Unequal Angle Steel (L40×25 – L200×125) | Q235B, Q355B
Hot-rolled unequal-leg angle steel from L40×25 up to L200×125 in Q235B and Q355B, in 6 m, 9 m and 12 m lengths or cut to your drawing. The asymmetric section puts the steel where the load actually acts, cutting weight out of one-sided brackets, supports and frames.
Product Overview
Unequal angle steel, also called unequal-leg angle or L-angle, is a hot-rolled section whose two legs have different widths, written as long leg × short leg, for example L75×50×6. The point of the shape is efficiency: where a load acts predominantly in one direction, or where one leg must bolt to a wide surface while the other has little to do, an unequal angle puts the material where it is working and removes it from where it is not.
Compared with the equal angle that would otherwise be used for the same duty, an unequal section is typically 10 to 20 percent lighter, which shows up both in the steel invoice and in the container weight. The usual applications are brackets, column and beam cleats, one-sided supports, stair and handrail members, skid frames and fabricated fittings where a symmetric section would simply be wasteful.
Stock runs from L40×25 up to L200×125 in Q235B (GB/T 700) and Q355B (GB/T 1591), in 6 m, 9 m and 12 m mill lengths. We cut to length, punch and drill to the fabrication drawing, and can supply the section hot-dip galvanized on request.
Specifications & Size Range
Unequal-leg sizes with the leg thicknesses normally produced in each group. Mill lengths are 6 m, 9 m and 12 m; cut-to-length processing is available. Because unequal-leg sizes are stocked in fewer thicknesses than equal angle, please confirm the exact size and thickness on the enquiry.
| Size group | Common sizes (long × short, mm) | Leg thickness (mm) | Standard length | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small unequal | L40×25, L45×28, L50×32 | 3 / 4 / 5 | 6 m | Brackets, cleats, shelving frames, light fittings |
| Medium unequal | L56×36, L63×40, L75×50 | 5 / 6 / 8 | 6 m / 9 m | Column cleats, one-sided supports, stair strings |
| Large unequal | L80×50, L90×56, L100×63 | 6 / 8 / 10 | 9 m / 12 m | Beam seats, machine frames, gusset stiffeners |
| Heavy unequal | L125×80, L140×90, L160×100, L200×125 | 9 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16 | 9 m / 12 m | Heavy plant frames, bridge and gantry details |
| Processed unequal | Any size above | as above | cut to drawing | Punched and drilled members ready for bolting |
Tolerances
Dimensions, mass and straightness follow GB/T 706. Leg width and thickness tolerances, out-of-square, bow and length tolerance are stated on the mill certificate and confirmed on the order acknowledgement. Unequal-leg sections are less common than equal-leg, so where the drawing calls for a tolerance tighter than the standard we will confirm in writing what the mill can supply before the order is placed.
Available Sizes — Detailed Specification
Every size below has its own page with the full theoretical weight table, tolerances, grade data, applications and delivery options. Theoretical weights are the published values from GB/T 706-2016 Table A.4.
16–40 mm leg
| Size | Thickness | Weight (kg/m) | Specification page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 × 16 mm | 3 mm | 0.912 | Weight & specification |
| 25 × 16 mm | 4 mm | 1.176 | Weight & specification |
| 32 × 20 mm | 3 mm | 1.171 | Weight & specification |
| 32 × 20 mm | 4 mm | 1.522 | Weight & specification |
| 40 × 25 mm | 3 mm | 1.484 | Weight & specification |
| 40 × 25 mm | 4 mm | 1.936 | Weight & specification |
| 45 × 28 mm | 3 mm | 1.687 | Weight & specification |
| 45 × 28 mm | 4 mm | 2.203 | Weight & specification |
| 50 × 32 mm | 3 mm | 1.908 | Weight & specification |
| 50 × 32 mm | 4 mm | 2.494 | Weight & specification |
