# 1020 steel equivalents

1020 steel is nearest to EN 1.0402 (C22), JIS S20C and China GB 20. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | 1020 |
| EN steel name | C22 |
| EN steel number | 1.0402 |
| JIS | S20C |
| China GB | 20 |

Family: Low-carbon steel

## What it is

A low-carbon plain carbon steel. It is easy to weld, bend and form, and can be case-hardened by carburising, but it does not through-harden.

## Typical uses

Lightly loaded shafts, pins, brackets, fixtures, welded fabrications and carburised wear parts.

## Machining notes

Machines readily but can be gummy and leave a built-up edge; cold-drawn bar machines better than hot-rolled. Use sharp tools and higher speeds.

## Related grades

- 1045 steel (1.0503): Medium-carbon, stronger and hardenable
- 8620 steel (1.6523): Alloy case-hardening steel
- A36 steel (1.0038): Structural plate and section grade

Equivalents are nearest matches, not identical grades. The governing standard or mill certificate decides.

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of 1020 steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.0402, steel name C22.

**What is the JIS equivalent of 1020 steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is S20C.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of 1020 steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is 20.

**Is 1.0402 the same as 1020?**
1.0402 (C22) is the nearest European equivalent of 1020, not an identical grade. Composition limits and required properties differ in detail, so check the governing standard or the mill certificate when it matters.

**What is 1020 used for?**
Lightly loaded shafts, pins, brackets, fixtures, welded fabrications and carburised wear parts.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/1020-steel/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)