L8x8x1/2 — Dimensions, Weight & Section Properties
Steel angle (L-shape) per ASTM A6 / AISC Steel Construction Manual
L8x8x1/2 is a hot-rolled steel angle with equal 8 in (203.2 mm) legs, 0.5 in thick, weighing 26.4 pounds per foot (39.3 kg/m). All values below are the standard AISC published section properties, with metric equivalents alongside.
Typical uses: bracing, lintels, shelf supports, frames, and connection material. Angles are weak about their minor axis — long unbraced angles need lateral restraint. For a quick check, see the deflection example below or open the beam calculator.
Dimensions
| Long leg | 8 in (203.2 mm) |
| Equal leg | 8 in (203.2 mm) |
| Thickness t | 0.5 in (12.7 mm) |
Weight & Cross-Section
| Weight per foot | 26.4 lb/ft (39.3 kg/m) |
| 20 ft bar | 528 lb |
| 40 ft bar | 1,056 lb |
| Area A | 7.75 in² (50 cm²) |
Section Properties (strong / weak axis)
| Moment of inertia Ix | 48.8 in⁴ (2,031 cm⁴) |
| Section modulus Sx | 8.36 in³ (137 cm³) |
| Radius of gyration rx | 2.49 in |
| Moment of inertia Iy | 48.8 in⁴ (2,031 cm⁴) |
| Section modulus Sy | 8.36 in³ (137 cm³) |
| Radius of gyration ry | 2.49 in |
Compared with the neighbouring sizes
| Shape | legs (in) | lb/ft | Ix (in⁴) | Sx (in³) | Δ weight | Δ Ix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L8x8x1/2 (this page) | 8 × 8 | 26.4 | 48.8 | 8.36 | — | — |
| L8x8x3/4 | 8 × 8 | 38.9 | 69.7 | 12.2 | +47 % | +43 % |
Deflection example
A simply supported L8x8x1/2 spanning 13 ft with a 10 kip point load at midspan deflects 0.56 in (E = 29,000 ksi, Ix = 48.8 in⁴). The L/360 serviceability limit for this span is 0.43 in — the shape does NOT pass this quick check.
Calculate with your own span and load →
Frequently asked questions
How much does a L8x8x1/2 angle weigh?
L8x8x1/2 weighs 26.4 pounds per foot (39.3 kg/m). A 20 ft bar weighs 528 lb and a 40 ft bar 1,056 lb.
What are the dimensions of a L8x8x1/2?
L8x8x1/2 has two equal 8 in (203.2 mm) legs, both 0.5 in thick. Angle legs are measured outside-to-outside, and both legs share the same thickness.
What are the dimensions of a L8x8x1/2 in mm?
L8x8x1/2 has two equal 203.2 mm legs, 12.7 mm thick. In metric section properties: Ix = 2,031 cm⁴, Sx = 137 cm³.
How much does a L8x8x1/2 weigh in kg?
39.3 kg per meter. A 6 m bar weighs 236 kg and a 12 m bar 471 kg — handy when ordering US shapes from metric suppliers.
What is the moment of inertia of a L8x8x1/2?
About the strong axis, Ix = 48.8 in⁴ (2,031 cm⁴) with section modulus Sx = 8.36 in³. About the weak axis, Iy = 48.8 in⁴ and Sy = 8.36 in³. Use the beam deflection calculator to turn these into deflection and stress for your span and load.
L8x8x1/2 or L8x8x3/4 — what does one size up change?
L8x8x3/4 is about 47% heavier (38.9 vs 26.4 lb/ft) but about 43% stiffer (Ix 69.7 vs 48.8 in⁴). Going one step up within the same depth group is usually the cheapest way to cut deflection.
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