304 Stainless Steel Pipe Specifications

Stainless steel pipe specifications, including size range, length and dimensions, are listed in the table below:

Parameter Details
Standards ASTM A312, ASME SA312
Dimensions ASME B36.10M, ASME B36.19M
Size Range 1/8″ to 24″ (DN6–DN1200)
Wall Thickness SCH 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S, 160, XXS
Length Single Random (SRL), Double Random (DRL), 6 m, 12 m, custom lengths
End Type Plain End (PE), Bevelled End (BE), Threaded
Surface Finish Pickled, Annealed, Bright Annealed, Polished, Mirror, Passivated
Form Seamless, Welded (ERW, EFW, HFW)

304 Stainless Steel Pipe Sizes and Dimensions

This table explains the main size ranges, wall thickness schedules, and length options for 304 stainless steel pipes used in different industrial applications.

Parameter Specification
Size Range NPS 1/8" to 24" and larger
Available Schedules 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S
Common Schedules 10, 40, 80
Standard Length 20 ft (6 metres) random
Custom Length Cut-to-length available on request

Schedule 10 Pipe Dimensions

Schedule 10 (10S) stainless steel 304 pipe has the thinnest wall of the standard schedules. It's intended for low-pressure service, drainage, and applications where weight reduction matters. The table below covers representative NPS sizes with OD, wall thickness, and weight.

NPS OD (in) Wall Thickness (in) Approx. Weight (lb/ft)
1/2" 0.840 0.083 0.67
3/4" 1.050 0.083 0.86
1" 1.315 0.109 1.40
1-1/2" 1.900 0.109 2.09
2" 2.375 0.109 2.64
3" 3.500 0.120 4.33
4" 4.500 0.120 5.61

Schedule 40 Pipe Dimensions

Schedule 40 (40S) is the most common wall thickness for 304 stainless steel pipe. It is used for general piping, structural supports, and medium-pressure systems in many industries. Its standard sizes are set by ASME B36.19M.

NPS OD (in) Wall Thickness (in) Approx. Weight (lb/ft)
1/2" 0.840 0.109 0.86
3/4" 1.050 0.113 1.14
1" 1.315 0.133 1.68
1-1/2" 1.900 0.145 2.72
2" 2.375 0.154 3.65
3" 3.500 0.216 7.58
4" 4.500 0.237 10.79

Schedule 80 Pipe Dimensions

Schedule 80 (80S) 304 stainless steel pipe has a thicker wall and is used for high-pressure, steam lines, and tough industrial conditions. The increased wall thickness allows the pipe to withstand higher pressure, but it also adds weight and raises the cost per metre.

NPS OD (in) Wall Thickness (in) Approx. Weight (lb/ft)
1/2" 0.840 0.147 1.09
3/4" 1.050 0.154 1.47
1" 1.315 0.179 2.17
1-1/2" 1.900 0.200 3.63
2" 2.375 0.218 5.02
3" 3.500 0.300 10.25
4" 4.500 0.337 14.98

304 Stainless Steel Pipe Weight Per Metre

304 stainless steel pipe weight depends on outside diameter (OD), wall thickness, and schedule. The standard formula for calculating pipe weight is:

Weight (kg/m) = (OD mm - Wall Thickness mm) x Wall Thickness mm x 0.02491

As an example, a 2" Schedule 40 pipe has a 60.3 mm outside diameter and a wall thickness of 3.91 mm. When you apply the formula, the resulting weight is roughly 5.44 kg per metre. Engineers, buyers, and project planners rely on these weight values to estimate shipping costs, verify how much load a structure can safely carry, and plan the amount of material they need. For other pipe schedules, use the same formula but substitute the appropriate wall thickness value.

The following table provides calculated weights for common 304 SS pipe sizes in Schedule 40.

NPS OD (mm) Wall (mm) Weight (kg/m)
1/2" 21.3 2.77 1.28
3/4" 26.7 2.87 1.70
1" 33.4 3.38 2.50
1-1/2" 48.3 3.68 4.05
2" 60.3 3.91 5.44
3" 88.9 5.49 11.29
4" 114.3 6.02 16.07

304 Stainless Steel Pipe Pressure Rating

The pressure rating of 304 stainless steel pipes depends on the schedule, pipe size, and temperature. For example, a 2" Schedule 40 pipe can handle about 2,220 psi at room temperature, according to ASME B31.3.

