Knowing a rail size chart is important for precision and safety. Explore rail size standards, compare rail dimensions, and find a reliable rail measurement chart with this thorough resource. Discover how to precisely measure rail size, the differences between rail sizes, and how to choose the right rail size. With a complete rail sizing guide and rail size calculator, this resource gives you everything you need to confidently explore rail standards and references. Start with the most important measurements and details.
EN Standard Rail Dimensions
EN rail sizes are known for their precision and reliability in railway construction. Measurements like rail head, web, base, and weight per meter classify these sizes. For instance, the 46e1 rail size weighs 46.17 kg/m and has a 65-mm head, 145-mm web, and 125-mm base. The 46e4 rail size weighs 46.9 kg/m and has a 135 mm rail base but the same rail head and web dimensions. These variations allow engineers to choose the best rail size for certain applications.
Dimensions and weight adjust to greater loads and higher speeds as rail sizes grow. The 60e1 rail size, with a 72-mm head, 172-mm web, and 150-mm base, weights 60.21 kg/m. However, the 54e1 rail size. By understanding these criteria, professionals can choose the proper rail size to meet rail size standards and operate well.
|
Size |
Rail Bead (mm) |
Rail Web (mm) |
Rail Base (mm) |
Wt (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
|
46e1 |
65 |
145 |
125 |
14 |
46.17 |
|
46e2 |
62 |
145 |
134 |
15 |
46.27 |
|
46e3 |
73.72 |
142 |
120 |
14 |
46.66 |
|
46e4 |
65 |
145 |
135 |
14 |
46.9 |
|
49e1 |
67 |
149 |
125 |
14 |
49.39 |
|
49e2 |
67 |
148 |
125 |
14 |
49.1 |
|
49e5 |
67 |
149 |
125 |
14 |
49.13 |
|
50e1 |
65 |
153 |
134 |
15.5 |
50.37 |
|
50e2 |
72 |
151 |
140 |
15 |
49.97 |
|
50e3 |
70 |
155 |
133 |
14 |
50.02 |
|
50e4 |
70 |
152 |
125 |
15 |
50.17 |
|
50e5 |
67 |
148 |
135 |
14 |
49.9 |
|
50e6 |
65 |
153 |
140 |
15.5 |
50.9 |
|
52e1 |
65 |
150 |
150 |
15 |
52.15 |
|
54e1 |
70 |
159 |
140 |
16 |
54.77 |
|
54e2 |
67 |
161 |
125 |
16 |
53.82 |
|
54e3 |
67 |
154 |
125 |
16 |
54.57 |
|
54e4 |
67 |
154 |
125 |
16 |
54.31 |
|
54e5 |
70.2 |
159 |
140 |
16 |
54.42 |
|
55e1 |
62 |
155 |
134 |
19 |
56.03 |
|
56e1 |
69.85 |
158.75 |
140 |
20 |
56.3 |
|
60e1 |
72 |
172 |
150 |
16.5 |
60.21 |
|
60e2 |
72 |
172 |
150 |
16.5 |
60.03 |
China Standard Rail Sizes
Chinese standard rail sizes offer a variety of options for railway applications to fulfill diverse needs. With a 70 mm rail head, 140 mm rail web, and 114 mm rail base, the 43kg rail size weighs 44.75 kg/m. With a weight of 51.65 kg/m, the 50kg rail size with a 70 mm rail head and 132 mm rail base is stronger. These sizes comply with rail size standards and optimize load distribution in typical rail operations.
The 60kg and 75kg rail sizes are more durable and load-bearing for heavy applications. The 60kg rail size, with a 70.8 mm rail head and 150 mm rail base, weighs 60.8 kg/m and is excellent for high-speed and heavy-duty railways. However, the 75kg rail size, with a 72 mm rail head and 150 mm rail base, weighs 74.6 kg/m and is strong enough for difficult situations. In addition, industrial rails like the qu70 and qu120 have 120 mm rail heads and weigh 118.1 kg/m. These alternatives give rail systems flexibility and reliability.
