Universal Columns (UC): Sizes, Weight Chart, Prices & Specifications<\/h2>
Universal columns (UC), also called H-columns or wide-flange column sections, are hot-rolled structural steel sections with an H-shaped cross-section whose depth and flange width are nearly equal. This near-square profile gives the section similar strength about both axes, which is exactly what a column needs when it must resist axial load, bending in two directions, and buckling on a slender storey height. This page is the complete buying reference from Sino East Steel Group — a direct steel structure manufacturer in Tianjin, China: universal column sizes and weight charts, material grades, 2026 FOB prices, applications, and the fastest way to order UC sections for your project.
1. What Is a Universal Column?
A universal column is a hot-rolled structural steel section with a distinctive H profile: a central web flanked by two wide, parallel flanges. Unlike a universal beam (UB), where the depth is much larger than the flange width, a UC has a depth-to-width ratio close to 1.0, so it resists buckling and bending almost equally in both the major and minor axes. That makes UC sections the standard choice for columns in multi-storey buildings, portal frames, crane columns, and heavy transfer structures.
UC sections are produced to international dimension and tolerance standards including BS 4-1 (the classic British series UC 152×152×23 to UC 356×406×634), EN 10365 / EN 10034 (European hot-rolled sections and tolerances), GB/T 11263 (Chinese hot-rolled H-sections, the HW series), and ASTM A6/A992 for North American projects. Steel grades follow EN 10025-2 (S235JR/S275JR/S355JR/S355J2), GB/T 1591 (Q235B/Q355B), or ASTM A36/A572.
All sections on this page are hot-rolled and supplied from stock or produced to order at our Tianjin mill-supply base. Dimensions and masses are indicative and based on published series values — the mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1) that ships with every batch states the exact measured values.
2. Universal Column Sizes & Dimensions
The table below lists the standard UC series (BS 4-1 / EN 10365) with nominal dimensions and unit mass. The designation “UC 203×203×46” means a nominal depth of 203 mm, nominal width of 203 mm, and a mass of 46 kg per metre. Custom lengths, cut-to-length pieces, and drilled or welded fabrication are available on request.
| Designation | Nominal Depth × Width (mm) | Web Thickness (mm) | Flange Thickness (mm) | Mass (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC 152×152×23 | 152.4 × 152.2 | 5.8 | 6.8 | 23.0 |
| UC 152×152×30 | 157.6 × 152.9 | 6.5 | 9.4 | 30.0 |
| UC 152×152×37 | 161.8 × 154.4 | 8.0 | 11.5 | 37.0 |
| UC 203×203×46 | 203.2 × 203.6 | 7.2 | 11.0 | 46.1 |
| UC 203×203×52 | 206.2 × 204.3 | 7.9 | 12.5 | 52.3 |
| UC 203×203×60 | 209.6 × 205.8 | 9.3 | 14.2 | 60.0 |
| UC 203×203×71 | 215.8 × 206.2 | 10.0 | 17.3 | 71.0 |
| UC 203×203×86 | 222.2 × 209.1 | 12.7 | 20.5 | 86.1 |
| UC 254×254×73 | 254.1 × 254.6 | 8.6 | 14.2 | 73.1 |
| UC 254×254×89 | 260.3 × 255.3 | 10.3 | 17.3 | 88.9 |
| UC 254×254×107 | 266.7 × 258.3 | 12.8 | 20.5 | 107.1 |
| UC 254×254×132 | 276.4 × 260.4 | 15.3 | 25.3 | 132.0 |
| UC 254×254×167 | 289.1 × 265.2 | 19.2 | 31.7 | 167.1 |
| UC 305×305×97 | 307.9 × 305.3 | 9.9 | 15.4 | 96.9 |
| UC 305×305×118 | 314.5 × 307.4 | 12.0 | 18.7 | 117.9 |
| UC 305×305×137 | 320.5 × 309.2 | 13.8 | 21.7 | 136.9 |
| UC 305×305×158 | 327.1 × 311.3 | 15.8 | 25.0 | 158.1 |
| UC 305×305×198 | 339.9 × 314.6 | 19.1 | 31.4 | 198.1 |
| UC 305×305×240 | 352.5 × 318.3 | 23.0 | 37.7 | 240.1 |
| UC 305×305×283 | 365.3 × 322.2 | 26.8 | 44.1 | 282.9 |
| UC 356×368×129 | 355.0 × 371.8 | 10.4 | 17.5 | 128.9 |
| UC 356×368×153 | 362.0 × 373.8 | 12.3 | 20.7 | 152.9 |
| UC 356×368×177 | 368.2 × 374.6 | 14.4 | 23.8 | 177.0 |
| UC 356×368×202 | 374.6 × 374.7 | 16.5 | 27.0 | 201.9 |
| UC 356×406×235 | 381.0 × 394.8 | 18.4 | 30.2 | 234.9 |
| UC 356×406×287 | 393.6 × 399.0 | 22.6 | 36.5 | 287.1 |
| UC 356×406×340 | 406.4 × 403.0 | 26.6 | 42.9 | 339.9 |
| UC 356×406×393 | 419.0 × 407.0 | 30.6 | 49.2 | 393.0 |
Standard delivery lengths are 6 m, 9 m, and 12 m; random lengths and cut-to-size pieces down to 1 m are available. For projects designed to Chinese GB/T 11263, the HW series (e.g. HW 200×200×8×12 at 50.5 kg/m, HW 300×300×10×15 at 94.5 kg/m, HW 400×400×13×21 at 172 kg/m) is dimensionally equivalent for most column duties. All figures above are indicative — confirm exact web and flange thicknesses against the mill certificate for your heat.
