1018 steel and 1020 steel are frequently produced and purchased steel grades. While many of their properties are similar, both grades possess distinct chemical and mechanical properties, thus creating the need for two separate steel grades. This comparison breaks down the key differences, so you can ascertain which steel grade better suits your needs.
1018 Steel Overview
While 1018 steel can be produced in either cold-drawn or hot-rolled forms, most elect to purchase 1018 steel in its cold-drawn form. Primarily due to its high level of popularity, 1018 steel is often available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate almost any project. This can include steel bars and steel wire in the shape of squares, hexagons, or rounds.
1020 Steel Overview
While still commonly used, 1020 steel is generally manufactured less often than 1018 steel, so it may not be as readily available. Like 1018 steel, it can come in both hot-rolled or cold-drawn forms, but it is typically produced as cold-drawn. It comes in many different bar shapes, including squares, rounds, rectangles, and is also often manufactured into channels, angles, I-Beams, and H-Beams. It is also commonly produced as a steel plate product.
Chemical Properties of 1018 Steel & 1020 Steel
For this comparison, the chemical properties listed below are specifically for the cold-drawn states of these steels. Notably, 1018 steel is composed of a higher concentration of manganese. Otherwise, the two steel grades have very similar chemical properties.
| Element | 1018 | 1020 |
| Iron, Fe | 98.81-99.26% | 99.08-99.53% |
| Carbon, C | 0.18% | 0.20% |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.6-0.9% | 0.30-0.60% |
| Phosphorus, P (max) | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| Sulfur, S (max) | 0.05% | 0.05% |
Mechanical Properties of 1018 Steel & 1020 Steel
How steel is manufactured significantly impacts its mechanical properties. Because of this, the mechanical properties for both hot-rolled and cold-drawn 1018 and 1020 steel are outlined below.
Hot Rolled
| Mechanical Property | Hot Rolled 1018 Steel | Hot Rolled 1020 Steel |
| Tensile Strength | 58,000 psi | 55,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 32,000 psi | 30,000 psi |
| Elongation (2″) | 25% | 25% |
| Reduction in Area | 50% | 50% |
| Brinell Hardness | 116 BHN | 111 BHN |
Cold Drawn
| Mechanical Property | Cold Drawn 1018 Steel | Cold Drawn 1020 Steel |
| Tensile Strength | 64,000 psi | 61,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 54,000 psi | 51,000 psi |
| Elongation (2″) | 15% | 15% |
| Reduction in Area | 40% | 40% |
| Brinell Hardness | 126 BHN | 121 BHN |
Applications of 1018 Steel & 1020 Steel
Because of its high machinability in its cold-drawn form, many manufacturers prefer 1020 steel for its greater ease of cutting. Most choose to purchase 1020 steel in a turned and polished bar state. Conversely, 1018 steel is more commonly used in high-volume projects, especially those that require machining. A common example of a 1018 steel application is screw machine parts in industrial settings.
Connect with Capital Steel for 1018 Steel & 1020 Steel
Capital Steel & Wire proudly identifies as a small, woman-owned business, and we’ve been providing companies nationwide with steel solutions since 2001. Contact us today and discover how our team of steel experts can help you reach your operational goals.
