Steel Channels: UPN, UPE, C, MC Profiles

Quick Reference

UPN/UPE = European U-channels. UPN: tapered flanges (EN 10279). UPE: parallel flanges. C/MC = American equivalents (AISC). Applications: building frames, machinery supports, vehicle frames. Grades: S235, S275, S355 per EN 10025. Range: UPN 50-400. Related profiles: RSA angles, IPE/IPN beams.

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Need a printable version? Download the Steel Channels Chart for UPN, UPE, C, MC dimensions and weights.

Steel Channels

What Are Steel Channels?

Steel channels are U-shaped structural sections that carry loads in frames, supports, and bracing systems. Their cross-sectional geometry (depth, flange width, and web thickness) determines bending resistance, shear capacity, and torsional behavior. Engineers select channel profiles based on load demands, connection geometry, and fabrication constraints.

Steel channels fall into two main families based on geographic standards. European channels include the UPN (tapered flanges, per EN 10279) and UPE (parallel flanges). Under American standards (AISC), the equivalents are C-channels (tapered flanges, used in general construction and engineering) and MC-channels (wider, variable-width flanges designed for heavier or more specialized structural demands).

European Channel Types (UPN/UPE)

UPN (U Channels with Tapered Flanges)

UPN channels

UPN channels have a U-shaped cross-section with tapered inner flanges and slightly outward flange tips. The taper distributes material efficiently, balancing weight against structural performance.

Property	Detail
Cross-section	U-shaped with tapered inner flanges
Standard	EN 10279 (hot-rolled steel channels with tapered flanges)
Size range	UPN 50 to UPN 400 (number = depth in mm)
Typical uses	Building frames, load-bearing supports, vehicle frames, heavy machinery bases
Key dimensions	Depth, flange width, web thickness, flange thickness
Design data	Mass per meter, moment of inertia, and section modulus per EN 10279

The tapered flange geometry also gives UPN channels a slender profile that works well in architecturally exposed steelwork.

UPE (U Channels with Parallel Flanges)

UPE channel

UPE channels share the same U-shaped cross-section as UPN profiles, but their flanges run parallel rather than tapering. The flat, uniform flange surfaces simplify bolted and welded connections.

Property	Detail
Cross-section	U-shaped with parallel flanges
Standard	EN 10279 / EN 10365
Size range	UPE 80 to UPE 400 (number = depth in mm)
Typical uses	Architectural frames, machinery frameworks, industrial supports, assemblies requiring precision fit-up
Key dimensions	Depth (h), flange width (b), web thickness (tw), flange thickness (tf)
Design data	Mass per meter, moment of inertia, and section modulus per EN 10365

Because the flanges are flat, UPE channels reduce fitting and welding time on site, a significant advantage in projects with many beam-to-channel connections.

UAP/UPA Channel (Specialty Types)

The “UAP” designation appears in specific regional markets (Switzerland, for example) and does not carry widespread standardization under major international codes. Dimensions, material properties, and applications may vary by manufacturer.

UPA channels are a distinct category with parallel flanges, manufactured per EN 10365 and held to the tolerances of EN 10279:2000. Unlike UPE profiles, UPA channels have flanges and webs of equal thickness. Their static values are lower than those of a UPE at the same profile height, but the favorable weight-per-meter ratio makes them a cost-effective alternative in lighter-duty applications.

General Considerations for Specialty Channels

When specifying a specialty profile such as a UAP section, keep three points in mind. First, always refer to the manufacturer’s data sheets or the project engineering specifications for exact dimensions, material grade, and mechanical properties. Second, specialty profiles exist because their unique geometry solves a specific structural or fabrication problem; understanding that intended function clarifies why one was chosen over a standard section. Third, availability can be limited and lead times longer than for standard UPN or UPE stock, which affects procurement planning and project cost.

Differences Between UPN and UPE EU Channels

UPN and UPE channels both serve as primary structural elements, but their flange geometry drives real differences in connection design, fabrication speed, and project cost. The comparison below covers the key distinctions.

Flange Shape

UPN flanges taper toward their tips. This taper improves material distribution under bending and torsional loads for certain configurations. UPE flanges are parallel, providing a consistent width along their length and a flat surface that simplifies bolting and welding to adjacent members.

Structural Efficiency

The tapered UPN flange can deliver slightly higher bending efficiency than a UPE of the same depth, depending on the load case and support conditions. UPE channels offset this with their uniform flange surface, which speeds up connections and reduces fabrication labor.

Aesthetic Considerations

UPN channels read as slender and tapered in exposed-steel applications. UPE channels present a clean, straight-edged profile that suits modern architectural detailing.

