Quick Answer
Quick Answer
EN 10025 is the primary European standard for hot-rolled structural steel products. It covers six parts: non-alloy (Part 2), normalized fine grain (Part 3), thermo-mechanical fine grain (Part 4), weathering (Part 5), and quenched & tempered (Part 6). Grades range from S235 to S460 with sub-grades JR/J0/J2/K2/N/NL/M/ML/Q/QL/QL1 indicating impact energy class and treatment.
EN 10025 is published by CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) and forms the backbone of structural steel specification across Europe and many international markets. The standard governs hot-rolled flat and long products — plate, strip, sheet, wide flats, sections, and bars — intended for structural use. It is divided into six parts, each covering a distinct metallurgical family, and is mandatory for CE marking of structural steelwork fabricated to EN 1090. The "S" designation denotes structural steel, and the number following indicates the minimum upper yield strength in MPa for material up to 16 mm thick.
Scope and Applicability
EN 10025 applies to hot-rolled flat and long products (plate, strip, sheet, sections, bars) for structural use. The standard is published by CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation) and is mandatory for CE marking of structural steelwork under EN 1090.
The six parts of the standard cover:
- Part 1: General technical delivery conditions (common to all parts)
- Part 2: Technical delivery conditions for non-alloy structural steels
- Part 3: Technical delivery conditions for normalized/normalized rolled weldable fine grain structural steels
- Part 4: Technical delivery conditions for thermomechanical rolled weldable fine grain structural steels
- Part 5: Technical delivery conditions for structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance (weathering steels)
- Part 6: Technical delivery conditions for flat products of high yield strength structural steels in the quenched and tempered condition
Grade Coverage
All grades across all 6 parts are listed below. Sub-grade suffixes indicate impact energy class and heat treatment condition.
| Part | Grade | Sub-grades | Delivery Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 2 | S235 | JR, J0, J2 | AR or N | Non-alloy |
| Part 2 | S275 | JR, J0, J2 | AR or N | Non-alloy |
| Part 2 | S355 | JR, J0, J2, K2 | AR or N | Non-alloy |
| Part 2 | S450 | J0 | AR or N | Non-alloy |
| Part 3 | S275N | N, NL | N | Normalized fine grain |
| Part 3 | S355N | N, NL | N | Normalized fine grain |
| Part 3 | S420N | N, NL | N | Normalized fine grain |
| Part 3 | S460N | N, NL | N | Normalized fine grain |
| Part 4 | S275M | M, ML | TM | Thermo-mechanical |
| Part 4 | S355M | M, ML | TM | Thermo-mechanical |
| Part 4 | S420M | M, ML | TM | Thermo-mechanical |
| Part 4 | S460M | M, ML | TM | Thermo-mechanical |
| Part 5 | S235W | W | AR or N | Weathering |
| Part 5 | S355W | W | AR or N | Weathering |
| Part 5 | S355WP | WP | AR or N | Weathering, piling |
| Part 6 | S460Q | Q, QL, QL1 | Q+T | Quenched & tempered |
Sub-grade suffix meanings: JR = 27J at +20°C; J0 = 27J at 0°C; J2 = 27J at −20°C; K2 = 40J at −20°C; N/NL = normalized (NL = −50°C); M/ML = thermo-mechanical (ML = −50°C); Q/QL/QL1 = quenched & tempered (QL = −40°C, QL1 = −60°C).
Chemical Composition Requirements
Part 2: Non-Alloy Structural Steel (Heat analysis, ladle)
All values wt% maximum unless a range is stated. C, Mn, Si values vary by thickness (shown for ≤16 mm and >40 mm where significant).
