I-Beam vs H-Beam (Garder) — Differences, Sizes and Uses
Updated 4 min readBy OR Steels
Short answer
An I-beam (IPE or UB) has flanges much narrower than its depth and is efficient in bending, so it is used for beams, joists and purlins. An H-beam (HEA, HEB or UC) has flanges about as wide as its depth, which makes it stiff about both axes and suited to columns and heavy frames.
Key differences
- Flange width: I-beam flanges are roughly half the section depth or less; H-beam flanges are close to the full depth.
- Weight: for the same depth an H-beam is much heavier per metre, because its flanges are wider and usually thicker.
- Behaviour: an I-beam is strongest about one axis, ideal for spanning between supports; an H-beam resists buckling about both axes, ideal for columns.
| Profile | Depth × flange width (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPE 200 | 200 × 100 | 22.4 | Floor beams, purlins |
| IPE 300 | 300 × 150 | 42.2 | Main beams |
| HEA 200 | 190 × 200 | 42.3 | Light columns |
| HEB 200 | 200 × 200 | 61.3 | Columns, heavy frames |
| HEB 300 | 300 × 300 | 117 | Heavy columns, crane girders |
Profile names you will see
- IPE — European I-beam with parallel flanges.
- UB / UC — British universal beam and universal column.
- HEA / HEB — European wide-flange H-beams (HEB is heavier than HEA of the same size).
- W-shapes — American wide-flange sections.
- “Garder” — the everyday word used on Pakistani sites for steel beams and girders in general.
How to order steel beams
- Give the exact profile designation from the drawings, for example IPE 300 or HEB 200.
- State the grade, for example ASTM A36, S275JR or S355JR.
- List quantity and length per piece (stock lengths are typically 6 m and 12 m).
- Mention any cutting to length, drilling or priming you need.
- Ask for the mill test certificate for each heat supplied.
Frequently asked questions
Is a girder the same as an I-beam?
On site in Pakistan “garder” is used for steel beams in general. In engineering a girder is a main beam that carries other beams; it can be an I-section, an H-section or a built-up plate girder.
Which is stronger, an I-beam or an H-beam?
It depends on the direction of load and the weight being compared. For bending about the strong axis an I-beam usually gives more capacity per kilogram; for columns an H-beam resists buckling better. The structural engineer chooses the section.
