Carbon Steel Composition Chart
Chemical composition limits for the plain carbon, free-cutting and high-manganese grades of the SAE-AISI 10xx, 11xx, 12xx and 15xx series, quoted as cast or heat analysis in weight percent. The tables are grouped by product form, because the same grade number carries a different carbon window in bar stock and in structural plate. A buyer can read the limits straight off the line that matches the material being quoted.
- wt % cast or heat analysis
- 0.15-0.20 specified range
- 0.30 max maximum limit
- — not specified
- M merchant quality series
- Carbon steel bars, billets and forgings
The 10xx grades written for semifinished products for forging, hot-rolled and cold-finished bars, wire rods and seamless tubing. Table 12 of the source.
| SAE-AISI | UNS | C | Mn | P max | S max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1005 | G10050 | 0.06 max | 0.35 max | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1006 | G10060 | 0.08 max | 0.25–0.40 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1008 | G10080 | 0.10 max | 0.30–0.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1010 | G10100 | 0.08–0.13 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1012 | G10120 | 0.10–0.15 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1013 | G10130 | 0.11–0.16 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1015 | G10150 | 0.13–0.18 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1016 | G10160 | 0.13–0.18 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1017 | G10170 | 0.15–0.20 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1018 | G10180 | 0.15–0.20 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1019 | G10190 | 0.15–0.20 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1020 | G10200 | 0.18–0.23 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1021 | G10210 | 0.18–0.23 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1022 | G10220 | 0.18–0.23 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1023 | G10230 | 0.20–0.25 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1025 | G10250 | 0.22–0.28 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1026 | G10260 | 0.22–0.28 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1029 | G10290 | 0.25–0.31 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1030 | G10300 | 0.28–0.34 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1035 | G10350 | 0.32–0.38 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1037 | G10370 | 0.32–0.38 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1038 | G10380 | 0.35–0.42 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1039 | G10390 | 0.37–0.44 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1040 | G10400 | 0.37–0.44 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1042 | G10420 | 0.40–0.47 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1043 | G10430 | 0.40–0.47 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1044 | G10440 | 0.43–0.50 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1045 | G10450 | 0.43–0.50 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1046 | G10460 | 0.43–0.50 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1049 | G10490 | 0.46–0.53 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1050 | G10500 | 0.48–0.55 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1053 | G10530 | 0.48–0.55 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1055 | G10550 | 0.50–0.60 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1059 | G10590 | 0.55–0.65 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1060 | G10600 | 0.55–0.65 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1064 | G10640 | 0.60–0.70 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1065 | G10650 | 0.60–0.70 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1069 | G10690 | 0.65–0.75 | 0.40–0.70 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1070 | G10700 | 0.65–0.75 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1074 | G10740 | 0.70–0.80 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1075 | G10750 | 0.70–0.80 | 0.40–0.70 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1078 | G10780 | 0.72–0.85 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1080 | G10800 | 0.75–0.88 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1084 | G10840 | 0.80–0.93 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1085 | G10850 | 0.80–0.93 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1086 | G10860 | 0.80–0.93 | 0.30–0.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1090 | G10900 | 0.85–0.98 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1095 | G10950 | 0.90–1.03 | 0.30–0.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Table 12.
Carbon steel composition chart, printable PDF
Three A4 pages with the composition limits of 135 grades in the 10xx, 11xx, 12xx and 15xx series, the four source corrections marked, and our contact details.
Structural carbon steel
The same series written for structural shapes, plates, strip, sheets and welded tubing, where the carbon ranges run slightly wider. Table 13 of the source.