|
Size |
Rail Head (mm) |
Rail Web (mm) |
Rail Base (mm) |
Wt (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
|
43kg |
70 |
140 |
114 |
14.5 |
44.75 |
|
50kg |
70 |
152 |
132 |
14.5 |
51.65 |
|
60kg |
70.8 |
176 |
150 |
16.5 |
60.8 |
|
75kg |
72 |
192 |
150 |
20 |
74.6 |
|
qu70 |
70 |
120 |
76.5 |
28 |
52.8 |
|
qu80 |
80 |
130 |
87 |
32 |
63.69 |
|
qu100 |
100 |
150 |
108 |
38 |
88.96 |
|
qu120 |
120 |
170 |
129 |
44 |
118.1 |
Standard JIS Rail Dimensions
JIS standard rail sizes are commonly utilized in railway systems. The JIS30kg rail size, with a 60.33 mm rail head and 107.95 mm rail base, weighs 30.1 kg/m. With 37.2 kg/m, the JIS37kg rail size, with a rail head of 62.71 mm and a rail base of 122.24 mm, is stronger. Ideal for typical railway operations, these sizes distribute load efficiently and meet rail size standards.
The JIS60kg and JIS80s rail sizes are stronger and load-bearing for heavier applications. The 60.8 kg/m JIS60kg rail size, with a 65 mm rail head and 145 mm rail base, is appropriate for high-speed and heavy-duty railways. However, the JIS80s rail size, with a 65.8 mm rail head and 145 mm rail base, weights 79.9 kg/m and is strong enough for difficult situations. For industrial use, the JIS50s and JIS70s have rail heads of 65.3 mm and weights of 69.5 kg/m. These alternatives give rail systems flexibility and reliability.
|
Size |
Rail Head (mm) |
Rail Web (mm) |
Rail Base (mm) |
Wt (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
|
JIS30kg |
60.33 |
107.95 |
107.95 |
12.3 |
30.1 |
|
JIS37kg |
62.71 |
122.24 |
122.24 |
13.49 |
37.2 |
|
JIS40kgn |
64 |
140 |
122 |
14 |
40.9 |
|
JIS50kgn |
65 |
153 |
127 |
15 |
50.4 |
|
JIS60kg |
65 |
174 |
145 |
16.5 |
60.8 |
|
JIS50s |
64 |
135 |
127 |
25 |
51.7 |
|
JIS70s |
65.3 |
148 |
140 |
35 |
69.5 |
|
JIS80s |
65.8 |
159 |
145 |
40 |
79.9 |
Standard ASTM Rail Sizes
ASTM standard rail sizes satisfy the needs of diverse railway systems and provide operating flexibility. ASCE25 rails weigh 12.4 kg/m and have a rail head of 38.1 mm and a rail base of 69.85 mm. With 14.88 kg/m, the ASCE30 rail size, with a 42.86 mm rail head and 79.38 mm rail base, is stronger. Ideal for typical railway operations, these sizes distribute load efficiently and meet rail size standards.
The ASCE60 and ASCE85 rail sizes are stronger and load-bearing for heavy applications. The ASCE60 rail size, with a 60.32 mm rail head and 107.95 mm rail base, weighs 29.76 kg/m and is appropriate for high-speed and heavy-duty railways. However, the 42.17 kg/m ASCE85 rail size, with a 65.09 mm rail head and 131.76 mm rail base, provides remarkable strength for tough situations. Intermediate sizes like ASCE40 and ASCE75, with a rail head of 62.71 mm and a weight of 37.2 kg/m, meet varied applications. These alternatives give rail systems flexibility and reliability.
|
Size |
Rail Head (mm) |
Rail Web (mm) |
Rail Base (mm) |
Wt (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
|
ASCE25 |
38.1 |
69.85 |
69.85 |
7.54 |
12.4 |
|
ASCE30 |
42.86 |
79.38 |
79.38 |
8.33 |
14.88 |
|
ASCE40 |
47.62 |
88.9 |
88.9 |
9.92 |
19.84 |
|
ASCE60 |
60.32 |
107.95 |
107.95 |
12.3 |
29.76 |
|
ASCE75 |
62.71 |
122.24 |
122.24 |
13.49 |
37.2 |
|
ASCE85 |
65.09 |
131.76 |
131.76 |
14.29 |
42.17 |
For more detail on this subject, see how to calculate rail weight and rail weight chart.
