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RHS vs SHS vs CHS Steel Tubing: Types, Dimensions, Uses & Selection Guide

RHS, SHS and CHS are three common types of structural hollow sections used in construction, engineering, fabrication and industrial applications.

The main difference is their shape:

RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section): rectangular profile

SHS (Square Hollow Section): square profile

CHS (Circular Hollow Section): circular profile

The right choice depends on structural requirements, loading direction, connections, steel grade, dimensions and applicable standards.

Q235B SHS tube (2) (1)
HSS TUBE (9) (1)

RHS vs SHS vs CHS: Quick Comparison

Feature RHS SHS CHS
Shape Rectangular Square Circular
Dimensions Height × Width × Thickness Width × Width × Thickness OD × Thickness
Main advantage Directional depth Symmetrical geometry Uniform radial geometry
Connection Flat surfaces Flat surfaces Curved surface
Common uses Frames, beams, supports Columns, posts, frames Columns, trusses, tubular structures

There is no universally best section. Selection should follow the engineering design and project specification.

What Is RHS Steel?

RHS is a rectangular hollow steel section with different height and width dimensions.

Example:

RHS 200 × 100 × 8 mm

RHS is commonly used for:

Structural frames
Beams and supports
Equipment frames
Platforms
Trailers and vehicle structures
Machinery and architectural steelwork

Its flat surfaces also make connections with plates, brackets and other components relatively straightforward.

What Is SHS Steel?

SHS is a square hollow section with equal external dimensions.

Example:

SHS 150 × 150 × 6.3 mm

SHS provides symmetrical geometry and four flat faces, making it suitable for:

Structural columns
Posts
Building frames
Support structures
Industrial frames
Gates and fencing
Architectural applications

SHS is often selected when balanced section geometry and simple connections are important.

What Is CHS Steel?

CHS is a circular hollow section specified by outside diameter and wall thickness.

Example:

CHS 168.3 × 8 mm

Typical applications include:

Structural columns
Tubular trusses
Roof structures
Space frames
Infrastructure
Architectural structures

The circular profile provides uniform geometry around its central axis. However, connections to flat plates may require more fabrication and detailing than RHS or SHS.

Common RHS, SHS and CHS Sizes

Some commonly encountered sizes include:

Type Example Sizes
RHS 100 × 50 × 5 mm
RHS 150 × 100 × 6.3 mm
RHS 200 × 100 × 8 mm
SHS 50 × 50 × 3 mm
SHS 100 × 100 × 5 mm
SHS 150 × 150 × 6.3 mm
SHS 200 × 200 × 10 mm
CHS 60.3 × 3.6 mm
CHS 88.9 × 5 mm
CHS 114.3 × 6.3 mm
CHS 168.3 × 8 mm

Actual availability varies by steel grade, manufacturing standard, production route and market.

Why Wall Thickness Matters

The outside dimensions alone do not define a hollow section.

For example:

SHS 100 × 100 × 4 mm
SHS 100 × 100 × 8 mm

Both have the same external dimensions, but the 8 mm section contains more steel and has different structural properties and weight per metre.

When requesting a quotation, always specify:

Section size + wall thickness + steel grade + standard + length + quantity

S275 vs S355 Hollow Sections

Structural hollow sections may be supplied in grades such as S235, S275 and S355, depending on the applicable standard.

A higher-strength grade does not automatically make the section lighter. If dimensions and wall thickness remain unchanged, the theoretical weight is essentially the same.

Weight reduction requires an engineering redesign that takes advantage of the higher material strength.

EN 10210 vs EN 10219

European buyers may encounter hollow sections supplied to EN 10210 or EN 10219.

These standards should not be treated as automatically interchangeable. Manufacturing route, technical requirements and mechanical properties can differ.

If a drawing or specification requires a particular standard, include it in the RFQ.

Which Is Cheapest: RHS, SHS or CHS?

There is no fixed answer.

The final cost depends on:

Size + wall thickness + grade + standard + quantity + availability + processing + transportation

Material price per tonne should not be the only comparison. Fabrication, welding, coating, connections and installation can also affect the total project cost.

Which Steel Tubing Should You Choose?

A simple selection guide is:

Choose RHS when rectangular geometry, directional depth or flat connection surfaces are useful.

Choose SHS when symmetrical square geometry and simple flat connections are preferred.

Choose CHS when circular geometry and tubular structural characteristics are required.

For structural applications, the final section should always be confirmed by the project engineer.

How to Order RHS, SHS or CHS Steel Tubing

For an accurate quotation, buyers should provide:

Section type
Dimensions and wall thickness
Steel grade
Applicable standard
Length
Quantity
Surface finish
Certification requirements
Delivery destination

Royal Steel Group supplies RHS, SHS and CHS structural steel tubing for construction, fabrication, engineering and industrial projects.

Send us your required size, grade, standard, quantity and delivery destination for a quotation.

ROYAL STEEL GROUP

Address

Kangsheng development industry zone,
Wuqing district, Tianjin city, China.

E-mail

admin@royalsteelgroup.com

Phone

Cherry Yang - CEO : +8613652091506
Wendy Wu -Business Director : +8615222747108

Hours

Monday-Sunday: 24-hour Service

Post time: Sep-11-2026
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