| SAE-AISI | UNS | C | Mn | P max | S max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1006 | G10060 | 0.08 max | 0.45 max | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1008 | G10080 | 0.10 max | 0.50 max | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1009 | G10090 | 0.15 max | 0.60 max | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1010 | G10100 | 0.08–0.13 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1012 | G10120 | 0.10–0.15 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1015 | G10150 | 0.12–0.18 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1016 | G10160 | 0.12–0.18 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1017 | G10170 | 0.14–0.20 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1018 | G10180 | 0.14–0.20 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1019 | G10190 | 0.14–0.20 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1020 | G10200 | 0.17–0.23 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1021 | G10210 | 0.17–0.23 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1022 | G10220 | 0.17–0.23 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1023 | G10230 | 0.19–0.25 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1025 | G10250 | 0.22–0.28 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1026 | G10260 | 0.22–0.28 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1030 | G10300 | 0.27–0.34 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1033 | G10330 | 0.29–0.36 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1035 | G10350 | 0.31–0.38 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1037 | G10370 | 0.31–0.38 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1038 | G10380 | 0.34–0.42 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1039 | G10390 | 0.36–0.44 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1040 | G10400 | 0.36–0.44 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1042 | G10420 | 0.39–0.47 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1043 | G10430 | 0.39–0.47 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1045 | G10450 | 0.42–0.50 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1046 | G10460 | 0.42–0.50 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1049 | G10490 | 0.45–0.53 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1050 | G10500 | 0.47–0.55 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1055 | G10550 | 0.52–0.60 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1060 | G10600 | 0.55–0.66 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1064 | G10640 | 0.59–0.70 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1065 | G10650 | 0.59–0.70 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1070 | G10700 | 0.65–0.76 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1074 | G10740 | 0.69–0.80 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1075 | G10750 | 0.69–0.80 | 0.40–0.70 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1078 | G10780 | 0.72–0.86 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1080 | G10800 | 0.74–0.88 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1084 | G10840 | 0.80–0.94 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1085 | G10850 | 0.80–0.94 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1086 | G10860 | 0.80–0.94 | 0.30–0.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1090 | G10900 | 0.84–0.98 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1095 | G10950 | 0.90–1.04 | 0.30–0.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Table 13.
Merchant quality bars
A separate series for merchant quality bar stock, where the carbon range is opened up and silicon is not specified. Table 14 of the source.
| UNS | C | Mn | P max | S max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1008 | 0.10 max | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1010 | 0.07–0.14 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1012 | 0.09–0.16 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1015 | 0.12–0.19 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1017 | 0.14–0.21 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1020 | 0.17–0.24 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1023 | 0.19–0.27 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1025 | 0.20–0.30 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1031 | 0.26–0.36 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| M1044 | 0.40–0.50 | 0.25–0.60 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Table 14.
Free-cutting carbon steel, resulfurized
The 11xx series, where sulfur is raised on purpose to break the chip. Sulphur is a range in these grades and not a maximum. Table 15 of the source.
| SAE-AISI | UNS | C | Mn | P max | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1108 | G11080 | 0.08–0.13 | 0.50–0.80 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1110 | G11100 | 0.08–0.13 | 0.30–0.60 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1117 | G11170 | 0.14–0.20 | 1.00–1.30 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1118 | G11180 | 0.14–0.20 | 1.30–1.60 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1137 | G11370 | 0.32–0.39 | 1.35–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1139 | G11390 | 0.35–0.43 | 1.35–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.13–0.20 |
| 1140 | G11400 | 0.37–0.44 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1141 | G11410 | 0.37–0.45 | 1.35–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1144 | G11440 | 0.40–0.48 | 1.35–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.24–0.33 |
| 1146 | G11460 | 0.42–0.49 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
| 1151 | G11510 | 0.48–0.55 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.040 | 0.08–0.13 |
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Table 15.
Free-cutting carbon steel, rephosphorized and resulfurized
The 12xx series, where phosphorus is raised with the sulfur. Lower carbon and higher sulfur push the machinability rating of these grades above the 11xx series. Table 16 of the source.
| SAE-AISI | UNS | C max | Mn | P | S | Pb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1211 | G12110 | 0.13 | 0.60–0.90 | 0.07–0.12 | 0.10–0.15 | — |
| 1212 | G12120 | 0.13 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.07–0.12 | 0.16–0.23 | — |
| 1213 | G12130 | 0.13 | 0.70–1.00 | 0.07–0.12 | 0.24–0.33 | — |
| 1215 | G12150 | 0.09 | 0.75–1.05 | 0.04–0.09 | 0.26–0.35 | — |
| 12L14 | G12144 | 0.15 | 0.85–1.15 | 0.04–0.09 | 0.26–0.35 | 0.15–0.35 |
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Table 16.
High-manganese carbon steel, bar and forging
Grades 1513 to 1566 carry 0.75 to 1.65 % manganese for through-hardening at larger sections. Table 17 of the source.
| SAE-AISI | UNS | C | Mn | P max | S max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1513 | G15130 | 0.10–0.16 | 1.10–1.40 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1522 | G15220 | 0.18–0.24 | 1.10–1.40 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1524 | G15240 | 0.19–0.25 | 1.35–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1526 | G15260 | 0.22–0.29 | 1.10–1.40 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1527 | G15270 | 0.22–0.29 | 1.20–1.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1536 | G15360 | 0.30–0.37 | 1.20–1.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1541 | G15410 | 0.36–0.44 | 1.35–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1548 | G15480 | 0.44–0.52 | 1.10–1.40 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1551 | G15510 | 0.45–0.56 | 0.85–1.15 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1552 | G15520 | 0.47–0.55 | 1.20–1.50 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1561 | G15610 | 0.55–0.65 | 0.75–1.05 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
| 1566 | G15660 | 0.60–0.71 | 0.85–1.15 | 0.040 | 0.050 |
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Table 17.