3. Universal Column Weight Chart (kg per metre)
Indicative unit masses for the most commonly exported UC sections, with practical planning data for freight and foundations. Masses follow BS 4-1 / EN 10365 series values (±3%).
| Designation | Mass (kg/m) | Mass per 12 m Length (kg) | Approx. Pieces per 24 t Container Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC 152×152×23 | 23.0 | 276 | 72 |
| UC 152×152×37 | 37.0 | 444 | 54 |
| UC 203×203×46 | 46.1 | 553 | 43 |
| UC 203×203×60 | 60.0 | 720 | 33 |
| UC 203×203×86 | 86.1 | 1,033 | 23 |
| UC 254×254×89 | 88.9 | 1,067 | 22 |
| UC 254×254×132 | 132.0 | 1,584 | 15 |
| UC 305×305×97 | 96.9 | 1,163 | 20 |
| UC 305×305×137 | 136.9 | 1,643 | 14 |
| UC 305×305×198 | 198.1 | 2,377 | 10 |
| UC 356×368×153 | 152.9 | 1,835 | 13 |
| UC 356×406×287 | 287.1 | 3,445 | 6 |
| UC 356×406×393 | 393.0 | 4,716 | 5 |
Use these figures to size container quantities, crane lifting plans, and foundation loads. A 40 ft container carries 24–26 tonnes of UC sections; heavier sections are often shipped as break-bulk or in open-top containers for larger projects. Your freight forwarder can confirm the best loading pattern once the size mix is fixed.
4. Section Properties (Indicative)
Indicative section properties for structural design (per BS 4-1 series values). Always verify against the certified mill data for the specific heat supplied.
| Designation | Area A (cm²) | Second Moment Iy (cm⁴) | Second Moment Iz (cm⁴) | Radius of Gyration ry (cm) | Radius of Gyration rz (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC 152×152×23 | 29.2 | 2,550 | 1,010 | 9.35 | 5.89 |
| UC 203×203×46 | 58.8 | 4,560 | 1,550 | 8.81 | 5.13 |
| UC 203×203×71 | 90.4 | 7,620 | 2,540 | 9.18 | 5.30 |
| UC 254×254×89 | 113 | 14,300 | 4,850 | 11.2 | 6.54 |
| UC 254×254×167 | 213 | 30,000 | 10,100 | 11.9 | 6.89 |
| UC 305×305×97 | 123 | 22,200 | 7,290 | 13.4 | 7.69 |
| UC 305×305×137 | 174 | 32,800 | 10,700 | 13.7 | 7.83 |
| UC 305×305×240 | 306 | 62,800 | 20,200 | 14.3 | 8.13 |
| UC 356×368×153 | 195 | 38,800 | 18,500 | 14.1 | 9.74 |
| UC 356×368×202 | 257 | 50,500 | 23,800 | 14.0 | 9.61 |
| UC 356×406×287 | 366 | 78,900 | 38,800 | 14.7 | 10.3 |
| UC 356×406×393 | 500 | 117,000 | 56,700 | 15.3 | 10.7 |
For column design — effective length, slenderness, and buckling checks — follow the steel structure design guide covering AISC 360 and Eurocode 3, which our engineers apply to every project we quote.
