Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) are closed steel profiles commonly used for columns, braces, trusses, frames, and architecturally exposed structural steel. Their closed shape provides efficient resistance to compression, bending, and torsion while maintaining a clean exterior appearance.

The interactive table below contains dimensional and structural properties for rectangular, square, and round HSS. Use the search box or shape filters to quickly locate a specific section. The unit selector converts the displayed values between Imperial and Metric units.

How to Read the HSS Steel Sizes Table

Each HSS designation identifies its outside dimensions and nominal wall thickness. For example, HSS10×6×3/8 describes a rectangular section approximately 10 inches deep, 6 inches wide, and 3/8 inch thick.

The table includes the following properties:

• Outside depth and width: Overall exterior dimensions of the section
• Nominal wall thickness (t_nom): Thickness used in the HSS designation
• Design wall thickness (t_des): Thickness used when calculating section properties
• Area (A): Cross-sectional steel area
• Weight: Section weight per unit length
• Moment of inertia (Ix and Iy): Resistance to bending about each principal axis
• Section modulus (Sx and Sy): Property commonly used when evaluating bending stress
• Radius of gyration (rx and ry): Property used in slenderness and column stability calculations

Rectangular, Square, and Round HSS

Rectangular HSS provides different section properties about its two principal axes, making orientation important when the member carries bending loads. Square HSS has equal outside dimensions and typically provides the same properties about both principal axes. Round HSS offers uniform properties in every bending direction and is also efficient when resisting torsion.

Important Design Note

This table is intended as a convenient reference and preliminary comparison tool. HSS availability may vary by manufacturer, region, and project specification. Before completing structural calculations or construction documents, confirm all dimensions and section properties using the current AISC Shapes Database, applicable material standards, and project requirements.