Designation and terminology
•In the United States, Steel I Beams are commonly specified using the depth and weight of the beam. For example, a "W10x22" beam is approximately 10 in (25 cm) in depth (nominal height of the I-beam from the outer face of one flange to the outer face of the other flange) and weighs 22 lb/ft (33 kg/m). It should be noted that wide flange section often vary from their nominal depth. In the case of the W14 series, they may be as deep as 22.84 in (58.0 cm).
•In Mexico, steel I-beams are called IR and commonly specified using the depth and weight of the beam in metric terms. For example, a "IR250x33" beam is approximately 250 mm (9.8 in) in depth (height of the I-beam from the outer face of one flange to the outer face of the other flange) and weighs approximately 33 kg/m (22 lb/ft).
How to measure:
Height (A) X Web (B) X Flange Width (C)
M = Steel Junior Beam or Bantam Beam
S = Standar Steel I Beam
W = Standar Wide Flange Beam
H-Pile = H-Pile Beam