5. Material Grades & Specifications
| Grade | Standard | Yield Strength (MPa) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| S235JR | EN 10025-2 | 235 | Light columns, general framing |
| S275JR | EN 10025-2 | 275 | Standard building columns |
| S355JR | EN 10025-2 | 355 | Heavy columns, high loads |
| S355J2 | EN 10025-2 (27 J at −20 °C) | 355 | Cold regions, dynamic loads |
| Q235B | GB/T 1591 | 235 | Chinese-spec projects |
| Q355B | GB/T 1591 | 355 | Chinese-spec heavy structures |
| ASTM A36 | ASTM A36/A36M | 250 | US-spec general structures |
| ASTM A572 Gr.50 | ASTM A572/A572M | 345 | US-spec high-strength columns |
All grades are supplied with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates showing heat number, chemical composition, and mechanical properties. If your design specifies S355J2+N, S460, or weathering grades (EN 10025-5), confirm availability with your heat and we will source to the exact requirement.
6. Universal Column Prices in 2026 (FOB China)
Indicative export pricing from our Tianjin base (FOB, 2026). Prices move with global HRC and scrap markets, so treat these as planning ranges.
| Product | Indicative Price | MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| UC sections, S235JR/S275JR (up to 254 series) | USD 600–750 per tonne FOB | 25 tonnes (mixed sizes OK) |
| UC sections, S355JR / S355J2 | USD 640–800 per tonne FOB | 25 tonnes |
| Heavy UC (305 and 356 series, ≥198 kg/m) | USD 680–860 per tonne FOB | 25 tonnes |
| Q235B / Q355B (GB/T 11263 HW series) | USD 610–780 per tonne FOB | 25 tonnes |
| Cut-to-length, end drilling, shot-blasting & primer | Nominal surcharge per tonne | — |
For a firm quotation, send your designation list, lengths, grades, and destination port to paul@sinoeaststeel.com. We can also include freight and insurance (CIF/CFR) for any port in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, or the Americas. To estimate the full cost of a steel building in your market, see our Kenya and Nigeria cost guides.
7. Universal Column Applications
- Building columns — vertical members in multi-storey office, hotel, hospital, and residential steel frames.
- Portal frame columns — main columns of warehouses and factories, typically UC 203×203 to UC 356×368.
- Crane columns and mill buildings — heavy industrial columns resisting vertical crane loads and horizontal surge forces.
- Transfer and podium columns — large UC 305/356 sections carrying upper-storey loads across open ground floors.
- Bridge piers and viaduct supports — stocky columns with high axial capacity.
- Piling and temporary works — UC sections driven or grouted as permanent and temporary supports.
UC sections are also used as beams in heavily loaded, short-span situations, where their large minor-axis stiffness beats a UB. For beams in lighter frames, compare with our Metric Beams (MB), Metric Columns (MC), Parallel Flange Channels (PFC), and Tapered Flange Channels pages, or browse the full steel structure products range we manufacture.
8. UC vs UB vs HEB vs GB HW: How to Choose
| Section | Depth/Width Ratio | Best Use | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC (Universal Column) | ~1.0 | Columns, biaxial bending, heavy axial load | BS 4-1 / EN 10365 |
| UB (Universal Beam) | 1.7–2.5 | Beams, bending about major axis | BS 4-1 / EN 10365 |
| HEB / HEA / HEM | 1.0–1.33 | Columns and beams, European projects | EN 10365 / EN 10034 |
| GB HW (wide flange) | ~1.0 | Columns, Chinese and SEA projects | GB/T 11263 |
| GB HN (narrow flange) | 1.7–3.0 | Beams, Chinese and SEA projects | GB/T 11263 |
A simple rule: if the member is a column or resists load in two directions, choose UC/HEB/HW; if it is a beam bending mainly in one plane, choose UB/HEA/HN. If you are not sure which series your project should use, send the design loads and storey heights — our engineers will recommend the lightest section and confirm it with the load calculations in our design guide.
9. Why Buy Universal Columns Direct from Sino East Steel Group
Sino East Steel Group is a direct China steel structure manufacturer, not a trading intermediary. Since 1993 we have operated a 50,000 m² fabrication facility in Tianjin Industrial Park, Daqiuzhuang — China’s largest steel processing hub — supplying hot-rolled sections, fabricated members, and complete steel structures to more than 60 countries.
- Factory-direct pricing — no middleman margin; typically 15–35% below regional reseller prices.
- Certified quality — ISO 9001:2015, ISO 3834-2 welding, EN 1090 EXC3/EXC4, AWS D1.1; EN 10204 3.1 certificates with every heat.
