20 vs SAE 1020
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
20
Carbon Steel
20 is China’s GB/T 699 quality carbon steel matching AISI 1020 and JIS S20C — the domestic Chinese designation buyers see on mill certificates for the world’s most common low-carbon engineering steel.
Standards: DIN 1.0402 (C22) · AISI 1020 · JIS S20C · GB 20 (GB/T 699)
SAE 1020
Carbon Steel
SAE 1020 is a low-carbon steel for general engineering: easily machined, formed and welded, and the default material for low-load shafts, pins and seamless tube in carbon grade.
Standards: DIN 1.0402 (C22) · AISI 1020 · JIS S20C · GB 20
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 20 | SAE 1020 |
|---|---|---|
| C | 0.17–0.23 | 0.18–0.23 |
| Si | 0.17–0.37 | — |
| Mn | 0.35–0.65 | 0.30–0.60 |
| P | ≤0.035 | ≤0.040 |
| S | ≤0.035 | ≤0.050 |
| Cr | ≤0.25 | — |
Properties compared
| Property | 20 | SAE 1020 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥410 MPa (GB/T 699 reference, normalized blank) | 380–450 MPa (hot rolled) |
| Yield strength | ≥245 MPa (reference) | ≥245 MPa |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 20 · SAE 1020. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.