| 56 × 36 mm | 3 mm | 2.153 | Weight & specification |
| 56 × 36 mm | 4 mm | 2.818 | Weight & specification |
| 56 × 36 mm | 5 mm | 3.466 | Weight & specification |
| 63 × 40 mm | 4 mm | 3.185 | Weight & specification |
| 63 × 40 mm | 5 mm | 3.92 | Weight & specification |
| 63 × 40 mm | 6 mm | 4.638 | Weight & specification |
| 63 × 40 mm | 7 mm | 5.339 | Weight & specification |
45–63 mm leg
| Size | Thickness | Weight (kg/m) | Specification page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 × 45 mm | 4 mm | 3.57 | Weight & specification |
| 70 × 45 mm | 5 mm | 4.403 | Weight & specification |
| 70 × 45 mm | 6 mm | 5.218 | Weight & specification |
| 70 × 45 mm | 7 mm | 6.011 | Weight & specification |
| 75 × 50 mm | 5 mm | 4.808 | Weight & specification |
| 75 × 50 mm | 6 mm | 5.699 | Weight & specification |
| 75 × 50 mm | 8 mm | 7.431 | Weight & specification |
| 75 × 50 mm | 10 mm | 9.098 | Weight & specification |
| 80 × 50 mm | 5 mm | 5.005 | Weight & specification |
| 80 × 50 mm | 6 mm | 5.935 | Weight & specification |
| 80 × 50 mm | 7 mm | 6.848 | Weight & specification |
| 80 × 50 mm | 8 mm | 7.745 | Weight & specification |
| 90 × 56 mm | 5 mm | 5.661 | Weight & specification |
| 90 × 56 mm | 6 mm | 6.717 | Weight & specification |
| 90 × 56 mm | 7 mm | 7.756 | Weight & specification |
| 90 × 56 mm | 8 mm | 8.779 | Weight & specification |
| 100 × 63 mm | 6 mm | 7.55 | Weight & specification |
63–90 mm leg
| Size | Thickness | Weight (kg/m) | Specification page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 × 63 mm | 7 mm | 8.722 | Weight & specification |
| 100 × 63 mm | 8 mm | 9.878 | Weight & specification |
| 100 × 63 mm | 10 mm | 12.142 | Weight & specification |
| 110 × 70 mm | 6 mm | 8.35 | Weight & specification |
| 110 × 70 mm | 7 mm | 9.656 | Weight & specification |
| 110 × 70 mm | 8 mm | 10.946 | Weight & specification |
| 110 × 70 mm | 10 mm | 13.476 | Weight & specification |
| 100 × 80 mm | 6 mm | 8.35 | Weight & specification |
| 100 × 80 mm | 7 mm | 9.656 | Weight & specification |
| 100 × 80 mm | 8 mm | 10.946 | Weight & specification |
| 100 × 80 mm | 10 mm | 13.476 | Weight & specification |
| 125 × 80 mm | 7 mm | 11.066 | Weight & specification |
| 125 × 80 mm | 8 mm | 12.551 | Weight & specification |
| 125 × 80 mm | 10 mm | 15.474 | Weight & specification |
| 125 × 80 mm | 12 mm | 18.33 | Weight & specification |
| 140 × 90 mm | 8 mm | 14.16 | Weight & specification |
| 140 × 90 mm | 10 mm | 17.475 | Weight & specification |
90–125 mm leg
| Size | Thickness | Weight (kg/m) | Specification page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140 × 90 mm | 12 mm | 20.724 | Weight & specification |
| 140 × 90 mm | 14 mm | 23.908 | Weight & specification |
| 160 × 100 mm | 10 mm | 19.872 | Weight & specification |
| 160 × 100 mm | 12 mm | 23.592 | Weight & specification |
| 160 × 100 mm | 14 mm | 27.247 | Weight & specification |
| 160 × 100 mm | 16 mm | 30.835 | Weight & specification |
| 180 × 110 mm | 10 mm | 22.273 | Weight & specification |
| 180 × 110 mm | 12 mm | 26.464 | Weight & specification |
| 180 × 110 mm | 14 mm | 30.589 | Weight & specification |
| 180 × 110 mm | 16 mm | 34.649 | Weight & specification |
| 200 × 125 mm | 12 mm | 29.761 | Weight & specification |
| 200 × 125 mm | 14 mm | 34.436 | Weight & specification |
| 200 × 125 mm | 16 mm | 39.045 | Weight & specification |
| 200 × 125 mm | 18 mm | 43.588 | Weight & specification |
Steel Grades & International Equivalents
All grades below are supplied with a mill test certificate. The right-hand column shows the material type and the Chinese standard the grade is produced to; the middle columns give the nearest recognised equivalent in other national standards. Exact equivalence for a specific project should be confirmed on the enquiry.
