A36 Steel Plate

Available in standard and heavy thicknesses, ASTM A36 steel plate is one of the most popular materials used in structural applications in the United States. Its strength-to-weight ratio and formability make it a common choice for structural components built to withstand significant force.

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Features

• Available in heavy plate thicknesses up to 18”.

• May be certified to multiple standards on mill test reports, but guaranteed to be certified to meet ASTM A36 standards.

• Ability to be riveted, bolted or welded.

• Available to purchase online via Leeco^® Pro. Click here to log on or contact us to learn more.

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Product Details

Grade	Thickness	Width	Length
A36	3/16"-18"	48"-120"	Up to 480"

Grade	Yield Point (ksi)	Tensile Strength (ksi)	Min. 8" Elongation %
A36	36	58-80	20

Up to 3/4" Thick

Carbon max	0.25%
Phosphorus max	0.030%
Sulfur max	0.030%
Silicon max	0.40%
Copper min	0.20%

Over 3/4" to 1 1/2" Thick

Carbon max	0.25%
Manganese	0.80-1.20%
Phosphorus max	0.030%
Sulfur max	0.030%
Silicon max	0.40%
Copper min	0.20%

Over 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" Thick

Carbon max	0.26%
Manganese	0.80-1.20%
Phosphorus max	0.030%
Sulfur max	0.030%
Silicon	0.15-0.40%
Copper min	0.20%

Over 2 1/2" to 4" Thick

Carbon max	0.27%
Manganese	0.85-1.20%
Phosphorus max	0.030%
Sulfur max	0.030%
Silicon	0.15-0.40%
Copper min	0.20%

Over 4" Thick

Carbon max	0.29%
Manganese	0.85-1.20%
Phosphorus max	0.030%
Sulfur max	0.030%
Silicon	0.15-0.40%
Copper min	0.20%

Grade Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about A36 steel plate.

What is the difference between A36 and A572 steel plate?

A36 is a mild carbon structural steel commonly used for general structural applications, while A572 is a high-strength low-alloy steel available in higher strength grades. A36 is often chosen for cost efficiency, availability and fabrication ease, while A572 may be a better fit when a project requires higher yield strength or stronger load-bearing performance.

When should I use A283 instead of A36 steel plate?

A283 steel plate is typically used when a project requires low-to-intermediate tensile strength carbon steel plate for general structural applications. A36 is a more widely used structural carbon steel grade and may be a better fit when the project specifically calls for ASTM A36 or requires a more common structural plate specification. The right choice depends on the required strength, fabrication needs and project specification.

What is the difference between S235 and A36 steel plate?

S235 and ASTM A36 are both commonly used structural steel plate grades, but they are produced to different standards. S235 is an EN 10025 structural steel grade, while A36 is an ASTM structural carbon steel grade. They may be considered comparable for some structural applications, but they should not be treated as automatic substitutes without confirming the project specification, mechanical properties, chemistry and MTR details.

Is S275 steel equivalent to ASTM A36 steel plate?

S275 and ASTM A36 steel grade are often compared because both are commonly used structural steel plate grades, but they are not automatic substitutes. S275 is produced to EN 10025 requirements and typically has a 275 MPa minimum yield strength for certain thickness ranges, while ASTM A36 is produced to ASTM requirements and is commonly associated with a 36 ksi, or about 250 MPa, minimum yield strength. Substitutions should always be confirmed against the project specification, mechanical properties, chemistry, impact requirements and MTR details.

What is ASTM A36 steel plate?

ASTM A36 steel plate is a mild carbon steel known for its strength, machinability, ductility and formability. It is commonly used in structural applications because its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it easy to shape into components that can withstand significant force. It is also one of the more economically priced steel plate grades, and its high demand allows suppliers like Leeco Steel to maintain strong inventories across many plate sizes.

What is A36 steel plate used for?

A36 steel plate is most commonly used in infrastructure applications such as bridge and building construction. Its versatility also makes it an ideal choice for oil and gas, industrial manufacturing, heavy plate applications and road plate.

What grades are equivalent to ASTM A36 steel plate?

A36 is produced to align with globally recognized ASTM material standards, but some regions require structural steel to conform to local regulatory standards. For EN standard structural projects, S235 or S275 may be compared with A36 depending on the project requirements. For Canadian structural steel projects, CSA G40.21 44W may also be considered a comparable grade. Any substitutions should be verified against the required specification, mechanical properties, chemistry and MTR details. Other mild and HSLA steel grades may also be comparable depending on the application.

When should I use A36 steel plate instead of a higher-strength steel plate?

A36 is often a good choice when the application needs a widely available, economical structural steel with good machinability, ductility and weldability. A higher-strength plate, such as an HSLA grade, may be a better fit when the design requires higher yield strength, reduced weight or more demanding performance requirements.

Does A36 steel plate require Charpy impact testing?

Charpy impact testing is not a standard requirement for every A36 steel plate order. It is typically specified when the application requires added toughness verification, such as low-temperature environments, impact-heavy applications or certain bridge and structural requirements. If Charpy testing is required, it should be included in the project specification or requested before ordering.

Can A36 steel plate be used for bridges?

A36 steel plate can be used in some bridge-related structural applications, but many bridge projects require bridge-specific steel plate specifications such as ASTM A709 or AASHTO M270.