ASTM A36 Steel Plate – Chemical Composition, Properties, Equivalent Grades & Density Guide

ASTM A36 steel plate Introduction

ASTM A36 steel plate is one of the most widely used carbon steel plates in construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications. Its popularity is due to a combination of excellent weldability, balanced strength, and cost efficiency. ASTM A36 carbon steel plate is usually supplied in hot-rolled condition, which simplifies production and reduces cost while maintaining good structural performance.

Because of its versatility, ASTM A36 steel plate is often chosen as a base-grade material for structural fabrication, machinery frames, and heavy equipment bases, where consistent mechanical behavior and ease of processing are essential.

Table of Contents

• Chemical Composition
• Mechanical Properties
• Equivalent Materials
• Density of A36 Steel
• Common Dimensions and Weight
• Practical Applications
• FAQ

ASTM A36 Chemical Composition

The typical A36 steel chemical composition ensures both strength and excellent weldability, making it one of the most preferred grades in the carbon steel category.

Element	Content (%)
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.25
Manganese (Mn)	0.80 – 1.20
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.04
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.05
Silicon (Si)	0.15 – 0.40

*The low carbon content (<0.25%) in ASTM A36 steel significantly enhances weldability, while manganese (0.80–1.20%) increases tensile strength without compromising ductility. These factors make the ASTM A36 chemical composition highly suitable for structural fabrication.

ASTM A36 Steel Plate Mechanical Properties

The A36 steel properties make it a versatile and cost-effective choice for structural and fabrication purposes:

Property	Value
Tensile Strength	400 – 550 MPa
Yield Strength	≥ 250 MPa
Elongation	≥ 20%

*These ASTM A36 steel properties ensure that it can be easily welded, machined, and formed. The yield strength of A36 steel plate allows it to perform reliably in beams, channels, and platforms. Its mechanical balance supports a wide range of applications where toughness and ductility are required.

ASTM A36 Equivalent Grades (S235JR / SS400 / Q235B)

Buyers sourcing steel internationally often compare ASTM A36 equivalent grades to ensure material interchangeability and compliance with local standards.

Standard	Equivalent Grade	Notes
ASTM (USA)	A36	Baseline reference
EN (Europe)	S235JR	Very similar performance, often interchangeable
JIS (Japan)	SS400	Yield strength slightly lower; check project requirements
GB (China)	Q235B	Common Chinese equivalent

• ASTM A36 equivalent grades mainly include EN S235JR, JIS SS400, and GB Q235B—all offering similar chemical composition and mechanical properties.
• S235JR is the closest match to A36 in strength, while SS400 has slightly lower yield strength. These materials are commonly accepted as A36 material equivalent options for general construction.
• Projects requiring certified toughness may specify ASTM A36 directly, while cost-sensitive structures often accept Q235B as a suitable A36 steel equivalent.

For a broader comparison across popular carbon steel plates, see also: A36 vs A283 vs A572 vs A516 Steel Plate: Key Differences and Equivalents

Density of ASTM A36 Steel

• The density of A36 steel is 7.85 g/cm³, the standard density for carbon steel.
• This standard A36 steel density value is commonly used by engineers when comparing material weight or calculating structural load requirements.
• This density value allows reliable calculations for load-bearing analysis, structural design, and shipping weight estimation.

ASTM A36 Steel Plate Weight Chart and Thickness Guide

The A36 steel plate weight and thickness range determine its suitability for light, medium, and heavy-duty structures.

1. Standard Size Range:

• Thickness: 5 – 200 mm (Stock sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 mm)
• Width: 1,500 – 3,500 mm
• Length: 6,000 – 18,000 mm

2. Quick Weight Reference (based on 1,500 mm × 6,000 mm standard plate):

(kg values based on density 7.85 g/cm³)

Thickness (mm)	Weight per Plate (kg)	Weight per m² (kg/m²)
6	≈ 424	47.1
8	≈ 565	62.8
10	≈ 707	78.5
12	≈ 848	94.2
16	≈ 1131	125.6
20	≈ 1413	157.0
25	≈ 1766	196.3
30	≈ 2119	235.5
40	≈ 2826	314.0
50	≈ 3533	392.5

Weight Formula:
Weight (kg) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Thickness (mm) × 7.85

For precise calculation or customized size estimation, use our Steel Plate Weight Calculator — helpful when selecting thickness from the A36 steel plate thickness chart.

3. Application Selection Guide:

• Thin Plates (5–20 mm): Light structural components, machine shells, panels.
• Medium Plates (20–50 mm): Beams, platforms, bridge components, equipment bases.
• Heavy Plates (50–200 mm): Shipbuilding, pressure vessel bases, heavy machinery.

For a complete overview of standard steel plate thicknesses from 1/4” to 12”, refer to our Steel Plate Thickness Guide.

Practical Applications of ASTM A36 Steel Plate

1. Construction and Infrastructure

• Used for beams, columns, platforms, brackets, and flooring.
• A36 Checkered Steel Plate is preferred for flooring due to its anti-slip surface.
• A36 Carbon Steel U Channel, A36 Carbon Steel C Channel, and A36 Carbon Steel I-Beam support structural frames efficiently.

2. Shipbuilding and Offshore Structures

A36 shipbuilding plates are suitable for secondary decks and non-critical structures. For main hulls, high-strength or corrosion-resistant grades are preferred.

3. Machinery and Industrial Equipment

• Tanks, equipment bases, and fabricated components use A36 Carbon Steel Plate and A36 Carbon Steel Coil.
• A36 Steel Round Bar is supplied for shafts and fasteners.

FAQ

• Q1: What is the density of ASTM A36 steel?
  The density of ASTM A36 steel is 7.85 g/cm³ (7850 kg/m³). This standard density is used for calculating A36 steel plate weight per size and per square meter.
• Q2: What is the yield strength of A36 steel?
  ASTM A36 steel has a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa (36,000 PSI), making it suitable for beams, frames, and general structural fabrication.
• Q3: What is the tensile strength of A36 steel?
  The tensile strength of A36 steel ranges from 400 to 550 MPa, depending on thickness and hot-rolled condition.
• Q4: What is the hardness of ASTM A36 steel?
  A36 carbon steel typically shows a Brinell hardness of 120–180 HB, depending on thickness and manufacturing.
• Q5: Is ASTM A36 equivalent to S235JR, SS400, or Q235B?
  Yes. A36, S235JR, SS400, and Q235B are similar structural steels.
  S235JR is the closest equivalent, SS400 has slightly lower yield strength, and Q235B is widely used as a cost-effective alternative to A36.
• Q6: Can ASTM A36 steel be welded with other grades?
  Yes. ASTM A36 has excellent weldability due to its low carbon content and can be welded with common structural steels such as S235, SS400, and Q235B.

Conclusion

ASTM A36 steel plate remains one of the most versatile and economical materials for global structural projects. Its balanced A36 steel properties, wide availability, and compatibility with multiple A36 material equivalent grades make it a reliable choice for engineers and fabricators worldwide.

If you need assistance choosing the right A36 steel plate for your project, please feel free to contact our team for support.