Standard BS Rail Dimensions
BS standard rail sizes fulfill railway system specifications and offer a variety of applications. The 50’o rail size, with a 52.39 mm head and 100.01 mm base, weighs 24.833 kg/m. With a weight of 30.618 kg/m, the 60a rail size, with a 57.15 mm head and 109.54 mm base, is stronger. Ideal for typical railway operations, these sizes distribute load efficiently and meet rail size standards.
For larger applications, 70a and 75a rail diameters are more durable and load-bearing. The 70a rail size, with a 60.32 mm rail head and 111.12 mm rail base, weighs 34.807 kg/m and is ideal for high-speed and heavy-duty railways. However, the 75a rail size, with a 61.91 mm rail head and 114.3 mm rail base, weighs 37.455 kg/m and is strong enough for difficult situations. The 60r rail size has a similar design to the 60a but weighs 29.822 kg/m. These alternatives give rail systems flexibility and reliability.
|
Size |
Rail Head (mm) |
Rail Web (mm) |
Rail Base (mm) |
Wt (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
|
50’o |
52.39 |
100.01 |
100.01 |
10.32 |
24.833 |
|
60a |
57.15 |
114.3 |
109.54 |
11.11 |
30.618 |
|
60r |
57.15 |
114.3 |
109.54 |
11.11 |
29.822 |
|
70a |
60.32 |
123.82 |
111.12 |
12.3 |
34.807 |
|
75a |
61.91 |
128.59 |
114.3 |
12.7 |
37.455 |
Russian Standard Rail Dimensions
Russian standard rail sizes offer sturdy solutions for different operational purposes and meet railway system requirements. The p50 rail size, with a 72 mm head and 132 mm base, weighs 51.8 kg/m and is suited for ordinary rail operations. This size balances strength and efficiency for reliable moderate load performance. The 64.87 kg/m p65 rail size, with a 75 mm rail head and 150 mm rail base, is appropriate for heavy rail systems due to its longevity.
High-volume applications benefit from the p75 rail size’s robustness and load-bearing capabilities. Its 73.04 mm rail head and 150 mm rail base weigh 74.41 kg/m. This size guarantees stability and durability under pressure. From p50 to p75, weight and dimensions increase. These solutions promote railway system efficiency by ensuring flexibility and rail size standards.
|
Size |
Rail Head (mm) |
Rail Web (mm) |
Rail Base (mm) |
Wt (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
|
p50 |
72 |
152 |
132 |
16 |
51.8 |
|
p65 |
75 |
180 |
150 |
18 |
64.87 |
|
p75 |
73.04 |
192 |
150 |
20 |
74.41 |
Standard Indian Rail Sizes
Indian standard rail sizes offer a variety of options for varied applications to fulfill railway system needs. ISCR 50 rails weigh 29.8 kg/m and are manufactured of u71mn with dimensions of 51.2 mm a and 90 mm b. Ideal for lighter rail systems, this size is 12 meters long. At 40 kg/m, the ISCR 60 rail size, with dimensions an of 61.3 mm and b of 105 mm, is strong enough for moderate load circumstances.
The ISCR 100 and 120 rail sizes are durable and load-bearing for heavy applications. With dimensions an of 101.9 mm and b of 150 mm, the ISCR 100 rail weighs 89 kg/m and is stable under stress. The ISCR 120 rail size, with dimensions an of 122 mm and b of 170 mm, weighs 118 kg/m and is ideal for high-capacity and demanding railway operations. Intermediate sizes like ISCR 70 and 80, at 52.8 and 64.2 kg/m, offer versatility. These choices comply with rail size standards and improve railway efficiency.