Availability and Market Preference

UPN profiles have been a standard catalogue item across European and international markets for decades, particularly where tapered flanges offer structural benefit. UPE profiles entered the market more recently but have gained ground quickly because of their manufacturing efficiency and connection-friendly geometry, especially on fast-track projects.

Applications

UPN channels appear most often in industrial and civil engineering work (supports, equipment bases, and bracing frames) where the tapered flange suits the loading. UPE channels dominate in projects with extensive bolted or welded flange connections, including building frames, equipment supports, and modular structures where parallel flanges speed up assembly.

American Channel Types (C/MC)

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) defines two families of channel sections used in U.S. practice: C-channels (American Standard Channels) and MC-channels (Miscellaneous Channels). Both are C-shaped in cross-section but differ in flange proportions and intended use.

C Channels

C-channels have a C-shaped cross-section with tapered inner flanges. The profile delivers a strong strength-to-weight ratio and bolts or welds readily to other members. AISC lists depths from about 3 in to 15 in, covering light to medium structural applications: floor and wall framing, roof supports, and general bracing.

MC Channels (Miscellaneous Channels)

MC channels share the basic C shape but carry wider flanges and fall outside the standard C-channel dimensional rules. Flange widths and thicknesses vary across the range, and flanges can be parallel or tapered. The wider flanges give MC sections greater lateral stiffness and higher load capacity, so they appear in heavy-duty industrial construction, equipment manufacturing, and large infrastructure work. The AISC manual lists MC sections across a broad range of depths and weights to cover specialized structural needs.

Key Differences Between C and MC Channels

The primary distinction is flange width: MC channels have wider flanges than C channels at comparable depths, which increases lateral bending resistance and bearing area. MC sections also span a wider variety of sizes, giving engineers more flexibility in matching a section to a specific load case. While both families serve construction and engineering, MC channels are the go-to choice when higher strength and greater support area are required.

Pro Tip

When choosing between UPN and UPE channels, consider connection details early in design. UPE channels with parallel flanges significantly simplify bolted and welded connections - saving fabrication time and cost. For projects with many beam-to-channel connections, UPE profiles often justify their slightly higher material cost through reduced labor.

Selection Considerations

Engineers and architects weigh four factors when choosing a steel channel for a project:

Factor	What to evaluate
Structural requirements	Applied loads (axial, bending, shear) and the stress state the channel must resist
Component compatibility	How the channel connects to adjacent beams, columns, and bracing (bolted, welded, or clipped)
Material efficiency	The trade-off between section weight and the strength/stiffness the profile delivers
Cost and availability	Unit price, mill lead time, and whether the profile is a standard stock item or a special order

Channels Dimensions and Weights

UPN Channels

Dimensions are per Standard UNI 5680-73

Designation	b (mm)	a (mm)	e (mm)	r (mm)	Weight (kg/m)	Area (cm²)	Jx (cm⁴)	Jy (cm⁴)	Wx (cm³)	Wy (cm³)	ix (cm)	iy (cm)
UPN 30	33	5,0	7,0	7,0	4.27	5,44	6,39	5,10	4,26	2,60	1,08	0,968
UPN 40	35	5,0	7,0	7,0	4,88	6,21	14,1	6,68	7,07	3,08	1,51	1,04
UPN 50	38	5,0	7,0	7,0	5,59	7,12	26,5	9,10	10,06	3,74	1,93	1,13
UPN 65	42	5,5	7,5	7,5	7,09	9,03	57,5	14,0	17,7	5,05	2,52	1,25
UPN 80	45	6,0	8,0	8,0	8,65	11,0	106	19,4	26,5	6,35	3,10	1,33
UPN 100	50	6,0	8,5	8,5	10,6	13,5	205	29,1	41,1	8,45	3,91	1,47
UPN 120	55	7,0	9,0	9,0	13,3	17,0	364	43,1	60,7	11,1	4,63	1,59
UPN 140	60	7,0	10,0	10,0	16,0	20,4	605	62,5	86,4	14,7	5,45	1,75
UPN 160	65	7,5	10,5	10,5	18,9	24,0	925	85,1	116	18,2	6,21	1,88
UPN 180	70	8,0	11,0	11,0	22,0	28,0	1.354	114	150	22,4	6,96	2,01
UPN 200	75	8,5	11,5	11,5	25,3	32,2	1.911	148	191	26,9	7,71	2,14
UPN 220	80	9,0	12,5	12,5	29,4	37,4	2.691	196	245	33,5	8,48	2,29
UPN 240	85	9,5	13,0	13,0	33,2	42,3	3.599	247	300	39,5	9,22	4,42
UPN 260	90	10,0	14,0	14,0	37,9	48,3	4.824	317	371	47,8	10,0	2,56
UPN 280	95	10,0	15,0	15,0	41,9	53,4	6.276	398	448	57,2	10,8	2,73
UPN 300	100	10,0	16,0	16,0	46,1	58,8	8.028	493	535	67,6	11,7	2,90

