ASTM A36 Steel Plate Specifications

The following table details dimensional constraints, weight charts, and thickness tolerances for standard ASTM A36 plates.

Property Specification / Details
Standard ASTM A36 / ASME SA36
Material Type Low Carbon Structural Steel
Thickness Range 5 mm to 150 mm (1/4" to 8")
Width Range 1250 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm
Length Range 2000 mm to 12000 mm

ASTM A36 Plate Sizes and Dimensions

For a detailed breakdown of the standard thicknesses, widths, and lengths available, please check the dimensions in the table below.

Available Thickness Range

Thickness (Imperial) Thickness (Metric)
3/16" 5 mm
1/4" 6.35 mm
3/8" 9.53 mm
1/2" 12.7 mm
3/4" 19.05 mm
1" 25.4 mm
1-1/2" 38.1 mm
2" 50.8 mm
3" 76.2 mm
4" 101.6 mm
6" 152.4 mm

Standard Plate Widths and Lengths

Refer to the table below for standard stock dimensions and maximum mill capacities available for industrial steel plates.

Steel Plate Dimensional Specifications

Dimension Type Stock / Mill Availability
Common Stock Sizes 4' x 8', 4' x 10', 5' x 10'
Maximum Mill Width Up to 120" (3,048 mm)
Maximum Mill Length Up to 480" (12,192 mm)

ASTM A36 Plate Weight Chart

The weight of an ASTM A36 plate is determined by its thickness and is computed using a steel density of 7.85 grams per cubic centimetre. The calculation is: thickness (inches) x 40.8 = weight (lb/sqft).

Thickness Weight (lb/sqft) Weight (kg/m2)
3/16" (5 mm) 7.66 37.4
1/4" (6.35 mm) 10.21 49.9
3/8" (9.53 mm) 15.31 74.7
1/2" (12.7 mm) 20.41 99.6
3/4" (19.05 mm) 30.62 149.5
1" (25.4 mm) 40.83 199.3
2" (50.8 mm) 81.65 398.6

ASTM A36 Plate Price

In India, ASTM A36 plate prices typically range from ₹55 to ₹85 per kg, while in the USA, current market rates are approximately $0.95 to $1.15 per kg ($43 to $52 per cwt). A36 is among the most cost-effective structural plate grades available. Contact us for current pricing and bulk discounts.

ASTM A36 Plate Chemical Composition

The chemical composition table below provides a complete study of elemental constraints and carbon concentrations.

Carbon C
0.25 - 0.29%
Manganese Mn
0.80 - 1.20%
Phosphorus P
≤ 0.04%
Sulfur S
≤ 0.05%
Silicon Si
0.15 - 0.40%
Copper* Cu
≥ 0.20%

ASTM A36 Plate Mechanical Properties

Please look at the table below for a full breakdown of the tensile strength, yield points, and elongation numbers.

250
MPa (min)
Yield Strength
400 - 550
MPa
Tensile Strength
20%
8" gauge (min)
Elongation
112 HB
Brinell
Hardness
Property Value
Yield Strength (min) 36 ksi (250 MPa)
Tensile Strength 58-80 ksi (400-550 MPa)
Elongation (min, 8" gauge) 20%
Elongation (min, 2" gauge) 23%
Brinell Hardness 112 HB
Density 7.85 g/cm3 (0.284 lb/in3)
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ASTM A36 Plate Equivalent Grades

ASTM A36 plate is equivalent to several international designations based on comparable yield strength and composition.

Standard Designation
UNS K02600
EN 10025-2 S235JR / 1.0038
JIS G3101 SS400
IS 2062 E250
GB/T 700 Q235B
CSA G40.21 44W / 300W
AS/NZS 3678 250
DIN 17100 (former) St 37-2

ASTM A36 Plate Applications

ASTM A36 steel plate is used in structural construction, bridge building, industrial manufacturing, and general fabrication. Its combination of strength, formability, and weldability makes it the most commonly specified carbon steel plate for structural work.

Construction and Infrastructure

The main material for commercial and industrial building frames, column base plates and gusset plates is A36 steel plate. Both bridge decking and support components depend on this grade.

Industrial Manufacturing

Heavy equipment frames, machine bases, and mounting plates are frequently fabricated from ASTM A36 plate. The material’s formability allows cutting, drilling, punching, and bending without cracking.

Oil and Gas

Storage tank floors, shell rings, and structural supports in oil and gas facilities commonly use A36 plate for non-pressure containment applications.

Shipbuilding and Transportation

A36 plate is specified for barge decking, trailer beds, and structural framing in marine and transport work. Wide plate widths reduce the number of welded joints in large panel assemblies.

