What are the exact S20 rail dimensions?
Apr 23, 2026
What are the exact S20 rail dimensions?
The exact dimensions of the S20 rail are defined by the DIN 5901 standard, featuring a height of 100 mm, a base width of 82 mm, and a head width of 30 mm. These measurements ensure the rail provides a stable, low-profile track system specifically optimized for light industrial applications and narrow-gauge transport.

- Height and Base Stability: With a total height of 100 mm and a base width of 82 mm, the S20 rail profile offers a wide footprint that distributes vertical loads effectively across sleepers or steel support beams, preventing tilting.
- Running Surface: The S20 rail head width of 30 mm is precision-engineered to accommodate standard light-duty crane wheels and mining car flanged wheels, reducing lateral play and rolling resistance.
- Web Thickness: The vertical web measures 7 mm in thickness, providing the necessary structural rigidity to maintain the S20 rail cross section integrity under compressive stress without adding excessive weight to the system.
- Weight Efficiency: The S20 rail weight per meter is approximately 19.80 kg, making it easy to handle during manual installation in confined spaces while still providing the durability required for S20 light rail systems.
GNEE RAIL utilizes precision rolling mills that maintain strict adherence to DIN 5901 S20 rail geometric tolerances, ensuring that every linear meter provides a perfectly uniform running surface.
Technical Specifications of S20 Rail DIN 5901
This rail type, often referred to as 20 kg/m rail specifications, is the standard choice for light-duty gantry cranes and material handling systems. Because it follows the DIN 5901 standard, the dimensions are standardized globally, allowing for the use of universal fasteners and transition joints.

| 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 |
The S20 steel rail weight of 19.80 kg/m strikes a balance between material economy and mechanical performance. For projects requiring the European Standard quality, the S20 rail offers a reliable alternative to heavier profiles like those found in the European standard EN 13674-1 series, which are often overkill for light-duty workshop environments. The compact design allows for a smaller installation envelope, which is particularly beneficial for automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).
What are the advantages of using Profile S20 rail?
The Profile S20 rail is a lightweight steel rail typically utilized in light-duty track systems, mining operations, and industrial material handling. Its design adheres to specific DIN standards (often DIN 5901), providing a balanced ratio of weight to structural integrity for specialized applications.
Here are the primary advantages of utilizing this profile:
1. High Versatility for Light-Duty Infrastructure
The S20 profile is specifically engineered for environments where heavy-haul rail is unnecessary and cost-prohibitive. It is an ideal solution for:

- Mining and Tunneling: Supporting small ore cars and underground transport systems.
- Factory Floor Logistics: Integrated into automated warehouse systems or overhead crane tracks.
- Construction Sites: Temporary tracks for moving heavy machinery or materials across soft ground.
2. Optimized Material Efficiency
At a weight of approximately 19.80 kg/m, the S20 rail provides significant strength without the excessive bulk of standard heavy rail.
- Cost-Effective: Reduced steel volume lowers the initial procurement cost per kilometer of track.
- Ease of Installation: The lighter weight allows for faster manual handling and installation, reducing the need for heavy lifting machinery in confined spaces like mines.
3. Precision Engineering and Durability
Despite its smaller footprint, S20 rail is manufactured to rigorous technical tolerances.
- Wear Resistance: Often produced from high-quality steel grades, it offers excellent resistance to surface deformation and flange wear.
- Uniform Load Distribution: The profile geometry is designed to distribute axle loads evenly, minimizing the risk of rail fatigue over long-term use.
4. Compatibility with Standard Fastening Systems
The base and head dimensions of the S20 profile are standardized to ensure it fits a wide range of mounting hardware.
It can be easily secured using standard rail clips, clamps, and fishplates, making maintenance and part replacement straightforward.
The flat-bottom design ensures a stable connection to various sleeper types, including steel, timber, or concrete
FAQ
- What are the exact measurements for an S20 rail head?
The S20 rail head width is exactly 30 mm. This narrow surface is designed to minimize the contact area with crane wheels, thereby reducing friction while providing enough surface area to support the rated S20 rail load capacity.
- Can I get an S20 rail drawing for my project planning?
Yes, technical drawings for the S20 rail profile are standard and include all critical dimensions such as the 100 mm height, 82 mm base, and the specific bolt hole patterns required for the S20 rail joint bar.
- What is the standard length for S20 steel rail?
While the S20 rail specifications allow for various lengths, the most common standard lengths are 6 meters, 8 meters, and 10 meters. Custom lengths can often be cut to meet specific workshop or mining tunnel requirements.
- How is the S20 rail weight per meter calculated?
The S20 rail weight per meter is calculated based on the volume of the S20 rail cross section and the density of steel. It typically weighs 19.80 kg per linear meter, though it is frequently referred to as 20 kg rail for general categorization.
- Is S20 rail compatible with standard fishplates?
The rail must be used with a specific S20 rail fishplate that matches its unique side profile. Using a generic fishplate can lead to poor alignment and mechanical failure of the S20 light rail systems.
- What is the material grade of S20 rail?
The S20 rail material grade usually follows the DIN standards for light rail, typically utilizing steel with a tensile strength ranging from 500 to 700 MPa, ensuring durability under repeated industrial cycles.
GNEE RAIL maintains dedicated production lines that prioritize dimensional accuracy, ensuring that every S20 rail profile meets the exact 100x82x30mm geometry required for high-precision track alignment. We stock a complete range of matched S20 rail fishplates and high-tensile bolt sets, allowing for one-stop procurement that eliminates compatibility issues between the rail and its fasteners. Our logistics team specializes in the secure packaging of S20 light steel rail to prevent bending during long-distance maritime transport, ensuring that the materials arrive at your site ready for immediate installation.







