What are the key measurements of an S20 rail profile?
Apr 24, 2026
What are the key measurements of an S20 rail profile?
The S20 rail is a medium-weight light steel rail primarily defined under the DIN 5901 European standard. It is widely used for industrial applications such as factory crane tracks, logistics lines, and light transit systems, offering higher strength than smaller S10 or S14 profiles.
- Total Height (100.00 mm): The most critical measurement for vertical stiffness, providing the "beam strength" necessary to support gantry cranes and mine cars.
- Base Width (82.00 mm): A wide footprint relative to its height, which ensures lateral stability and prevents the rail from tilting under side-thrust forces.
- Head Width (30.00 mm): The narrow running surface designed to minimize rolling resistance while providing a durable contact point for steel wheels.
- Web Thickness (7.00 mm): The vertical "spine" of the rail that connects the head and base, engineered to resist shear forces and buckling.

| Size | Rail height(mm)
A |
Bottom Width(mm)
B |
Head Width(mm)
C |
Web Thickness(mm)
t |
Weight(kg/m)
* |
| S10 | 70 | 58 | 32 | 6 | 10 |
| S14 | 80 | 70 | 38 | 9 | 14 |
| S18 | 93 | 82 | 43 | 10 | 18.3 |
| S20 | 100 | 82 | 44 | 10 | 19.8 |
| S24 | 115 | 90 | 53 | 10 | 24.4 |
| S30 | 108 | 108 | 60.3 | 12.3 | 30.03 |
GNEE RAIL produces S20 rails to strict tolerances, ensuring that every S20 rail profile meets the exact dimensions required for seamless integration into S20 light rail systems. By maintaining the integrity of the S20 rail cross section, we ensure that the RAIL S20 MATERIAL STRENGTH is distributed correctly, providing a safe and durable foundation for material handling infrastructure.
Why These Measurements Matter for Load Capacity?
The S20 rail load capacity is a direct result of these geometric proportions. The 100 mm height is balanced against the S20 steel rail weight of 19.80 kg/m to provide the most efficient strength-to-weight ratio for light rail.

When a crane wheel exerts pressure on the 30 mm head, the force is transmitted down through the 7 mm web to the 82 mm base. If the web were thinner or the height were lower, the rail would be prone to permanent deformation. By adhering to the S20 rail specifications, we ensure that the rail can handle axle loads of 2.5 to 3.5 tons without compromising the safety of the facility.
What is the maximum S20 rail load capacity for industrial tracks?
The S20 rail (DIN 5901) is a light steel rail, typically weighing 19.8 kg per meter, designed for medium-load industrial environments, warehouse logistics, and factory railways. While designed as a light rail, it is robust enough to serve as a versatile solution for varied industrial needs.
Maximum Load Capacity and Performance Guidelines:
- Max Axle Load: S20 rails are generally suitable for freight shuttles and industrial trolleys with axle loads up to 18 tonnes.
- Application-Specific Limits: In industrial siding applications, they are designed to handle loads where traffic is frequent but not heavy mainline haulage, with some specifications recommending them for loads up to 18 tonnes.
- Performance Characteristics: They are frequently used in factory floors, warehouses, and for crane tracks, often in Q235B (for indoor) or 55Q (for higher hardness/wear resistance) steel grades.
FAQ
- Is the S20 rail height exactly 100 mm?
Yes, per the DIN 5901 standard, the height is exactly 100.00 mm. This is a standard benchmark used globally for light-duty crane and mining tracks.
- What is the web thickness of the S20 profile?
The standard web thickness is 7.00 mm, providing the structural integrity needed to handle vertical and lateral forces without deforming the S20 rail profile.
- Does the head width stay 30 mm for all grades?
Yes, whether you use Q235B or 55Q, the S20 rail head width remains 30.00 mm. Only the internal S20 rail mechanical properties change between different steel grades.
- How is the S20 rail weight per meter calculated?
The weight of 19.80 kg/m is the result of the steel volume within the 100 mm height, 82 mm base, and 30 mm head dimensions.
- Can S20 rails be joined to S18 rails?
Not directly. Because the S18 is only 90 mm high, a 10 mm "step" would be created. You must use specialized transition joints to bridge the different S20 rail specifications.
- What is the fishing space of an S20 rail?
It is the concave area between the head and base where the S20 rail fishplate sits. Its geometry is defined by the 100 mm height and the angles of the head and base.
GNEE RAIL provides a full range of steel rails, from light-duty tracks to heavy infrastructure, ensuring a precise match for any requirement. We offer professional customization services, including precision cutting and custom hole drilling to match your specific S20 rail drawing layouts. Our company supplies a complete suite of matched fasteners and joint bars, and we utilize decades of global logistics experience to ensure that your S20 steel rail weight orders arrive securely and on time at any project site worldwide.
Click here to obtain a free quotation for DIN S20 Rail.