ASTM A36 vs Other Steel Plate Grades Comparison

ASTM A36 plate is a low-carbon structural steel with 36 ksi yield strength. Buyers frequently compare it against higher-strength or speciality grades.

ASTM A36 Plate vs A572 Grade 50 Plate

Refer to this table to compare the strength and structural efficiency of ASTM A36 Plate vs. A572 Grade 50.

Feature ASTM A36 Plate A572 Grade 50 Plate
Material Type Low Carbon Structural Steel High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA)
Yield Strength (min) 36,000 psi (250 MPa) 50,000 psi (345 MPa)
Tensile Strength 58,000 - 80,000 psi 65,000 psi (min)
Weldability Excellent Excellent
Best For General construction & fabrication High-load bridges & heavy machinery
Cost Profile Most economical Slightly higher cost per lb

A572 Grade 50 is a high-strength low-alloy steel with 50 ksi minimum yield compared to A36’s 36 ksi. It allows thinner plates for the same load. A36 remains more cost-effective for general-purpose structural work.

ASTM A36 Plate vs AISI 1018

Check this comparison to understand why ASTM A36 Plate and AISI 1018 serve different industrial purposes.

Feature ASTM A36 Plate AISI 1018 Steel
Standard ASTM (Structural) AISI/SAE (Engineering)
Forming Method Hot-Rolled Typically Cold-Finished
Carbon Content 0.25% - 0.29% 0.15% - 0.20%
Yield Strength 36,000 psi 53,700 psi (Cold Drawn)
Availability Large plate dimensions Bar, rod, and strip stock
Interchangeable No, different certification No, used for precision parts

AISI 1018 is a cold-finished carbon steel bar/flat stock, not a structural plate grade. A36 plate is hot-rolled, available in much larger sizes, and specified for structural applications. The two are not interchangeable.

Shipping & Packaging

Main export packaging setup Heavy-duty wooden boxes Packing
Export Packaging Standard

We strictly follow seaworthy export handling standards to protect ASTM A36 Plate from transit damage, moisture ingress, and surface contamination during long-distance dispatch.

  • Heavy-duty wooden boxes with moisture barrier lining
  • HDPE stretch film wrapping on all bundles
  • Plastic end caps on threaded and plain-end pipes
  • Silica gel desiccants to minimize moisture exposure
  • ISPM-15 fumigated wooden packaging for export
Bundle Yard Staging plate Bundle Yard Staging
 Bundle Edge Protection Container End-Cap Protection
Export-Ready Bundles Wrapped Export-Ready Bundles

We Export Worldwide

Sachiya Steel International supplies Carbon steel products to major industrial markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa with export-ready documentation and logistics support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard sizes for ASTM A36 Plate?+
ASTM A36 plate is available in thicknesses from 3/16" (5 mm) to 6" (150 mm), widths of 48" to 120", and lengths up to 480". Stock sizes include 4’x8’, 4’x10’, and 5’x10’.
What is the thickness tolerance for ASTM A36 Plate?+
Thickness tolerances follow ASTM A6/A6M and vary by ordered thickness and plate width. A 1/4" plate up to 48" wide carries a tolerance of +0.030" over specified thickness.
What is the flatness tolerance for ASTM A36 Plate?+
Flatness tolerances are specified in ASTM A6/A6M and depend on plate thickness, width, and length. Tighter flatness can be achieved through levelling services.
Can ASTM A36 Plate be welded?+
ASTM A36 plate has excellent weldability using SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW, and oxyacetylene processes. Preheat is generally not required for thicknesses under 1".
What is the price of ASTM A36 Steel Plate per kg?+
Pricing depends on thickness, dimensions, quantity, finish, and market conditions. A36 is one of the most economical structural plate grades. Request a quote from Sachiya Steel for current rates.
What is the weight of ASTM A36 Plate per square foot?+
Weight varies by thickness: 3/16“ plate weighs 7.66 lb/sqft, 1/4“plate weighs 10.21 lb/sqft, 1/2“plate weighs 20.41 lb/sqft, and 1“plate weighs 40.83 lb/sqft. Steel density is 7.85 g/cm3.
What is the difference between ASTM A36 Plate and A572 Grade 50 Plate?+
ASTM A36 has a 36 ksi minimum yield strength while A572 Grade 50 provides 50 ksi. A572 is a high-strength low-alloy steel that permits thinner sections. A36 is more cost-effective for general structural work.
Is preheating required when welding ASTM A36 steel?+
Preheating isn’t typically required for thicknesses under 1" (25 mm). For thicker sections, a light preheat may be used to reduce the cooling rate, but for standard structural applications, A36 remains one of the most user-friendly grades for immediate fabrication.

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