Q195 Steel Equivalent: A Practical Grade-Matching Guide for Global Buyers

What Is Q195 Steel?

Q195 is a Chinese plain carbon structural steel specified in GB/T 700-2006. The letter "Q" stands for yield strength (qufu), and "195" is the minimum yield strength in MPa for thickness up to 16 mm. It is one of the softest and most formable grades in the GB/T 700 family, sitting below Q215 and Q235 in strength.

Steel coil

Steel Coil Packaging

Steel plate

Chemical composition (per GB/T 700-2006, for reference)

Element	C	Si	Mn	S	P
Maximum (%)	0.12	0.30	0.50	0.040	0.035

Residual elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, N) are also limited by the standard. Actual values from a specific heat are confirmed on the mill test certificate; consult the latest standard text for the complete table.

Mechanical properties (typical values, thickness-dependent)

Property	Value
Yield strength (ReH)	≥ 195 MPa (thickness ≤ 16 mm); decreases with thicker sections
Tensile strength (Rm)	315–430 MPa
Elongation (A)	≥ 33% (typical for thin sections)
Density	7.85 g/cm³

Q195 Steel Equivalent Grades by Country

The table below lists the grades most commonly referenced as Q195 equivalents in international trade. Equivalences are widely cited in the industry for reference only: standards differ in how chemical limits, thickness-dependent properties and inspection requirements are defined, so verify against the governing specification before substituting.

Country / Region	Standard	Commonly referenced equivalent
China	GB/T 700-2006	Q195 (unified digital code U11952)
USA	ASTM A283/A283M	A283 Gr.B / Gr.C (older A570 Gr.33 is superseded)
Germany	EN 10025-2 (formerly DIN 17100)	S185 (1.0035), formerly St 33
United Kingdom	BS 970-1 / BS EN 10025	040A10 / S185 (1.0035)
France	NF A35-501 / NF EN 10025	A33 / S185 (1.0035)
Japan	JIS G3101 / JIS G3131	SS330 / SPHC, SPHD
International	ISO 630-2	E185

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Q195 vs Q235: Which One Does the Job Need?

	Q195	Q235
Minimum yield strength	195 MPa	235 MPa
Tensile strength	315–430 MPa	370–500 MPa
Typical carbon content	≤ 0.12%	≤ 0.20% (Q235B)
Best suited for	Wire, drawing, forming, roofing substrate, light sections	General structural members, frames and supports

If the part is drawn, bent or stamped and strength is secondary, Q195 keeps material cost down. If the member carries load, Q235 or a higher grade is the safer choice. Refer to GB/T 700-2006 for the full chemical limits of each grade.

Common Applications of Q195 Steel

Wire rod and drawn wire, galvanized wire, nails, mesh and fencing

Light cold-formed sections, purlins, brackets and frames

Roofing and cladding substrate (GI / PPGI base metal)

Low-pressure pipe and conduit

Stamped and formed components for appliances and light machinery

Thanks to its low carbon content, Q195 offers excellent weldability and formability. It is not intended for heavy load-bearing structures.

What to Verify Before Substituting an Equivalent Grade

1.Confirm the governing specification and its acceptance criteria (chemical composition, mechanical tests).

2.Check thickness-dependent yield values - a 195 MPa minimum applies only to thin sections.

3.Request the mill test certificate (e.g. EN 10204 3.1) and compare actual values, not just nominal grades.

4.Confirm surface condition and finish (hot-rolled, pickled, galvanized) matches your process.

5.Agree on testing (bend, tensile, impact) with your buyer before shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Is Q195 steel equivalent to S235JR?

Not directly. S235JR (EN 10025) has a minimum yield of 235 MPa and sits closer to Chinese Q235. The commonly referenced EN equivalent for Q195 is S185 (or the old St 33). Substituting S235JR is conservative on strength but changes cost and documentation.

2.Can Q195 steel be welded?

Yes. With a maximum carbon content of about 0.12%, Q195 offers good weldability under standard mild-steel welding practice. For critical welds, use a filler and procedure qualified for the application.

3.What is Q195 steel mainly used for?

Wire rod and drawn wire, galvanized wire and nails, light cold-formed sections, roofing sheet substrate and stamped components. It suits applications where formability matters more than load capacity.

4.Is Q195 steel hot-rolled or cold-rolled?

Q195 is a grade defined by mechanical properties and is most commonly supplied hot-rolled in coil, sheet or wire rod. Cold-rolled and coated variants are available; specify the form and finish you need with the supplier.

Q195 Steel Supply from Gnee Steel

Gnee Steel (Tianjin) Co., Ltd supplies Q195 and related carbon steel grades in coil, sheet, strip and wire rod, with mill test certificates and third-party inspection on request. Tell us your target standard and application, and we will confirm the closest matching grade, thickness program and finish.

Email: ppgi@gescosteel.com ｜ WhatsApp: +86 158 2468 7445 ｜ Send Inquiry

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