What is the diference between Hbeam and I beam

Question

What is the diference between Hbeam and I beam

Answer 1

A structural beam of rolled steel or concrete having a shape whose cross section resembles the letter H; has wider flanges than an I-beam. -answers.com

In the United States, the most commonly mentioned I-Beam is the wide-flange (W) shape. These beams have flanges in which the planes are nearly parallel. Other I-Beams include American Standard (designated S) shapes, in which flange surfaces are not parallel, and H-piles (designated HP), which are typically used as pile foundations.- wikipedia.com

i gather that i-beams are a general term that encompasses a lot of types of beams. the most common I-beam is called a w-beam. h-beam is a truncation of hp-beam. hp-beams are stouter because they are used as supports for the entire structure. w-beams are used in the horizontal position (lateral forces and torque) and hp-beams are used in the vertical position (compression).