IS 2062 E250 vs E350 Steel: Grades, Uses & How to Order
IS 2062 is the Indian Standard for hot-rolled structural steel used in beams, channels, angles and plates. E250 has a minimum yield stress of 250 MPa and is the everyday grade for sheds, buildings and general fabrication. E350 has a minimum yield stress of 350 MPa and is chosen for heavier loads, longer spans or lighter sections.
Key takeaways
- The number after E is the minimum yield stress in MPa (for thinner sections).
- Sub-grades A, BR, B0 and C describe impact testing, from none (A) to tested at −20 °C (C).
- E250BR is a common default for welded structures; E350 is used where the design needs more strength.
- Always write grade and sub-grade in your purchase order, e.g. “IS 2062 E250BR”.
How do E250 and E350 compare?
Minimum mechanical properties from IS 2062:2011 for the most common thickness range (under 20 mm):
| Property | E250 | E350 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum yield stress (MPa), < 20 mm | 250 | 350 |
| Minimum tensile strength (MPa) | 410 | 490 |
| Minimum elongation (%) | 23 | 22 |
| Typical uses | Sheds, buildings, frames, general fabrication | Heavy structures, bridges, cranes, towers, lighter-section designs |
Minimum yield stress steps down slightly for thicker material (20–40 mm and above 40 mm). Check the standard for the exact value at your thickness.
What do the sub-grades A, BR, B0 and C mean?
The sub-grade tells you whether, and at what temperature, the steel’s toughness has been tested with a Charpy impact test.
| Sub-grade | Impact test | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A | Not required | Non-welded or lightly loaded structures |
| BR | At room temperature | Welded structures — a common default |
| B0 | At 0 °C | Structures exposed to cooler conditions |
| C | At −20 °C | Critical, cold or dynamically loaded structures |
Sub-grades B and C also have slightly tighter limits on carbon and impurities, which helps weldability.
Which grade should I specify?
Follow the structural drawings. As a rule of thumb:
- General buildings, sheds and PEB secondary members: E250BR.
- Heavily loaded or long-span members, cranes, towers and bridges: E350, with the sub-grade the designer specifies.
- Non-welded, low-stress items: E250A may be acceptable if the drawings allow it.
How do I order and check IS 2062 steel?
Write the full designation on every BOQ line, for example “ISMB 300, IS 2062 E250BR, 12 m, 10 MT”. Our guide to writing a steel BOQ has a ready format.
On delivery, match the heat number on the material with the mill test certificate and check that grade, sub-grade and test results meet the standard.
Where is IS 2062 steel used on the site?
All the main structural products are made to IS 2062: MS beams, MS channels, MS angles and MS plates. For section weights, see the product pages or calculate them with our steel weight guide.
How RLG Ispat can help
RLG Ispat supplies IS 2062 E250 and E350 beams, channels, angles and plates from Raipur, with GST invoice and MTC/TC where applicable. Send your grade-wise list through the quote form or WhatsApp +91 75870 51838.
Frequently asked questions
What does E250 mean in IS 2062?
E250 means the steel has a minimum yield stress of 250 MPa for thinner sections. The E stands for the yield-stress based grade designation in IS 2062.
What is the difference between E250A and E250BR?
Both have the same strength. BR material is also impact tested at room temperature, and the sub-grades B and C have tighter chemistry limits, which makes them better for welded and dynamically loaded structures.
Is E350 steel more expensive than E250?
Usually yes, by a margin that depends on mill, product and market. Because E350 is stronger, a designer may use lighter sections, which can offset the price difference.
Can I use E350 instead of E250?
Strength-wise E350 exceeds E250, but welding procedures and design details may differ. Substitute only with the structural engineer's approval.