| GB (China) | ASTM / AISI (US) | EN (Europe) | JIS (Japan) | DIN (Germany) | Type / Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q235B | A36 / A283 Gr.C | S235JR (EN 10025-2) | SS400 (JIS G3101) | St37-2 | Carbon structural steel (GB/T 700) |
| Q355B | A572 Gr.50 / A992 | S355JR (EN 10025-2) | SM490 (JIS G3106) | St52-3 | High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel (GB/T 1591) |
Grade Notes
- Q235B — The workhorse structural grade in China. Fully weldable, excellent cost-performance, the closest Chinese equivalent to ASTM A36 / EN S235JR.
- Q355B — High-strength structural steel for heavy structures, bridges and towers. Equivalent to ASTM A572 Gr.50 / EN S355JR.
Chemical Composition (%, ladle analysis)
Typical specification limits. Actual heat values are reported on the mill test certificate supplied with every shipment.
| Grade | C | Si | Mn | P max | S max | Other elements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q235B | ≤0.20 | ≤0.35 | ≤1.40 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 | — |
| Q355B | ≤0.24 | ≤0.55 | ≤1.60 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | Ceq ≤0.45 |
Mechanical Properties
Minimum values at room temperature unless stated. ReL = yield strength; Rp0.2 = 0.2% proof stress; Rm = tensile strength; A = elongation after fracture.
| Grade | Yield (ReL) | Proof (Rp0.2) | Tensile (Rm) | Elongation A | Impact / others | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q235B | ≥235 MPa | — | 370–500 MPa | ≥26% | +20 °C, ≥27 J | — |
| Q355B | ≥355 MPa (≤16 mm) | — | 470–630 MPa | ≥22% | +20 °C, ≥27 J | — |
Standards & Documents
- GB/T 706 — hot-rolled section steel (angle dimensions, shape, mass and tolerance)
- GB/T 700 — carbon structural steels (Q235B)
- GB/T 1591 — high-strength low-alloy structural steels (Q355B, Ceq ≤ 0.45)
- EN 10025-2 / ASTM A36 / A572 Gr.50 — grade equivalences confirmed in writing
- JIS G3101 — rolled steels for general structure (SS400 cross-reference)
- EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate with every lot; hot-dip galvanizing to EN ISO 1461 on request
Typical Applications
| Industry / Application | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Brackets & column cleats | One-sided brackets, beam seats, column cleats and base details, where the long leg takes the bolt group and the short leg carries the stiffener. |
| Asymmetric supports | Pipe supports, cable tray brackets, tank saddles and equipment mounts where the load is predominantly vertical and a symmetric angle would be heavier than necessary. |
| Stairs, handrails & platforms | Stair strings, handrail posts, toe-board supports and walkway edging, supplied cut and drilled to the fabrication drawing. |
| Vehicle & trailer frames | Trailer and truck body framing, skid frames and container corner reinforcement, where a low weight for a given load is the deciding factor. |
| Equipment & machinery frames | Frames and supports for conveyors, tanks, pumps and skids, welded or bolted directly without special preparation. |
| Bridge & infrastructure details | Guard-rail brackets, sign supports, drainage and kerb details and small bridge fittings, galvanized where exposed to weather. |
| Racking & fabricated fittings | Warehouse racking components, display frames and fabricated fittings where the asymmetric section simplifies the joint. |
Common Problems Buyers Face — and How We Prevent Them
These are the issues that most often cause claims on steel imports. Each one is controlled in our process before shipment.
The unequal section will not fit the connection on site
Why it happens: The long and short legs have been transposed, or a size has been substituted with the nearest equal angle because the unequal size was not available.
Our control: The order acknowledgement shows the leg orientation and the exact section designation in millimetres, and bundle labels repeat it. Substitutions are never made without written approval from the buyer.
Surface rust before fabrication
Why it happens: Mill finish angle carries no coating, and a long humid voyage will produce surface oxidation that has to be removed before painting.
Our control: Material is shipped dry and covered, with VCI paper and desiccant on long or humid routes. Where the final coating is critical, we supply pickled and oiled, primed, or hot-dip galvanized sections instead.
Leg thickness under nominal, so the calculated capacity is not achieved
Why it happens: Non-standard material rolled to the minus side of the tolerance band looks identical to compliant stock but has a smaller section.