- Annual capacity of 100,000+ tonnes — stock sections ship in 1–2 weeks; fabricated and drilled UC in 3–4 weeks.
- Value-added processing — cutting, drilling, shot-blasting, primer or galvanizing, and trial assembly of complete column sets.
- Full export documentation — commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and mill certificates for smooth customs clearance worldwide.
Before committing to any supplier, use our manufacturer verification checklist — we welcome SGS, BV, or TÜV third-party inspection at any stage of production.
10. How to Order Universal Columns from China
- Send your section designations (or drawings), lengths, quantities, steel grade, and destination port.
- Receive an itemized FOB or CIF quotation within 24–48 hours.
- Approve the cutting list, drilling pattern, and coating specification.
- We produce and inspect; third-party inspection (SGS/BV/TÜV) is available on request.
- We ship FCL or break-bulk from Tianjin Port with complete export documentation.
For complete projects — columns, beams, bracing, and connections — read our procurement guide for importers before you place the order.
11. Tolerance, Testing & Quality Assurance
Hot-rolled UC sections are produced to EN 10034 or GB/T 11263 tolerance classes. Every heat is tested for yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, and — for S355J2 and impact-tested grades — Charpy V-notch impact energy at −20 °C. Sections for welding (all grades) comply with ISO 3834-2 weldability requirements, and our own fabrication shop is EN 1090 EXC3/EXC4 certified for CE-marked structural work. If your contract requires ultrasonic or magnetic-particle testing of base material, we arrange it with an accredited laboratory and provide the NDT report with the shipment.
12. Packing & Shipping
UC sections are bundled in uniform stacks with timber dunnage between layers, steel-strapped, and tagged with your project name, designation, and length. Standard 40 ft containers hold 24–26 tonnes; open-top and flat-rack containers, or break-bulk on conventional vessels, are used for the largest 356 series sections. Typical transit times are 3–4 weeks to the Middle East, 4–6 weeks to East and West Africa, 4–5 weeks to Europe, and 3–5 weeks to North America. Full details are in our international shipping and installation guide.
13. Universal Column FAQ
Q: What is a universal column used for?
A: A universal column (UC) is a hot-rolled H-section with near-equal depth and width, used mainly as a structural column that carries axial load and resists buckling in both directions. It is the standard column section in multi-storey buildings, portal frames, and industrial structures.
Q: What is the difference between a UC and a UB?
A: A UC has depth roughly equal to its flange width, giving similar strength about both axes. A UB (universal beam) is much deeper than wide and is optimized for bending about the major axis. Columns use UC; beams usually use UB.
Q: What sizes do universal columns come in?
A: The standard series runs from UC 152×152×23 (23 kg/m) to UC 356×406×634 (634 kg/m), with the 203×203 and 305×305 ranges being the most exported. Chinese HW series and European HEB series cover equivalent duties.
Q: How much does a universal column cost in 2026?
A: Indicative FOB China pricing is USD 600–750 per tonne for S235JR/S275JR, USD 640–800 per tonne for S355, and USD 680–860 per tonne for the heavy 305/356 series. Freight and duty vary by destination.
Q: What is the weight of a UC 203×203×46?
A: UC 203×203×46 weighs 46.1 kg/m, so a 12 m length is about 553 kg. The number in the designation is the mass per metre.
Q: Which standard are UC sections manufactured to?
A: UC sections follow BS 4-1 / EN 10365 dimensions with EN 10034 tolerances and EN 10025-2 steel grades; Chinese equivalent HW sections follow GB/T 11263. ASTM A6/A992 covers US-spec projects.
Q: Can you supply EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates?
A: Yes — every heat ships with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate showing chemical composition and mechanical test results, and we can add third-party verification by SGS, BV, or TÜV.
Q: Can UC sections be cut, drilled, and coated?
A: Yes. We provide cut-to-length, end-plate welding, hole drilling per your shop drawings, shot-blasting with primer, and hot-dip galvanizing for aggressive environments.
Q: How do I get a UC quotation?
A: Email your designations, lengths, quantities, and destination port to paul@sinoeaststeel.com or message us on WhatsApp — you will receive an itemized FOB/CIF quotation within 48 hours.
Get a Universal Column Quote — Direct from the Factory
Send your section designations, lengths, and quantities for an itemized FOB/CIF quotation within 48 hours.
Email: paul@sinoeaststeel.com | WhatsApp: +86 186 2208 8833
