# steel shapes — Decades' worth of steel data

> Comprehensive digital reference for structural steel shapes and properties. (iPhone/iPad app by David Homes.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-shapes/id320954171 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [David Homes](https://appshunter.io/developer/320954174)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: $4.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 113 App Store ratings · 56 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 26.0 · 14 MB
- Languages: European Spanish
- Released: 2009-07-07
- Data updated: 2026-09-05
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-shapes/id320954171/reviews.md

## What is [steel shapes]?

Decades of steel shapes data. One powerful app.
  
  Steel Shapes brings the complete AISC Structural Steel Database to your fingertips - now updated with the latest Version 16 library, rebuilt from the ground up with powerful new features engineers will love.

  Whether you're on a job site, in the office, or at your desk, every structural shape property from the AISC database is right there when you need it: geometric and mechanical properties, design and detailing values, and instant unit conversion between imperial and metric - all in a fast, clean interface.
  
  ---WHAT'S INCLUDED

  Complete AISC library coverage across every major edition:
  • Version 16 & 16-SI (latest)
  • Versions 13 through 15
  • LRFD 1st – 3rd Edition
  • ASD 5th – 9th Edition
  • Historic shapes

  ---NEW IN THIS VERSION

  FILTER BY PROPERTIES
  Find exactly what you need. Set criteria across any property - weight, depth, moment of inertia, and more - and instantly narrow down the list. Example: "WT or ST sections with weight less than 200 lbs/ft and depth between 10–20 in."

  BOOKMARKS
  Build a personal library of frequently used shapes, saved across all editions in one place.

  SHARE & PRINT
  Export any section's full property sheet as a PDF - ready to share, attach, or print directly from the app.

  ---CORE FEATURES

  UNIT SWITCHING
  Toggle between English and SI units instantly. Every property updates in one tap.

  SORTING
  Rank any shape list by any property - find the lightest W-section or the deepest HSS in seconds.

  QUICK SEARCH
  Flexible search that understands how engineers type. "W16 x 89", "W16x89", or "W1689" all find the same section.

  METRIC EQUIVALENCIES
  Nearly 2000 shapes with their imperial / metric equivalent designations, one tap away.

  The most complete AISC reference app available.
  
  Visit us at steel-shapes.app

## Key features

- Extensive AISC steel libraries (v14.1, v13, LRFD, ASD, Historic)
- Imperial and metric unit conversion
- Design and detailing property values
- Quick search for steel sections
- Find metric/imperial equivalent designations
- Sort sections by property

## Chart rankings

- #193 in Top Paid · Reference (US App Store)

## What do users think of [steel shapes]?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Very handy and useful
- 👍 Essential for steel business
- 👍 Quick reference tool
- 👍 Like a pocket steel manual
- 👍 Easy and quick to use
- 👍 Contains hard-to-find Ibeams/wide flanges
- 👍 Faster than carrying the steel manual
- 👍 Well-designed and simple
- 👍 Worth the price
- 👍 Clear, easy, and handy
- 👍 Use it every day
- 👍 Good app, nice to see previous editions
- 👍 Worth the price
- 👍 Best, smartest app
- 👍 Good database
- 👍 Saves a lot of time
- 👍 Helpful for blacksmith/welding
- 👍 Easy to use, updated often
- 👍 Outstanding info at fingertips
- 👍 Fixes HSS crash problem
- 👍 Convenient, not carrying books
- 👍 Good value
- 👍 Thorough and easy to use
- 👍 Friendly customer service
- 👍 Great to have it all at hand
- 👍 Well-made, performing database
- 👍 Extensive library
- 👍 Great tool, highly recommended
- 👍 Fantastic library of steel shapes
- 👍 Worth every penny
- 👍 Constantly improving app
- 👍 Handy for meetings
- 👍 Super handy to have
- 👍 Access to all AISC shapes
- 👍 Great job, has all data from books
- 👍 Best app for steel ref
- 👍 Thank you

**Cons**

- 👎 Not perfect, but close
- 👎 Only for America, not Australia
- 👎 Missing some sizes
- 👎 Only contains shapes, not flat stock
- 👎 Fuzzy current images
- 👎 No design formulas or calculation capability
- 👎 Lacks pipe for API specs

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Gage ref is blank after update
- HSS crash problem (now fixed)

**Most requested features**

- Use fraction dimensions instead of decimals
- Include equations from AISC book
- More shapes (flats, rounds, bars, plates)
- Material choice (aluminum & stainless)
- More user-friendly interface (scrolling)
- List of structural hardware
- Idea of current U.S. pricing
- Include pipe that meets API specifications
- Update with flat stock options

## Recent user reviews (10 of 56)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-shapes/id320954171/reviews.md

### 5/5 — very handy

*2024-03-22, version 6.1*

i have had this app for years now and have not had to search for another one.  Has what I need every time I search something. It’s not perfect but it’s close.

