IPE vs HEA vs HEB: How to Choose the Right Steel Section

IPE, HEA and HEB are all European standard hot-rolled I-sections (wide-flange beams), but their proportions — and therefore their structural behaviour — are quite different. Choosing the wrong family for a given application can mean an over-weight section or, worse, an unconservative one. This article explains the key differences and when to use each.

Key Geometric Differences

The defining characteristic is the h/b ratio (depth-to-width ratio). IPE sections are tall and narrow; HEA and HEB are close to square:

Section	h (mm)	b (mm)	h/b	Weight (kg/m)	Iy (cm⁴)	Wpl,y (cm³)
IPE 300	300	150	2.00	42.2	8 356	628
HEA 300	290	300	0.97	88.3	18 260	1 383
HEB 300	300	300	1.00	117	25 170	1 869

An HEA 300 provides more than twice the plastic section modulus of an IPE 300, but at more than double the weight. If bending capacity per kilogram is the objective, IPE wins. If column capacity or LTB resistance matters, HEA and HEB win.

The IPE Series — Best for Beams

IPE sections (I-Profil Europäisch) are the workhorse of structural steel floors. Their tall, narrow profile gives a high section modulus-to-weight ratio, making them very efficient for simply-supported beams subject to gravity loading. Sizes run from IPE 80 to IPE 600.

The trade-off is their relatively small I_z (weak-axis second moment of area). An IPE 300 has I_z = 604 cm⁴ while an HEA 300 has I_z = 6 310 cm⁴ — over ten times more. This means:

• IPE sections are more susceptible to lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) for long unrestrained spans.
• They perform poorly as columns under combined axial and bending load.
• They are not suitable for moment frames where biaxial bending is expected.

The HEA Series — The All-Rounder

HEA sections (also called wide-flange or "H" sections) have nearly square cross-sections with h/b typically ≤ 1.0 for smaller sizes and close to 1.0 for larger ones. They offer:

• Very good LTB resistance — the favourable 'a' buckling curve applies per EN 1993-1-1 Table 6.4
• Excellent weak-axis capacity: suitable for biaxial bending and column design
• Better performance in moment-resisting frames
• Sizes from HEA 100 to HEA 1000

HEA sections are lighter than HEB for the same nominal size because their flange thickness is reduced. This makes them the preferred choice when column efficiency is needed without excessive weight.

The HEB Series — Maximum Capacity

HEB sections have the same outer dimensions as HEA but with thicker flanges — giving greater plastic moment capacity, axial resistance, and connection area. They are heavier but provide:

• Higher M_pl,Rd for the same nominal section size as HEA
• Larger flange area for bolted end-plate and moment connections
• Greater axial crushing resistance for heavily loaded columns
• Better fire performance (more thermal mass)

For a similar depth and width, HEB provides about 35% more plastic moment capacity than HEA. If your HEA design is nearly adequate and you don't want to jump to the next size up, switching to HEB of the same nominal height is often the most economical solution.

HEM — When Only the Biggest Will Do

HEM sections extend the H-section family further with very thick flanges and web. They are used almost exclusively in columns under very high axial loads, and in heavy industrial or bridge-adjacent construction. They are significantly heavier than HEB and are stock items only at steel service centres, not standard mill production.

Quick Decision Guide

Application	Recommended series
Floor beam, fully restrained, span optimisation	IPE
Floor beam, long unrestrained spans	HEA or hollow section
Roof beam / purlin	IPE or UPN channel
Column, light to medium load	HEA
Column, heavy load or tall structure	HEB or HEM
Portal frame rafter	IPE (with haunches)
Moment frame column	HEA or HEB
Transfer beam	HEB or welded plate girder

References: EN 10025-2, EN 10034. For reference only — verify against current standards.