17 specimens of cold formed steel box built up setion columns were tested under axial compression load. The section forms were divided into two categories: A and B. Load displacement curves and failure characteristics of specimens were obtained. The test results are compared with the caculated results according to “effective ratio of width to thickness” in code of “Technical code of cold formed thin wall steel structures” (GB 50018－2002)

“effective section method” and “direct strength method” in AISI specification. The results show that: the failure characteristics of LC and MC series columns are overall flexural buckling

while SC series columns are local buckling and ends confined damage. The ultimate bearing capacity of B categories section columns is three times as great as that of A categories section columns

so it has the effect of “1+1＞2”. The results calculated according to “GB50018” and AISI specification are much conservative for LC series columns of A categories section

while in agreement with test results for MC and SC series columns. For B categories section columns

the calculated results are non conservative for LC and MC series columns

while conservative for SC series columns.