HSS2x2x1/4 — Dimensions, Weight & Section Properties
Hollow structural section per ASTM A500 / AISC Steel Construction Manual
HSS2x2x1/4 is an American hollow structural section (HSS) 2×2 inches (50.8×50.8 mm) with a nominal 0.25 in wall, weighing 5.41 pounds per foot (8.1 kg/m). Section properties below are the AISC published values, computed with the A500 design wall thickness of 0.93×nominal — with metric equivalents alongside.
Typical uses: columns, braces, truss members, equipment frames, and architectural steel — closed sections excel in compression and torsion and take paint beautifully. For a quick stiffness check, see the deflection example below or open the beam calculator with your own span and load.
Dimensions
| Height h | 2 in (50.8 mm) |
| Width b | 2 in (50.8 mm) |
| Nominal wall t | 0.25 in (6.4 mm) |
| Design wall (0.93t) | 0.233 in (5.9 mm) |
Weight & Cross-Section
| Weight per foot | 5.41 lb/ft (8.1 kg/m) |
| 20 ft bar | 108 lb |
| 40 ft bar | 216 lb |
| Area A | 1.51 in² (9.7 cm²) |
Section Properties (strong / weak axis)
| Moment of inertia Ix | 0.75 in⁴ (31 cm⁴) |
| Section modulus Sx | 0.75 in³ (12 cm³) |
| Radius of gyration rx | 0.7 in |
| Moment of inertia Iy | 0.75 in⁴ (31 cm⁴) |
| Section modulus Sy | 0.75 in³ (12 cm³) |
| Radius of gyration ry | 0.7 in |
Compared with the neighbouring sizes
| Shape | h × b (in) | lb/ft | Ix (in⁴) | Sx (in³) | Δ weight | Δ Ix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSS2x2x3/16 | 2 × 2 | 4.32 | 0.64 | 0.64 | −20 % | −14 % |
| HSS2x2x1/4 (this page) | 2 × 2 | 5.41 | 0.75 | 0.75 | — | — |
Deflection example
A simply supported HSS2x2x1/4 spanning 3 ft with a 10 kip point load at midspan deflects 0.45 in (E = 29,000 ksi, Ix = 0.75 in⁴). The L/360 serviceability limit for this span is 0.1 in — the shape does NOT pass this quick check.
Calculate with your own span and load →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a HSS2x2x1/4 tube weigh?
HSS2x2x1/4 weighs 5.41 pounds per foot (8.1 kg/m). A 20 ft bar weighs 108 lb and a 40 ft bar 216 lb.
What are the dimensions of a HSS2x2x1/4?
HSS2x2x1/4 is 2×2 in (50.8×50.8 mm) outside, with a nominal wall of 0.25 in. Note that A500 tolerances put the design wall at 0.93×nominal (0.233 in) — the section properties listed already account for this.
What are the dimensions of a HSS2x2x1/4 in mm?
HSS2x2x1/4 is 50.8×50.8 mm outside with a nominal wall of 6.4 mm. In metric section properties: Ix = 31 cm⁴, Sx = 12 cm³.
How much does a HSS2x2x1/4 weigh in kg?
8.1 kg per meter. A 6 m bar weighs 48 kg and a 12 m bar 97 kg — handy when ordering US shapes from metric suppliers.
What is the moment of inertia of a HSS2x2x1/4?
About the strong axis, Ix = 0.75 in⁴ (31 cm⁴) with section modulus Sx = 0.75 in³. About the weak axis, Iy = 0.75 in⁴ and Sy = 0.75 in³. Use the beam deflection calculator to turn these into deflection and stress for your span and load.
HSS2x2x1/4 or HSS2x2x3/16 — what does one size down change?
HSS2x2x3/16 is about 20% lighter (4.32 vs 5.41 lb/ft) but about 14% less stiff (Ix 0.64 vs 0.75 in⁴). Check deflection before downsizing — stiffness falls much faster than weight.
Values are entered from the governing standard’s published tables and cross-checked programmatically against its mass and section formulas before publication. Spotted an error? Write to advertising@metalabout.net — verified corrections ship within days. About