| Grade | C max (≤16mm) | C max (>40mm) | Mn max | Si max | P max | S max | N max | Cu max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S235JR | 0.17 | 0.20 | 1.40 | — | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.012 | — |
| S235J0 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 1.40 | — | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.012 | — |
| S235J2 | 0.17 | 0.17 | 1.40 | — | 0.025 | 0.025 | — | — |
| S275JR | 0.21 | 0.22 | 1.50 | — | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.012 | — |
| S275J0 | 0.18 | 0.20 | 1.50 | — | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.012 | — |
| S275J2 | 0.18 | 0.20 | 1.50 | — | 0.025 | 0.025 | — | — |
| S355JR | 0.24 | 0.24 | 1.60 | 0.55 | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.012 | — |
| S355J0 | 0.20 | 0.22 | 1.60 | 0.55 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.012 | — |
| S355J2 | 0.20 | 0.22 | 1.60 | 0.55 | 0.025 | 0.025 | — | — |
| S355K2 | 0.20 | 0.22 | 1.60 | 0.55 | 0.025 | 0.025 | — | — |
| S450J0 | 0.20 | — | 1.70 | 0.60 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.025 | — |
CEV (carbon equivalent, IIW formula): CEV = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15. For S355JR (≤16mm), CEV max = 0.45.
Part 3: Normalized / Normalized Rolled Fine Grain
| Grade | C max | Si max | Mn max | P max | S max | Al min | Nb max | V max | Ti max | N max | CEV max | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | S275N | 0.18 | 0.50 | 1.50 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.40 | | S275NL | 0.18 | 0.50 | 1.50 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.40 | | S355N | 0.20 | 0.50 | 1.65 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.43 | | S355NL | 0.20 | 0.50 | 1.65 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.43 | | S420N | 0.20 | 0.50 | 1.70 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.45 | | S420NL | 0.20 | 0.50 | 1.70 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.45 | | S460N | 0.20 | 0.60 | 1.70 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.025 | 0.47 | | S460NL | 0.20 | 0.60 | 1.70 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.020 | 0.05 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.025 | 0.47 |
Part 4: Thermo-Mechanical Rolled Fine Grain
| Grade | C max | Si max | Mn max | P max | S max | Al min | Nb max | V max | Ti max | N max | Pcm max | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | S275M | 0.16 | 0.50 | 1.50 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.25 | | S275ML | 0.16 | 0.50 | 1.50 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.25 | | S355M | 0.16 | 0.50 | 1.65 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.25 | | S355ML | 0.16 | 0.50 | 1.65 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.25 | | S420M | 0.16 | 0.50 | 1.70 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.09 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.25 | | S420ML | 0.16 | 0.50 | 1.70 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.09 | 0.05 | 0.015 | 0.25 | | S460M | 0.16 | 0.60 | 1.70 | 0.030 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.025 | 0.25 | | S460ML | 0.16 | 0.60 | 1.70 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 0.015 | 0.05 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.025 | 0.25 |
Pcm = C + Si/30 + (Mn+Cu+Cr)/20 + Ni/60 + Mo/15 + V/10 + 5B
Part 5: Weathering Steel
| Grade | C max | Si max | Mn max | P max | S max | Cu min | Cr min | Ni max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S235W | 0.13 | 0.40 | 0.60 | 0.090 | 0.030 | 0.25 | 0.40 | — |
| S355W | 0.16 | 0.50 | 0.50–1.50 | 0.040 | 0.030 | 0.25 | 0.40 | — |
| S355WP | 0.12 | 0.75 | 0.20–0.75 | 0.060–0.150 | 0.030 | 0.25–0.55 | 0.30–1.25 | — |
Part 6: Quenched and Tempered
| Grade | C max | Si max | Mn max | P max | S max | Al min | Cr max | Ni max | Mo max | V max | B max | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | S460Q | 0.20 | 0.80 | 1.70 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.015 | 1.50 | 2.00 | 0.70 | 0.12 | 0.005 | | S460QL | 0.20 | 0.80 | 1.70 | 0.020 | 0.010 | 0.015 | 1.50 | 2.00 | 0.70 | 0.12 | 0.005 | | S460QL1 | 0.20 | 0.80 | 1.70 | 0.020 | 0.010 | 0.015 | 1.50 | 2.00 | 0.70 | 0.12 | 0.005 |
Mechanical Properties
ReH = minimum upper yield strength (MPa); Rm = tensile strength range (MPa); A = minimum elongation % (gauge length L0 = 5.65√S0).
