Which statement describes the dimensional order for rectangular hollow structural sections (HSS)?

Which statement describes the dimensional order for rectangular hollow structural sections (HSS)?

• A. Height x Width x Thickness
• B. Width x Height x Thickness
• C. Thickness x Height x Width
• D. Height x Thickness x Width

Answer: (A)

In rectangular hollow structural sections, dimensions are given in the order of outer height, outer width, and wall thickness. This convention reflects how the cross-section’s footprint and its hollow nature are described: the vertical extent first, the horizontal extent second, and the thickness of the walls as the last dimension. The statement that lists height x width x thickness matches this standard, so it’s the best choice. For example, a 6x4x1/2 HSS has an outside height of 6 inches, an outside width of 4 inches, and a wall thickness of 1/2 inch. Reordering or placing thickness before the outer dimensions would misrepresent the section’s geometry and how it is read on drawings and catalogs.