# 1045 steel equivalents

1045 steel is nearest to EN 1.0503 (C45), JIS S45C and China GB 45. These are nearest equivalents, not identical grades: the governing standard or mill certificate decides.

| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| AISI / ASTM / SAE | 1045 |
| EN steel name | C45 |
| EN steel number | 1.0503 |
| JIS | S45C |
| China GB | 45 |

Family: Medium-carbon steel

## What it is

A medium-carbon plain carbon steel. It is stronger than 1020 and responds to flame or induction hardening for a hard, wear-resistant surface.

## Typical uses

Shafts, axles, spindles, gears, studs, couplings and general machine parts.

## Machining notes

Good machinability, especially normalised or cold drawn. Welding needs preheat and controlled cooling because of the higher carbon.

## Related grades

- 1020 steel (1.0402): Low-carbon, easier to weld
- 4140 steel (1.7225): Alloy steel that through-hardens

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

## FAQ

**What is the European equivalent of 1045 steel?**
The nearest EN grade is 1.0503, steel name C45.

**What is the JIS equivalent of 1045 steel?**
The nearest Japanese grade is S45C.

**What is the Chinese GB equivalent of 1045 steel?**
The nearest Chinese GB grade is 45.

**Is 1.0503 the same as 1045?**
1.0503 (C45) is the nearest European equivalent of 1045, 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 1045 used for?**
Shafts, axles, spindles, gears, studs, couplings and general machine parts.

Source page: https://machinistcharts.com/material/1045-steel/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: MachinistCharts (https://machinistcharts.com)