Higher strength general structural |
| S355J2 | 355 MPa | High strength for demanding structures |
The number is the minimum yield strength in megapascals, so S355 carries markedly more load than S235 for the same section. The letters after it show the impact toughness quality: JR for testing at room temperature, J0 at zero degrees and J2 at minus twenty, which matters where a structure sees cold or dynamic loads. S235JR is the everyday choice, while S355J2 is specified for heavier or safety-critical work. Our guide to structural steel S235, S275 and S355 sets out the grades in full.
How strong steel angle is
The strength of an angle in service comes from two things: the grade of steel and the size and thickness of the legs. The grade fixes how much stress the steel can take, while the leg dimensions fix the section’s resistance to bending and buckling. A deeper, thicker angle in a higher grade carries far more than a small one in S235. Because angle is not symmetrical about all axes, a loaded angle is checked for bending and buckling in the direction it actually carries load, and slender legs are also checked for local buckling. This is why structural angle is sized by calculation to the relevant Eurocode rather than by eye, especially where it carries a primary load.
Common applications
Steel angle is used almost everywhere metal is fabricated. It forms frames and framework, brackets and supports, bracing and cross-members, lintels over openings, shelving and racking, gates and railings, machine bases, trailer and vehicle frames, and edge protection and trims. Its two flat faces make it the natural choice wherever one part must be fixed square to another, and its stiffness for the weight makes it efficient in frames and supports. From a small bracket to a large braced structure, angle turns up at every scale of steelwork.
The weight of steel angle
Steel weighs about 7.85 grams per cubic centimetre, so the weight of an angle per metre follows directly from its cross-sectional area: the larger and thicker the legs, the heavier the section. EN 10056-1 tabulates the mass per metre for every standard size, which is used for structural calculations and for working out delivery weights. Knowing the weight per metre matters for design, for handling and for transport, and it is read from the standard rather than estimated, so structures and loads are worked out accurately.
Corrosion protection
Steel angle is supplied as bare, or black, hot-rolled steel, which will rust if left unprotected outdoors, so it is finished for its environment. Indoors and in dry conditions bare or painted angle is fine. Outdoors, hot-dip galvanising gives the most durable protection by coating the steel in zinc, and painting or a duplex system of galvanising plus paint is used where colour or extra life is wanted. Our guide to galvanised steel covers the zinc coating options. Choosing the protection at the design stage avoids corrosion later.
Steel angle versus aluminium angle
Where weight or corrosion resistance matters, aluminium angle is an alternative to steel. Steel is stronger and stiffer for the same size and much cheaper, so it dominates structural and heavy work. Aluminium angle is about a third of the weight, resists corrosion without coating and is easier to handle, which suits light frames, trims and outdoor work where its lower strength is enough. The choice comes down to load, weight, corrosion exposure and budget. Our guide to aluminium profiles covers the aluminium option.
Storing and handling steel angle
Bare steel angle is stored to keep it dry and straight. Kept off the ground on bearers, under cover and with air able to circulate, it stays free of the surface rust and water staining that damp, close stacking causes. Long lengths are supported at intervals so they do not sag and take a set, and bundles are handled so the sections do not bow. Good storage keeps black steel in the condition it left the mill, ready to fabricate, and is far easier than cleaning up rusted or bent stock later.
Steel angle from ULAMEX
ULAMEX has supplied structural steel angle since 1988, in the grades and sizes that fabricators specify.
| What you get | Detail |
|---|---|
| Types | Equal and unequal leg angle to EN 10056 |
| Grades | S235JR, S275JR and S355J2 to EN 10025-2 |
| Finish | Black hot-rolled, galvanised to order |
| Documents | Mill test certificate 3.1 to EN 10204 on request |
| Terms | No minimum order on stocked SKUs, dispatch 2 to 7 working days |
Need steel angle for a project? Tell ULAMEX the grade, the leg sizes and the quantity and the desk will confirm availability and return a non-binding quotation. See our guides to structural steel grades and black steel structural sections, and our supply capabilities, or contact the export desk at [email protected] or +48 504 424 761.
Frequently asked questions
What is steel angle used for?
Frames and framework, brackets and supports, bracing, lintels, shelving and racking, gates and railings, machine bases and vehicle frames. Its two flat faces and stiffness for the weight make it the natural choice wherever one part must be fixed square to another.
What is the difference between equal and unequal angle?
Equal leg angle has two legs of the same length and gives symmetrical strength, for general framing and brackets. Unequal leg angle has one longer leg, which suits situations needing more depth or a wider fixing face in one direction, such as lintels and edge trims.
What grades does steel angle come in?
The structural grades of EN 10025-2: S235JR at 235 MPa yield for general use, S275JR at 275 MPa, and S355J2 at 355 MPa for demanding work. The letters JR, J0 and J2 show the impact toughness quality, from room temperature down to minus twenty degrees.
What sizes does steel angle come in?
To EN 10056-1, equal leg angle runs from about 20 by 20 by 3 millimetres up to around 250 by 250, and unequal leg angle from about 30 by 20 up to around 200 by 150, in thicknesses from roughly 3 to 24 millimetres. The exact size is confirmed against the standard and availability.
How much does steel angle weigh?
Steel weighs about 7.85 grams per cubic centimetre, so the mass per metre follows from the cross-sectional area: the larger and thicker the legs, the heavier. EN 10056-1 tabulates the mass per metre for every standard size, used for design and delivery weights.
Does steel angle rust?
Bare, black hot-rolled angle will rust outdoors if unprotected. Indoors or painted it is fine, and for durable outdoor protection it is hot-dip galvanised, or given a duplex system of galvanising plus paint where colour or extra life is wanted.
Can ULAMEX supply steel angle in a specific grade and size?
Yes. Tell the export desk the grade, the leg sizes and the quantity and ULAMEX will confirm availability and return a non-binding quotation, black or galvanised, with mill certificate 3.1 to EN 10204 on request.