Our control: Only mill-certified sections are bought, and the thickness tolerance band is confirmed in writing before shipment. The mill certificate for each heat travels with the bundle so your engineer can verify the section actually supplied.
Poor weld quality or cracking at a fabricated joint
Why it happens: A high-strength grade has been used where a lower-carbon, more weldable grade was needed, or the carbon equivalent was not checked before the procedure was set.
Our control: Q235B handles unrestricted welding; Q355B carries a carbon-equivalent limit of 0.45 and is supplied with the actual chemistry on the certificate so your welding engineer can validate the procedure. Tell us at enquiry stage if the section will be welded rather than bolted.
Unequal angles are hard to source quickly, so the programme slips
Why it happens: Unequal-leg sizes are rolled in fewer thicknesses and less frequently than equal-leg angles, so a late change to the section list can miss the rolling programme.
Our control: We confirm availability and rolling dates before the order is accepted, and we will propose the nearest available unequal section or an equal-angle alternative with the equivalent section modulus if the original is not available in time.
Our Supply & Manufacturing Advantages
- Weight saved where it counts — An unequal section puts steel in the loaded leg, typically 10 to 20 percent lighter than the equal angle that would otherwise be specified for the same duty.
- Two grades, one certificate set — Q235B for general and welded work and Q355B for higher-strength, weight-critical details, both certificateable to EN 10204 3.1.
- Processed to your drawing — Cut to length, punched and drilled before packing, so the member arrives ready to bolt on rather than ready to be worked on site.
- Galvanizing available — The same section can be supplied hot-dip galvanized to EN ISO 1461 / ASTM A123 with a coating weight nominated against the service environment.
- Grade support for export buyers — Tell us your drawing grade — S235JR, S355JR or A36 — and we will nominate and document the Chinese equivalent.
- Export packaging and small orders — Bundled and strapped for container loading or loose in bulk, with trial quantities from one ton so a first order is low risk.
Packaging, Delivery & Payment
- Packing: loose in bulk vessel, or bundled and containerised to your requirement. Galvanized and coated products get VCI paper, waterproof wrapping and edge protection. See our export packaging methods.
- Availability: both stock and custom production. Tell us the specification and we will confirm the route.
- MOQ: no strict minimum — one ton can ship.
- Lead time: stock dispatched to port within 3 days; orders needing export packaging about 1 week; custom production quoted per product.
- Payment: stock — 10% deposit, balance before shipment; custom production — 50% deposit, balance before shipment.
- Documents: EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate with every shipment; third-party inspection (SGS / BV) on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use unequal angle instead of equal angle?
Use unequal angle when the load is clearly asymmetric, when one leg bolts to a face while the other only needs to stiffen, or when a connection detail needs a different leg length on each side. For a symmetric load path, equal angle is the simpler and usually the cheaper choice. If you send us the bracket detail we will tell you which section gives the required capacity at the lowest weight.
What is the Chinese equivalent of EN S355JR for unequal angle?
Q355B to GB/T 1591 is the equivalent grade, with a minimum yield of 355 MPa at thicknesses up to 16 mm and an impact requirement of 27 J at +20 °C. We supply unequal angle in Q355B and provide the chemical composition and mechanical properties on the mill certificate so the equivalence can be verified by your engineer.
How much lighter is an unequal angle than the equivalent equal angle?
Typically 10 to 20 percent lighter for the same duty, depending on the size pair and the direction of the load. The saving is real but it depends on the specific detail, so we compare the section modulus of the two candidates rather than quoting a general figure. Send the load and the span and we will do that comparison.
Do you supply unequal angle steel galvanized?
Yes. Unequal angle can be supplied hot-dip galvanized to EN ISO 1461 or ASTM A123, usually with a coating weight between 200 and 400 g/m² for outdoor and coastal service. We also punch and drill before galvanizing so the finished part has coated hole walls with no bare steel.
Who supplies unequal angle steel from China in export quantities?
We supply unequal angle from L40×25 to L200×125 in Q235B and Q355B, as an export order with grade equivalence confirmed before the order, EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate, processing to drawing and export packing for container or bulk vessel. Send your section list with quantities and the destination port for a landed-weight quotation.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No strict minimum: one ton can ship. Unequal-leg sizes are rolled less frequently than equal-leg sizes, so for a small quantity of an unusual size we will confirm availability and lead time rather than promise a stock item we do not hold.