Part 2 — by Nominal Thickness
| Grade | ≤16mm ReH | 16–40mm ReH | 40–63mm ReH | 63–80mm ReH | 80–100mm ReH | 100–150mm ReH | Rm (≤16mm) | A min% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S235 | 235 | 225 | 215 | 215 | 215 | 195 | 360–510 | 26 |
| S275 | 275 | 265 | 255 | 245 | 235 | 225 | 430–580 | 23 |
| S355 | 355 | 345 | 335 | 325 | 315 | 295 | 510–680 | 22 |
| S450 | 450 | 430 | 410 | 390 | 380 | — | 550–720 | 17 |
Part 3 — Normalized Fine Grain
| Grade | ≤16mm ReH | 16–40mm ReH | 40–63mm ReH | 63–80mm ReH | 80–100mm ReH | Rm (≤16mm) | A min% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S275N/NL | 275 | 265 | 255 | 245 | 235 | 370–530 | 24 |
| S355N/NL | 355 | 345 | 335 | 325 | 315 | 470–630 | 22 |
| S420N/NL | 420 | 400 | 390 | 370 | 360 | 520–680 | 19 |
| S460N/NL | 460 | 440 | 430 | 410 | 400 | 540–720 | 17 |
Part 4 — Thermo-Mechanical Fine Grain
| Grade | ≤16mm ReH | 16–40mm ReH | 40–63mm ReH | 63–80mm ReH | 80–100mm ReH | Rm (≤16mm) | A min% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S275M/ML | 275 | 265 | 255 | 245 | 235 | 360–510 | 24 |
| S355M/ML | 355 | 345 | 335 | 325 | 315 | 450–610 | 22 |
| S420M/ML | 420 | 400 | 390 | 370 | 360 | 500–660 | 19 |
| S460M/ML | 460 | 440 | 430 | 410 | 400 | 530–720 | 17 |
Part 5 — Weathering
| Grade | ≤16mm ReH | 16–40mm ReH | 40–63mm ReH | Rm | A min% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S235W | 235 | 225 | 215 | 360–510 | 26 |
| S355W | 355 | 345 | 335 | 510–680 | 22 |
| S355WP | 355 | 345 | — | 490–640 | 22 |
Part 6 — Quenched & Tempered
| Grade | ≤50mm ReH | 50–100mm ReH | 100–150mm ReH | Rm (≤50mm) | A min% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S460Q | 460 | 440 | 400 | 550–720 | 17 |
| S460QL | 460 | 440 | 400 | 550–720 | 17 |
| S460QL1 | 460 | 440 | 400 | 550–720 | 17 |
Impact Test Requirements
Charpy V-notch tests per EN ISO 148-1. Longitudinal specimens (transverse where specified).
| Sub-grade suffix | Temperature | Minimum energy (longitudinal) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR | +20°C | 27 J | Part 2 only |
| J0 | 0°C | 27 J | Parts 2 & 5 |
| J2 | −20°C | 27 J | Parts 2 & 5 |
| K2 | −20°C | 40 J | Part 2, S355K2 only |
| N | −20°C | 27 J | Part 3 |
| NL | −50°C | 27 J | Part 3 |
| M | −20°C | 27 J | Part 4 |
| ML | −50°C | 27 J | Part 4 |
| W | 0°C | 27 J | Part 5 (S355W) |
| Q | −20°C | 30 J | Part 6 |
| QL | −40°C | 30 J | Part 6 |
| QL1 | −60°C | 27 J | Part 6 |
Test frequency: one set of 3 specimens per 40 t for plates; one set per rolled length for long products unless agreed otherwise.
Additional Tests and Requirements
- CE Marking: EN 10025 is harmonized under EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011). Products must be CE-marked with DoP (Declaration of Performance) referencing EN 10025.
- Inspection: Type 3.1 MTC per EN 10204 is standard; Type 3.2 by arrangement.
- Tolerances: Dimensional tolerances per EN 10029 (plate), EN 10051 (strip), EN 10034/10055/10056/10058/10059/10060/10061 (sections).