High-manganese carbon steel, structural
The high-manganese series written for structural shapes, plates, strip, sheets and welded tubing. The former SAE number each grade replaced is shown in the last column. Table 18 of the source.
| SAE-AISI | UNS | C | Mn | P max | S max | Former SAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1524 | G15240 | 0.18–0.25 | 1.30–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 1024 |
| 1527 | G15270 | 0.22–0.29 | 1.20–1.55 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 1027 |
| 1536 | G15360 | 0.30–0.38 | 1.20–1.55 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 1036 |
| 1541 | G15410 | 0.36–0.45 | 1.30–1.65 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 1041 |
| 1548 | G15480 | 0.43–0.52 | 1.05–1.40 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 1048 |
| 1552 | G15520 | 0.46–0.55 | 1.20–1.55 | 0.040 | 0.050 | 1052 |
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Table 18.
Carbon steel composition chart, printable PDF
Three A4 pages with the composition limits of 135 grades in the 10xx, 11xx, 12xx and 15xx series, the four source corrections marked, and our contact details.
- (a) Rods in the 10xx series are commonly produced with silicon ranges of 0.10 max, 0.07-0.15, 0.10-0.20, 0.15-0.35, 0.20-0.40 or 0.30-0.60. Bars and semifinished products take the silicon values of the steel specification they are ordered to.
- (b) Leaded carbon steels typically contain 0.15-0.35 % Pb and carry the letter L in the designation, as in 10L45. Boron steels contain 0.0005-0.003 % B and carry the letter B, as in 10B46.
- (c) Merchant quality bars are not produced to a specified silicon content. The M prefix marks the series.
- (d) It is not common practice to produce the 12xx series to specified silicon limits, because silicon has an adverse effect on machinability.
- (e) When lead ranges are required in the 11xx series, the free-cutting table above carries the values to use.
- (f) Sulfur and phosphorus columns marked max are maxima. A range in the same column is deliberately specified, and both limits are binding.
Table notes
Four values in the source tables were printed with a decimal point missing or misplaced. They are corrected here and the printed form is given so the correction can be checked against the printed page. Grade 1006 sulfur is printed as 0.50 and is given as 0.050. Grade 1015 carbon is printed as 0.13-018 and is given as 0.13-0.18. Grade 1016 carbon is printed as 013-0.18 and is given as 0.13-0.18. Grade 1211 phosphorus is printed as 0.07-012 and is given as 0.07-0.12.
The values above are cast or heat analysis limits in weight percent, the ranges a mill has to hit in the ladle. Limits for product analysis, which is what a buyer sees on a certificate, are wider and are set by the governing standard, for example ASTM A29, ASTM A576, ASTM A108 or SAE J403. Product analysis tolerances are listed in those standards and are the numbers to quote when a heat comes back outside the range above.
Composition data is for general reference only. Actual values vary by standard, mill, and heat number. Confirm against the material test certificate (MTC) or contact Aobo Steel. Grade-level pages for individual steels, such as the 4140 composition, the 4340 composition and the 8620 composition, carry the same chemistry for one grade with its heat treatment and applications.
Why the same grade has two carbon ranges
A 1018 bar order and a 1018 sheet order are not written to the same carbon window. The bar series above allows 0.15 to 0.20 % C and the structural series allows 0.14 to 0.20 % C, so a certificate that looks off by one point is often simply the other table.
Where carbon steel stops and tool steel starts
Carbon tool steels sit above the 10xx window and the 1095 grade at the end of the bar table is where the two families meet. D2 against 1095 walks through the difference in hardenability and wear.
Free-cutting grades and surface finish
Raised sulfur breaks the chip and improves finish, at the cost of ductility across the section. The 1045 against tool steel comparison covers the same trade-off from the other side.
Ask for the certificate with the heat number
Every carbon and alloy steel shipment leaves here with an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate that carries the heat number, so the values above can be checked against the heat that was actually rolled.
Related reference pages
Tool steel composition chart · Stainless steel composition chart · Tool steel machinability ratings · 4140 steel properties · 4340 steel properties · 8620 steel properties · Case hardening steel guide · 1045 steel against tool steel · D2 against 1095 steel · Tool steel heat treatment guide · Alloy steel composition chart · Steel machinability ratings · H steel composition chart
Source: ASM Handbook, Vol 1 (10th ed.), “Classification and Designation of Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels”, Tables 12 to 18. Values are cast or heat analysis limits in weight percent.