UPE Channel Sizes

Description	kg/m	h	b	tw	tf
UPE 80	7.7	80	50	4	7
UPE 100	9.7	100	55	4.5	7.5
UPE 120	11.9	120	60	5	8
UPE 140	14.3	140	65	5	9
UPE 160	16.9	160	70	5.5	9.5
UPE 180	19.6	180	75	5.5	10.5
UPE 200	22.6	200	80	6	11
UPE 220	26.5	220	85	6.5	12
UPE 240	30.1	240	90	7	12.5
UPE 270	35.1	270	95	7.5	13.5
UPE 300	44.5	300	100	9.5	15
UPE 330	53.1	330	105	11	16
UPE 360	61.2	360	110	12	17
UPE 400	72.4	400	115	13.5	18

AISC C-Channel Sizes (inches/Lbs)

AISC C Channel Size

Designation	h (in)	w (in)	s (in)	Area (in²)	Weight (lb/ft)	Ix (in⁴)	Iy (in⁴)	Sx (in³)	Sy (in³)
C 15 x 50	15	3.716	0.716	14.7	50	404	11	53.8	3.78
C 15 x 40	15	3.52	0.52	11.8	40	349	9.23	46.5	3.37
C 15 x 33.9	15	3.4	0.4	9.96	33.9	315	8.13	42	3.11
C 12 x 30	12	3.17	0.51	8.82	30	162	5.14	27	2.06
C 12 x 25	12	3.047	0.387	7.35	25	144	4.47	24.1	1.88
C 12 x 20.7	12	2.942	0.282	6.09	20.7	129	3.88	21.5	1.73
C 10 x 30	10	3.033	0.673	8.82	30	103	3.94	20.7	1.65
C 10 x 25	10	2.886	0.526	7.35	25	91.2	3.36	18.2	1.48
C 10 x 20	10	2.739	0.379	5.88	20	78.9	2.81	15.8	1.32
C 10 x 15.3	10	2.6	0.24	4.49	15.3	67.4	2.28	13.5	1.16
C 9 x 20	9	2.648	0.448	5.88	20	60.9	2.42	13.5	1.17
C 9 x 15	9	2.485	0.285	4.41	15	51	1.93	11.3	1.01
C 9 x 13.4	9	2.433	0.233	3.94	13.4	47.9	1.76	10.6	0.96
C 8 x 18.75	8	2.527	0.487	5.51	18.75	44	1.98	11	1.01
C 8 x 13.75	8	2.343	0.303	4.04	13.75	36.1	1.53	9.03	0.85
C 8 x 11.5	8	2.26	0.22	3.38	11.5	32.6	1.32	8.14	0.78
C 7 x 14.75	7	2.299	0.419	4.33	14.75	27.2	1.38	7.78	0.78
C 7 x 12.25	7	2.194	0.314	3.6	12.25	24.2	1.17	6.93	0.7
C 7 x 9.8	7	2.09	0.21	2.87	9.8	21.3	0.97	6.08	0.63
C 6 x 13	6	2.157	0.437	3.83	13	17.4	1.05	5.8	0.64
C 6 x 10.5	6	2.034	0.314	3.09	10.5	15.2	0.87	5.06	0.56
C 6 x 8.2	6	1.92	0.2	2.4	8.2	13.1	0.69	4.38	0.49
C 5 x 9	5	1.885	0.325	2.64	9	8.9	0.63	3.56	0.45
C 5 x 6.7	5	1.75	0.19	1.97	6.7	7.49	0.48	3	0.38
C 4 x 7.25	4	1.721	0.321	2.13	7.25	4.59	0.43	2.29	0.34
C 4 x 5.4	4	1.584	0.184	1.59	5.4	3.85	0.32	1.93	0.28
C 3 x 6	3	1.596	0.356	1.76	6	2.07	0.31	1.38	0.27
C 3 x 5	3	1.498	0.258	1.47	5	1.85	0.25	1.24	0.23
C 3 x 4.1	3	1.41	0.17	1.21	4.1	1.66	0.2	1.1	0.2