Need to know how strong your angle iron is? Calculate section modulus in seconds.
The Angle Iron Section Modulus Calculator provides fast and accurate values for the bending strength of L-shaped angle profiles: Simply input your angle dimensions to determine the section modulus (Z).
This tool supports both metric (mm, mm³) and imperial (inch, in³) units.
Angle Section Elastic Modulus Calculator
Calculation Results
Moment of Inertia (Ixx): —cm⁴Moment of Inertia (Iyy): —cm⁴
Elastic Section Modulus (Sxx): —cm³
Elastic Section Modulus (Syy): —cm³
Plastic Section Modulus (Zxx): —cm³
Plastic Section Modulus (Zyy): —cm³
Cross-sectional Area (A): —cm²
Formulas for angle sections:
Ixx = (1/3)(b*d³ – (b-t)(d-t)³) – A*(d-yc)²
Iyy = (1/3)(d*b³ – (d-t)(b-t)³) – A*(b-xc)²
S = I/y | Z ≈ 1.5×S (plastic modulus approximation)
A = (b + d – t)*t
What is the Elastic Section Modulus of an Angle Iron?
The elastic section modulus of an angle iron is a geometric property used to evaluate its bending resistance under load. It plays a crucial role in the design and analysis of structural members, frames, and metal profiles.
About Angle Iron Geometry:
Angle irons typically have an L-shape cross-section, either equal leg (e.g. L50×50×6) or unequal leg (e.g. L75×50×6). Due to their asymmetry, section modulus values depend heavily on the bending axis and orientation.
Section Modulus for Common Bending Axes:
- X–X Axis: Bending about the horizontal leg (web-down orientation)
- Y–Y Axis: Bending about the vertical leg
- Z–Z Axis (diagonal): Complex torsional/biaxial bending
Since angle irons have unsymmetrical shapes, exact section modulus values are determined from standard steel tables or calculated using moment of inertia and distance from the neutral axis:
S = I / c
Where:
S = Elastic section modulus
I = Moment of inertia
c = Distance from neutral axis to extreme fiber
Application:
Section modulus is used in flexural stress analysis via:
σ = M / S
Where:
σ = Maximum bending stress
M = Bending moment
S = Section modulus (mm³ or in³)
Use this calculator to estimate the section modulus of angle irons in various orientations, supporting both metric and imperial units.
Need weight per meter or foot before bending? 👉 Use Our Angle Iron Weight Calculator. See how your angle iron is bent into curves and structures: 👉 View Angle Profile Bending Methods
Key Features: 🧮 Calculates section modulus (Z) for L-shaped angle iron profile, 📏 Supports equal and unequal leg dimensions, 🔁 Metric (mm³) and imperial (in³) units, ⚙️ Suitable for structural design, stress analysis, and profile bending.
✅ How to Use
Choose your preferred unit system: mm or inch;
Enter: Leg A (vertical leg);
Leg B (horizontal leg);
Thickness (t);
Click Calculate to view the section modulus Z
✅ FAQ
Q1: What is the section modulus (Z)?
A: It’s a geometric property that measures the strength of a section under bending stress. Higher Z means better resistance to profile bending.
Q2: Can I use this for aluminum or stainless steel angles?
A: Yes. The shape determines the section modulus. Material is only needed for stress calculations, not geometry.
Q3: Does it support both equal and unequal leg angles?
A: Yes, just enter different A and B leg lengths to get the section modulus for unequal angles.