When drawing steel joists showing load bearing exterior walls, are they drawn the same as dimension lumber?

Example would be the dimensions of a wood 2x4 is actually 1.5x3.5.

Is steel dimensioned the same? The dimensions actually being smaller

No, steel structural members are usually described as the depth (actual) x weight/length, such as a C12x 30 is 12 inches deep channel section and weighs 30 pounds per foot.http://www.structural-drafting-net-expert.com/steel-sections-standard-channels.htmlhttp://www.engineersedge.com/structural_shapes_menu.shtml

Steel beams are dimensioned as CarlB stated.
 
Pickup one of the *.pdf dimension files.
 
Be sure to pickup the metric or imperial.
 
Where are you posting from?
 
http://www.americanextrudedproducts.com/structural2.pdfTankman2010-01-12 18:20:58

Steel member dimensions do vary based on what specific section is called for. Also, they vary much differently than your example. That is because there could be a bunch of different sections for a specific designation. For example, the W12 designation comes in many different varieties, from the W12x14 up to the W12x336. The master source for all steel sizes, in the US, is the AISC Steel Construction Manual. This is what Engineers use to chose members.
Sincerely,
bmcnyc
http://www.draftingservices.combmcnyc2010-01-13 03:29:14