The tensile coupon tests and residual strain measurements of cold-formed and hot-finished elliptical hollow sections are presented. The tensile coupon specimens extracted from different locations across the cross-sections were tested. The initial Young’s modulus, yield stress or 0.2% proof stress, ultimate tensile strength, strains at ultimate strength and fracture as well as Ramberg-Osgood parameter that describe the shape of stress-strain curve were obtained. It is shown that the material strengths of the cold-formed elliptical hollow section were enhanced by the cold-forming process. The heat treatment significantly reduced residual stresses in hot-finished sections and caused the material properties of hot-finished steel sections generally restored to a stage close to that of the virgin material. Furthermore, residual strains in the cold-formed and hot-finished elliptical hollow sections were measured. The strain measurements involved both the longitudinal and transverse directions across the cross-sections. The residual strain distributions in the cold-formed and hot-finished elliptical hollow sections were also plotted. It is found that the magnitudes of residual strains in cold-formed elliptical hollow sections are much greater than those in hot-finished elliptical hollow sections as a result of the heat treatment for hot-finished sections.