- Weldability: All grades are considered weldable with appropriate procedure. CEV or Pcm limits ensure this. Preheating recommendations in EN 1011-2.
- Through-thickness properties: Z-quality (Z15, Z25, Z35) per EN 10164 available on request.
- Surface quality: Class A (normal), Class B (improved), Class C (special) per EN 10163.
Cross-Standard Equivalents
| EN 10025 Grade | ASTM Equivalent | IS Equivalent | JIS Equivalent | GB Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S235JR | A36 | E250 (Fe 410W) | SS400 | Q235B |
| S275JR | A572 Grade 42 | E275 (Fe 430W) | SM400A | Q275 |
| S355JR | A572 Grade 50 / A709 Grade 50 | E350 (Fe 490W) | SM490A | Q355B |
| S355J2 | A572 Grade 50 | E350 | SM490B | Q355C |
| S355K2 | A572 Grade 50 | E350 | SM490C | Q355D |
| S420N | A572 Grade 60 | E410 | — | Q420C |
| S460N | A572 Grade 65 | E450 | SM570 | Q460C |
| S460M | A514 (approx) | — | — | Q460E |
| S460Q | A514 Grade B/Q | — | — | Q460E |
Equivalencies are approximate. Verify chemical composition and mechanical properties against each standard before substitution.
MTC Verification Checklist
When verifying an EN 10025 Mill Test Certificate, confirm:
- Standard designation (e.g., EN 10025-2) and grade (e.g., S355J2) match the purchase order
- Heat number (melt number) is stated and traceable to physical markings
- Chemical analysis (ladle) values are within limits for the specified grade and part
- CEV or Pcm is calculated and within the standard limit
- Yield strength (ReH), tensile strength (Rm), and elongation (A) meet minimums for the declared thickness range
- Charpy impact energy (KV in Joules) and test temperature match the sub-grade suffix (e.g., J2 = −20°C, 27 J min)
- Delivery condition stated: AR, N, TM, or Q+T as appropriate for the part
- CE marking reference and DoP number (for construction products)
- EN 10204 inspection document type and signatory
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between S355JR, S355J0, and S355J2?
All three are the same base grade (yield strength 355 MPa minimum for thickness ≤16 mm) but with different impact test temperatures. S355JR guarantees 27 J at +20°C; S355J0 guarantees 27 J at 0°C; S355J2 guarantees 27 J at −20°C. For structures in cold climates, J2 or better is typically specified. S355K2 upgrades the impact energy to 40 J at −20°C.
What is the difference between S355N and S355M?
Both have the same yield and tensile strength requirements, but they differ in how the steel is processed. S355N is normalized or normalized-rolled, while S355M is thermo-mechanically rolled (TMCP). The TM process allows lower carbon content (C max 0.16% vs 0.20%), resulting in better weldability (lower Pcm). TM steel cannot be re-normalized without losing its properties; N steel can be re-heated.
Is S355 equivalent to ASTM A572 Grade 50?
S355 is approximately equivalent to A572 Grade 50 in yield and tensile strength, but they are not identical. S355 requires minimum yield of 355 MPa (51 ksi) while Grade 50 requires 345 MPa (50 ksi). Chemical composition limits and impact test requirements also differ. Direct substitution requires engineering review and may need additional certification.
What does the CEV limit mean on an EN 10025 MTC?
CEV (Carbon Equivalent Value) using the IIW formula (C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15) is a measure of weldability. Higher CEV means greater risk of hydrogen-induced cold cracking during welding, requiring preheating. EN 10025 specifies maximum CEV limits per grade and thickness. Verify that the MTC-reported CEV does not exceed the standard's limit for the supplied thickness.
Does EN 10025 require CE marking?
Yes. EN 10025 is a harmonized European standard under the Construction Products Regulation (EU) No 305/2011. Structural steel products supplied under EN 10025 for use in construction works in the EEA must carry CE marking, accompanied by a Declaration of Performance (DoP) referencing EN 10025.
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