### 5/5 — Dont forget the AISC

*2021-11-19, version 6.1*

With this app and the AISC downloaded as a PDF you are good to go for iron.

### 5/5 — Must have!

*2021-05-13, version 6.1*

If you’re in the steel business then you need this app. I use it everyday and is always coming in handy on jobs and in meetings. I’d give it 6 stars if it was possible.

### 4/5 — Multi function would be great

*2021-02-26, version 6.1*

It would help if you can use fraction dimensions and not all decimal units 
For example stead of using 1.25 you can use 1”1/4

### 3/5 — So convenient!

*2020-08-05, version 6.1*

Great app!  Love it

### 5/5 — Useful for field calculations

*2020-03-23, version 5.6*

Kinda like having a pocket Steel Manual.

### 3/5 — Gage ref

*2019-10-16, version 5.5*

after the latest update, the gage ref is blank. must be a glitch.

### 5/5 — Great

*2016-03-23, version 3.0.1*

This had some old Ibeams and wide flanges I couldn't find. Great app!!

### 5/5 — Very useful App

*2013-02-24, version 2.5.0*

I'm a structural engineer and find this app easy and quick to use. A Must Have for structural engineers!

### 4/5 — Great product

*2013-02-22, version 2.5.0*

I have been using this software for some time now. I find it very useful as a quick reference

## Frequently asked questions about [steel shapes]

### What kind of data does this app provide?

This app provides decades' worth of structural steel shape data from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). It includes geometrical and mechanical properties, design and detailing values, and unit conversion capabilities between imperial and metric systems.

### Which AISC libraries are included?

The app includes the latest AISC v14.1 library, along with previous versions such as ASD 5-9, LRFD 1-3, v13, v14, and historic databases. It offers over 18,000 steel entries across 18 libraries.

### How much does this app cost?

Based on the provided information, this application is a paid app. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase for full access.

### Can I convert units within the app?

Yes, the app allows for quick conversion of properties between imperial and metric units with a single touch. It also provides the equivalent designation of sections in the metric system for newer libraries.

### Who would find this app most useful?

This app is highly beneficial for professionals in the structural engineering, architecture, and construction fields. It's also a valuable tool for students studying these disciplines who need convenient access to extensive steel data without carrying physical reference books.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.0.0 — 2026-05-28

- AISC V16 & 16-SI library
- New UI, rebuilt fro the ground up
- Run on iPhone, iPad, Mac
- New Filter, Bookmarks & Share Print Features
- Dark / Light Mode support
- Dynamic Type Support
- Spanish localization

### 6.1 — 2020-07-13

- Fixes issue where library selection button doesn't immediately update after changing libraries

### 6.0 — 2020-06-04

- Maintenance release for iOS13

### 5.6 — 2019-11-15

- Fixes layout issue on Gage reference screen & Gage reference info screen
- Fixes layout on Types info screen
- Improves response of side menu appear / disappear

### 5.5 — 2019-10-15

- Support for iOS 13
- Improved UI
- Code maintenance

## Apps similar to [steel shapes]

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Steel Profiles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-profiles/id564614324) | 4.7 (269) | Free | Reference |
| [Fluid Mechanics Pack](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluid-mechanics-pack/id533817127) | 5.0 (12) | $3.99 | Reference |
| [Pocket Welder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-welder/id571300046) | 1.0 (2) | $3.99 | Reference |
| [PocketTradesman Pipefitter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pockettradesman-pipefitter/id570647866) | 2.3 (3) | $3.99 | Reference |

## More apps by David Homes

- [steel shapes  canada](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-shapes-canada/id338227273)
- [steel shapes  hd](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-shapes-hd/id376788010)
- [Steel Beams Bulk Checker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steel-beams-bulk-checker/id483903660)
- [Structural SteelBook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/structural-steelbook/id6444883369)

All apps by David Homes: https://appshunter.io/developer/320954174

## Related topics

[structural steel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/structural-steel) · [structural steelbook](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/structural-steelbook) · [steel profiles aisc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/steel-profiles-aisc) · [steel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/steel) · [tata steel colorcoat compass](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/tata-steel-colorcoat-compass) · [beam steel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/beam-steel) · [structured steel](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/structured-steel)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-05.*