# Reference Tools

- Canonical URL: https://www.ahner-industrial.com/ref-info
- Page type: collection
- Updated: 2026-08-07

Use Ahner Industrial calculators and reference tables for bends, arc length, sheet, plate, channel, beam, and pipe dimensions and weights.

## Reference tables

- [Sheet & Plate Weight Calculator](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/flat): Reference sheet and plate thicknesses, tolerances, and weights per square foot for common fabrication materials.
- [Pipe Size & Weight Calculator](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/pipe): Reference Schedule 10, 40, and 80 pipe dimensions, wall thicknesses, and weights for fabrication planning.
- [Steel Channel Size & Weight Calculator](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/channel): Reference American Standard steel channel dimensions, thicknesses, and weights for fabrication planning.
- [Wide-Flange Beam Size & Weight Calculator](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/wfbeam): Reference wide-flange beam dimensions, section properties, and weights for fabrication planning.
- [S-Beam Size & Weight Calculator](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/sbeam): Reference American Standard S-beam dimensions, section properties, and weights for fabrication planning.

## Fabrication calculators

- [Arc Length Calculator](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/arc-length-calc): Calculate arc length from diameter and included angle, including radius, circumference, and percent of a full circle.
- [Bend Allowance Calculator](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/bend-calculations): Review Ahner shop-data results for bend radius, deduction, K-factor, bottom die, press tonnage per inch, and minimum outside flange length.

- [SolidWorks bend-table downloads](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/ref-info#solidworks-bend-tables)

## Source, version, and citation

Ahner publishes these tables, calculators, and downloadable bend data as practical planning references. Each tool states its units and limitations. Critical values still require confirmation against the approved drawing, applicable standard, actual material, and reviewed manufacturing setup.

- Resource version: August 7, 2026
- Canonical URL: https://www.ahner-industrial.com/ref-info
- Suggested citation: Ahner Industrial. “Material Sizes & Weight References.” Updated August 7, 2026. https://www.ahner-industrial.com/ref-info
- Correction contact: [Website submission form](https://www.ahner-industrial.com/contact#quote-form)

## Material Reference FAQ

### What is the difference between an S Beam and a Wide Flange Beam?

S Beams have tapered inner flange surfaces and are typically narrower. Wide flange beams have parallel flange surfaces and generally wider flanges, making them common for structural columns and beams.

### Why do sheet and plate thicknesses have tolerance ranges?

Rolling and finishing processes create normal thickness variation. The upper and lower limits in the tables show the expected range around each nominal thickness.

### How do I calculate the weight of a custom material length?

Use the published weight per foot or per square foot, then multiply by the actual length or area. These tables are reference values; confirm critical estimates against the applicable material standard.

### How do I choose the right material size?

Start with the drawing loads, span, corrosion exposure, forming requirements, and applicable code. An Ahner Industrial estimator can help review manufacturability and available stock sizes.

### How accurate are the dimensions in these tables?

The dimensions are engineering-reference values compiled for practical estimating. Confirm final design and purchasing dimensions with the current AISC, ASTM, or manufacturer standard.

### How do sheet metal gauges convert to decimal thickness?

Gauge numbers are material-specific, so the same gauge can represent different decimal thicknesses in carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Use the material-specific sheet table rather than a universal conversion.

### What do Schedule 10, Schedule 40, and Schedule 80 mean?

Pipe schedule identifies a standardized wall-thickness series. For the same nominal pipe size, higher schedules generally have thicker walls, smaller inside diameters, and greater weight per foot.

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