Hollow section steel grades: S235JRH, S275J0H, S355J2H and S420MC–S700MC

What the EN 10219 grade names mean, minimum yield and tensile strength of S235JRH, S275J0H and S355J2H, impact test temperatures, and when high-strength S420MC–S700MC tubes make sense.

Updated October 16, 2026

Cold-formed structural hollow sections for Europe are made to EN 10219, and the grade on the order decides the strength and toughness the tube must prove. This guide explains the grade names, lists the minimum values from the standards and shows where the high-strength S420MC–S700MC range fits.

How to read the grade name

• S — structural steel.
• 235 / 275 / 355 — minimum yield strength in MPa for walls up to 16 mm.
• JR / J0 / J2 — the Charpy impact energy of 27 J is guaranteed at +20 °C (JR), 0 °C (J0) or −20 °C (J2).
• H — hollow section.

So S355J2H is a hollow section with at least 355 MPa yield that has to absorb 27 J in an impact test at −20 °C. The lower grade letters matter for structures exposed to cold or to dynamic loads, not only the number.

EN 10219 grades: minimum mechanical properties

Our square, rectangular and circular EN 10219 sections are rolled in all three grades for most sizes. Each size page lists the grades it is available in; a few thin-walled sizes go up to S275J0H only.

Which EN 10219 grade to choose

• S235JRH — general fabrication, railings, frames and secondary members where the design uses 235 MPa.
• S275J0H — when the design calls for 275 MPa or impact properties at 0 °C.
• S355J2H — the common choice for primary structural members in Europe: about 50% more yield strength than S235JRH, and toughness tested at −20 °C.

High-strength hollow sections: S420MC to S700MC

High-strength tubes are cold-formed from thermomechanically rolled strip to EN 10149-2. The MC grades are strip grades, not EN 10219 grades: the tube keeps the strength of the strip it was formed from. They are used where weight matters — crane booms, trailers, agricultural and lifting equipment, and other machinery.

At 700 MPa a tube has nearly twice the yield strength of S355J2H. Where a design is governed by strength rather than stiffness or buckling, the same outer size can be used with a thinner wall. Our high-strength square, rectangular and round tube pages compare each size with the S355J2H wall that gives the same yield capacity.

• The modulus of elasticity is the same for all steels, so a thinner wall gives a less stiff member. Deflection and local buckling have to be checked.
• Welding high-strength steel needs a qualified procedure. Heat input and filler metal are chosen so the heat-affected zone keeps its strength.
• Eurocode 3 covers grades up to S700 through EN 1993-1-12. The design must say which rules were used.
• The highest grade available depends on the size and wall. Thicker walls in a size come in lower grades only, and the mill confirms availability for each order.

Grade on paper: the mill certificate

The grade is proven by the inspection document, usually an EN 10204 3.1 certificate with the cast analysis and tensile and impact results of the heat. Ask for it with your quote. Our guide How to read an EN 10204 3.1 certificate explains each field.