|
Size |
Dimension A (mm) |
Dimension B (mm) |
Dimension C (mm) |
Thickness T (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
Material |
Length (m) |
|
ISCR 50 |
51.2 |
90 |
90 |
20 |
29.8 |
u71mn |
12 |
|
ISCR 60 |
61.3 |
105 |
105 |
24 |
40 |
||
|
ISCR 70 |
70 |
120 |
120 |
28 |
52.8 |
||
|
ISCR 80 |
81.7 |
130 |
130 |
32 |
64.2 |
||
|
ISCR 100 |
101.9 |
150 |
150 |
38 |
89 |
||
|
ISCR 120 |
122 |
170 |
170 |
44 |
118 |
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Deep-Dive Technical Notes
Railway Track Gauges
Standard, Broad, and Narrow Gauge Specifications
The following table details the primary technical classifications for track gauges used in modern railway infrastructure.
| Gauge Type | Metric Dimension (mm) | Imperial Dimension | Primary Usage Regions | Typical Speed/Load Characteristics |
| Standard | 1,435 mm | 4 ft 8½ in | North America, Europe, China, High-Speed Rail (Global) | Balanced for high speed (300+ km/h) and heavy freight. |
| Indian Broad | 1,676 mm | 5 ft 6 in | India, Pakistan, Argentina, Chile | High stability for heavy loads; lower maximum speeds than standard. |
| Russian | 1,520 mm | 4 ft 11 7/8 in | Russia, CIS, Baltic States, Finland | High capacity freight; standard speed passenger service. |
| Iberian | 1,668 mm | 5 ft 5 2/3 in | Spain, Portugal | Stable ride; transitioning to standard for high-speed lines. |
| Cape | 1,067 mm | 3 ft 6 in | Japan, South Africa, Australia (QLD), New Zealand | Moderate speeds; excellent for challenging terrain. |
| Metre | 1,000 mm | 3 ft 3 3/8 in | Southeast Asia, Brazil, East Africa | Lower speeds; cost-effective for light to medium loads. |
North American Rail Sections (AREMA)
AREMA Rail Section Specifications
AREMA standards are prevalent in North America and define numerous rail profiles. Each is tailored for different applications, from light industrial use to heavy-haul freight mainlines. Below is a specification table for several common AREMA rail sections, highlighting their critical dimensions.
| Rail Section | Weight (lbs/yd) | Height (in) | Base Width (in) | Head Width (in) |
| 115 RE | 115 | 6.625 | 5.500 | 2.719 |
| 119 RE | 119 | 6.813 | 5.500 | 2.656 |
| 132 RE | 132 | 7.125 | 6.000 | 3.000 |
| 133 RE | 133 | 7.063 | 6.000 | 3.000 |
| 136 RE | 136 | 7.313 | 6.000 | 2.938 |
| 141 RE | 141 | 7.438 | 6.000 | 3.063 |
As shown, while the weight difference between sections like 132 RE and 133 RE is minimal, their height and other subtle geometric differences impact their installation and the components they are compatible with, such as joint bars and tie plates. The evolution from older designs to modern profiles like the 136 RE and 141 RE reflects a continuous effort to improve wear resistance, load-carrying capacity, and overall service life. These modern heavy-haul sections are the backbone of today’s busiest rail corridors.
Crane Rail Profiles (DIN A-Series)
Crane Rail Specifications
Crane rails are a specialized category designed to withstand the immense loads and dynamic forces exerted by overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and port machinery. They feature a much wider head and thicker web compared to standard railway tracks to provide a larger contact surface and greater structural integrity. They are often classified by standards like DIN (German Institute for Standardization) or simply by their head width designation (e.g., A-series).
| Rail Type | Weight (kg/m) | Height (mm) | Base Width (mm) | Head Width (mm) | Web Thickness (mm) |
| A45 | 22.1 | 55 | 125 | 45 | 24 |
| A55 | 31.8 | 65 | 150 | 55 | 31 |
| A65 | 43.1 | 75 | 175 | 65 | 38 |
| A75 | 56.2 | 85 | 200 | 75 | 45 |
| A100 | 74.3 | 95 | 200 | 100 | 60 |
| A120 | 100.0 | 105 | 220 | 120 | 72 |
| A150 | 150.3 | 150 | 220 | 150 | 80 |
90 lb Rail Section (ARA-A)
Dimensional and Mechanical Specifications (Imperial)
| Property | Measurement |
| Nominal Weight | 90 lbs/yd |
| Section Number | 9020 |
| Overall Height | 5.625 in |
| Base Width | 5.125 in |
| Head Width | 2.563 in |
| Standard Length | 39 ft |
| Area | 8.82 in² |
| Moment of Inertia (Ixx) | 38.7 in⁴ |
| Section Modulus (Head) | 12.6 in³ |
| Section Modulus (Base) | 15.2 in³ |
The head width of 65.09 mm provides a durable running surface for train wheels, while the overall height of 142.88 mm gives the rail significant vertical stiffness. This stiffness is essential for distributing heavy loads across multiple sleepers, reducing pressure on the ballast and subgrade.