Can you punch and drill unequal angle to my drawing?
Yes, and for galvanized material we recommend it, because drilling before dipping leaves the hole walls coated. Send the fabrication drawing with hole positions, diameters and edge distances and we will quote the processed member including the weight you save on offcuts.
What documents are supplied with an unequal angle shipment?
EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate with heat number, chemical composition and mechanical properties, plus the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Coating thickness reports are added for galvanized material, and SGS or BV inspection can be arranged before loading.
What is the difference between unequal angle steel and a T-section?
An unequal angle is an L-shape with two legs at 90 degrees, while a T-section is a single stem with a flange, so the two are not interchangeable. Unequal angle is easier to bolt to a flat face and is far more widely available; a T-section is chosen when the joint detail demands a central stem. If your drawing shows a T-section and you cannot source it, we can propose a welded or rolled angle alternative.
Request a Quotation Export Packaging
Live Stock & Indicative Price
The table below lists live stock at the time of publication, with indicative EXW China reference prices in USD per tonne (converted at 6.70 CNY/USD). Steel prices move with the mill market every week — send us your size, quantity and destination and we will confirm availability and issue a firm FOB or CIF quotation.
| Product | Size / Model | Grade | Weight / pc | Price (USD/t, EXW) | Stock (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unequal Angle Steel | 40 × 25 × 4 mm | Q235B | 10–10.5 kg | $569 | 6 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 40 × 25 × 3 mm | Q235B | 8–8.5 kg | $613 | 4 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 50 × 32 × 4 mm | Q235B | 13–13.5 kg | $539 | 5 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 56 × 36 × 4 mm | Q235B | 15–15.5 kg | $539 | 5 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 56 × 36 × 5 mm | Q235B | 19.0kg | $539 | 4 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 63 × 40 × 5 mm | Q235B | 17–18 kg | $513 | 4 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 63 × 40 × 5 mm | Q235B | 18–18.5 kg | $509 | 4 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 63 × 40 × 5 mm | Q235B | 21–22 kg | $509 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 63 × 40 × 6 mm | Q235B | 25–25.5 kg | $509 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 75 × 50 × 5 mm | Q235B | 23–24 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 75 × 50 × 5 mm | Q235B | 25–26 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 75 × 50 × 6 mm | Q235B | 27–28 kg | $497 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 75 × 50 × 6 mm | Q235B | 30–31 kg | $497 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 75 × 50 × 8 mm | Q235B | 40–41 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 90 × 56 × 6 mm | Q235B | 32–33 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 90 × 56 × 6 mm | Q235B | 36–37 kg | $497 | 1 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 90 × 56 × 8 mm | Q235B | 73–74 kg | $497 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 100 × 80 × 10 mm | Q235B | 110–113 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 100 × 63 × 6 mm | Q235B | 37–38 kg | $497 | 4 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 100 × 63 × 6 mm | Q235B | 40–42 kg | $497 | 4 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 100 × 63 × 8 mm | Q235B | 53–55 kg | $497 | 9 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 100 × 63 × 6 mm | Q235B | 61–63 kg | $497 | 1 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 100 × 80 × 6 mm | Q235B | 67–70 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 100 × 80 × 8 mm | Q235B | 89–92 kg | $497 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 110 × 70 × 10 mm | Q235B | 109–111 kg | $497 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 110 × 70 × 6 mm | Q235B | 68–70 kg | $504 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 110 × 70 × 8 mm | Q235B | 89–92 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 125 × 80 × 8 mm | Q235B | 102–104 kg | $497 | 1 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 125 × 80 × 10 mm | Q235B | 125–129 kg | $497 | 1 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 125 × 80 × 12 mm | Q235B | 148–152 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 140 × 90 × 8 mm | Q235B | 116–118 kg | $497 | 3 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 140 × 90 × 10 mm | Q235B | 142–146 kg | $497 | 2 |
| Unequal Angle Steel | 140 × 90 × 12 mm | Q235B | 167–170 kg | $497 | 2 |
Showing 33 of 33 listed sizes. Price range USD 497–613 per tonne (EXW China). MOQ from 1 tonne; stock dispatched to port within 3 days. Mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1) and third-party inspection available on request.