Abstract: A section steel wire for an oil ring for use in an internal combustion engine, consisting essentially of, by weight, 0.6 to 1.5% carbon, not more than 1.5% Si, not more than 1.5% Mn, more than 20% and not more than 25% Cr, and optionally containing at least one group selected from three groups consisting of a group of at least one element of Mo and W in total amount of not more than 3% of "Mo+W/2", another group of at least one element of V and Nb in total amount of not more than 3% of "V+Nb/2" and still another group of at least one element selected from not more than 12% Co, not more than 5% Ni and not more than 5% Cu, and balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. The section steel wire has a Vickers hardness of HV 300 to HV 450 and has a substantially H-or X-shaped cross-section. A thickness ratio of the thickness of the web portion bridging the flange portions to the total thickness (T) of the flange portions is not greater than 0.3.