The base width of just over 5 inches creates a stable footing on the tie plate, resisting the tendency of the rail to overturn under lateral forces from the train. The Moment of Inertia and Section Modulus values quantify the rail’s resistance to bending. A higher value indicates greater strength, and the 90 lb rail’s properties make it suitable for tracks carrying substantial freight traffic.
Material composition is another critical element. The 90 lb rail is typically manufactured using high-carbon steel, often to grades like 900A or 1100. This steel provides the necessary hardness to resist wear from wheel contact while retaining enough ductility to prevent brittle fractures from impact loads or in cold weather.
Dimensional Specifications (Metric)
| Dimension | Measurement (mm) |
| Nominal Weight | 44.65 kg/m |
| Overall Height | 142.88 mm |
| Base Width | 130.18 mm |
| Head Width | 65.09 mm |
| Web Thickness | 14.29 mm |
| Head Depth | 37.31 mm |
| Fishing Height | 73.82 mm |
60 kg Rail Profiles (UIC 60 vs GB 60)
Detailed Specifications of 60 kg Rail Profiles
The exact measurements of the rail profile are critical for ensuring compatibility with other track components like fishplates, turnouts, and fastening systems. The tables below provide a clear comparison of the key dimensional and mechanical properties for the UIC 60 and Chinese GB 60 kg/m rail profiles.
Table 1: Dimensional Specifications for 60 kg Rail Profiles (UIC 60 E1 vs. GB 60)
| Property | UIC 60 (60 E1) | Chinese GB 60 kg/m |
| Mass (kg/m) | 60.21 | 60.64 |
| Height (mm) | 172.00 | 176.00 |
| Head Width (mm) | 72.00 | 73.00 |
| Base Width (mm) | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Web Thickness (mm) | 16.50 | 16.50 |
| Head Height (mm) | 51.00 | 50.00 |
| Section Area (cm²) | 76.70 | 77.45 |
Material Composition and Mechanical Strength
The performance of a 60 kg rail is intrinsically linked to its steel metallurgy. These rails are manufactured from high-carbon steel, with specific grades chosen based on the intended application. Common steel grades include R260, R350HT, and various grades under Chinese GB standards like U71Mn and U75V. The “R” in the UIC nomenclature denotes Rail, and the number indicates the minimum tensile strength in MPa. “HT” signifies a head-hardened rail. Head hardening is a crucial heat treatment process that significantly increases the hardness of the rail head, providing superior resistance to wear and plastic deformation, thereby extending the rail’s service life on high-traffic routes and sharp curves.
Table 2: Typical Chemical Composition for High-Strength Rail Steel (e.g., R350HT)
| Element | Percentage (%) |
| Carbon (C) | 0.72 – 0.82 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.80 – 1.25 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.25 – 0.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.020 |
| Sulphur (S) | ≤ 0.020 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.15 |
The mechanical properties are a direct measure of the rail’s ability to withstand operational stresses. Tensile strength indicates resistance to fracture, while hardness is the key indicator of wear resistance.
Table 3: Key Mechanical Properties for 60 kg Rails
| Property | Standard Grade (e.g., R260) | Head-Hardened Grade (e.g., R350HT) |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 880 | ≥ 1175 |
| Hardness (Brinell, HBW) | 260 – 300 | 350 – 390 |
| Elongation at Fracture (%) | ≥ 10 | ≥ 9 |
The choice between standard and head-hardened steel is an economic and engineering decision. Head-hardened rails are the preferred choice for high-speed passenger lines and heavy-haul freight corridors where the cost of replacement and maintenance is high.
