There are 17 W27 shapes in the AISC Shapes Database v16.0, from W27x84 at 84 lb/ft to W27x539 at 539 lb/ft. All are nominally 27 in deep, but the actual depth runs from 26.7 in to 32.5 in, because adding weight to a rolled shape makes it deeper as well as thicker.
W27 shapes are long-span floor and roof beams, and transfer members picking up loads from above. This is the depth where sections start being chosen for stiffness and vibration performance rather than strength alone.
W27 Beam Sizes Chart
Every W27 shape, lightest first. Switch the table between inches and millimeters with the buttons.
| Shape | Weight (lb/ft) | Area (in²) | Depth (in) | Flange width (in) | Web (in) | Flange (in) | Ix (in⁴) | Sx (in³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W27x84 | 84 | 24.7 | 26.7 | 10 | 0.46 | 0.64 | 2,850 | 213 |
| W27x94 | 94 | 27.6 | 26.9 | 10 | 0.49 | 0.745 | 3,270 | 243 |
| W27x102 | 102 | 30 | 27.1 | 10 | 0.515 | 0.83 | 3,620 | 267 |
| W27x114 | 114 | 33.6 | 27.3 | 10.1 | 0.57 | 0.93 | 4,080 | 299 |
| W27x129 | 129 | 37.8 | 27.6 | 10 | 0.61 | 1.1 | 4,760 | 345 |
| W27x146 | 146 | 43.2 | 27.4 | 14 | 0.605 | 0.975 | 5,660 | 414 |
| W27x161 | 161 | 47.6 | 27.6 | 14 | 0.66 | 1.08 | 6,310 | 458 |
| W27x178 | 178 | 52.5 | 27.8 | 14.1 | 0.725 | 1.19 | 7,020 | 505 |
| W27x194 | 194 | 57.1 | 28.1 | 14 | 0.75 | 1.34 | 7,860 | 559 |
| W27x217 | 217 | 63.9 | 28.4 | 14.1 | 0.83 | 1.5 | 8,910 | 627 |
| W27x235 | 235 | 69.4 | 28.7 | 14.2 | 0.91 | 1.61 | 9,700 | 677 |
| W27x258 | 258 | 76.1 | 29 | 14.3 | 0.98 | 1.77 | 10,800 | 745 |
| W27x281 | 281 | 83.1 | 29.3 | 14.4 | 1.06 | 1.93 | 11,900 | 814 |
| W27x307 | 307 | 90.2 | 29.6 | 14.4 | 1.16 | 2.09 | 13,100 | 887 |
| W27x336 | 336 | 99.2 | 30 | 14.6 | 1.26 | 2.28 | 14,600 | 972 |
| W27x368 | 368 | 109 | 30.4 | 14.7 | 1.38 | 2.48 | 16,200 | 1,060 |
| W27x539 | 539 | 159 | 32.5 | 15.3 | 1.97 | 3.54 | 25,600 | 1,570 |
What W27 Is Used For
On long spans, deflection and floor vibration usually govern before bending strength does. A section that passes a strength check can still produce a floor that feels unacceptably lively.
The nominal depth is a family name, not a measurement. Every shape above is called W27 and none of them is exactly 27 in deep. Take the real depth from the chart whenever clearance matters. See how to read steel beam sizes for the full convention.
Related Charts
Every W shape in one place: wide flange beam sizes chart. For the metric designations, see wide flange beam sizes in metric. For the naming confusion around H-beams and I-beams, see H-beam vs I-beam.
Source: AISC Shapes Database v16.0, consistent with the AISC Steel Construction Manual, 16th Edition. Last updated: October 2026.
This page is reference information only and is not engineering advice. Sizing a beam needs a licensed engineer. Full disclaimer.