The table below presents approximate pressure ratings for selected sizes across 3 schedules at ambient temperature (38 degrees Celsius / 100 degrees Fahrenheit).

NPS Schedule 10 (psi) Schedule 40 (psi) Schedule 80 (psi)
1/2" 1,440 2,960 4,760
1" 1,170 2,360 3,640
2" 680 2,220 3,100
3" 510 1,690 2,480
4" 400 1,440 2,120

304 Stainless Steel Pipe Price

304 stainless steel pipe usually costs about INR 192 to 500 per kg in India, or around $3 to $12 per foot in the US. Seamless pipes are more expensive than welded pipes because they are harder to manufacture.

Several factors affect the final price of SS 304 pipe:

  • Pipe size and wall thickness: Larger diameters and heavier schedules cost more per unit length
  • Manufacturing type: Seamless pipe is 20 to 40% more expensive than welded pipe
  • Surface finish: Polished or bright-annealed finishes add to the base cost
  • Order quantity: Bulk orders typically attract better per-unit pricing
  • Mill brand: Established mills command higher prices than secondary brands
  • Market conditions: Raw material costs for nickel and chromium change regularly

Sachiya Steel International provides cost-effective pricing for every pipe size, schedule, and type. We handle everything from small trial orders to large-scale project needs. Send us your specifications to receive updated pricing and delivery information.

Chemical Composition of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe

The table below lists elements specified under ASTM A312 / ASME SA-312 for Grade TP304 (UNS S30400).

Chromium forms a protective layer, nickel improves toughness, low carbon prevents weld defects, and nitrogen contributes to pitting resistance and strength in stainless steel pipe.

Grade 304 can't be hardened by heat treatment. Strength increases are achieved through cold working instead, which is particularly relevant for heavily cold-worked pipe supplied under the same ASTM A312 standard.

Carbon C
Max 0.08%
Manganese Mn
Max 2.00%
Phosphorus P
Max 0.045%
Sulfur S
Max 0.030%
Silicon Si
Max 1.00%
Chromium Cr
18.0 – 20.0%
Nickel Ni
8.0 – 11.0%
Nitrogen N
Max 0.10%

Mechanical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe

The mechanical properties of 304 Stainless Steel pipe, including tensile strength, elongation and yield strength, are listed below:

The 35% elongation value proves that 304 SS pipe can withstand considerable deformation before fracture. This makes it an excellent choice for bending, flaring, and expanding operations during field installation. Cold working will raise tensile and yield strength but reduce elongation.

515
MPa (min)
Tensile Strength
205
MPa (min)
Yield Strength
35%
(min)
Elongation
Property Imperial Metric
Tensile Strength (min) 75 ksi 515 MPa
Yield Strength (min) 30 ksi 205 MPa
Elongation (min) 35% 35%
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Equivalent Designation of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe

Global equivalents of 304 stainless steel pipe, including UNS, AFNOR, Werkstoff, JIS, EN, GOST, and BS designations, are listed below:

Standard Equivalent Grade
Grade SS 304
UNS S30400
AFNOR Z7CN18-09
Werkstoff Nr. 1.4301
JIS SUS 304
EN X5CrNi18-10
GOST 08X18H10
BS 304S31

304 Stainless Steel Pipe Industrial Applications

The sections below cover 4 specific application areas where 304 pipe delivers proven performance in resisting corrosion and delivering high-performance.

Food & Beverage Processing

Dairy plants, breweries, and food factories use 304 stainless steel pipe for product lines, CIP (clean-in-place) systems, and storage tank piping.

Chemical & Petrochemical Industry

In chemical and petrochemical plants, 304 SS pipe carries weak acids, alkalis, and organic solvents and serves in heat exchangers, condensate lines, and low‑chloride process piping.

Architectural & Structural Applications

Architects and fabricators select 304 stainless steel pipe for handrails, balustrades, canopies, curtain wall supports, and decorative frameworks.

Exhaust Systems

Automotive and industrial exhaust systems benefit from 304 pipe's resistance in intermittent service.

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Pipe

304 stainless steel performs well in most general environments. The main difference is that 316 contains 2 to 3% molybdenum, which provides superior resistance to chlorides and marine atmospheres. Buyers choosing between the two grades should consider the following comparison.

Property 304 SS Pipe 316 SS Pipe
Chromium Content 18.0 to 20.0% 16.0 to 18.0%
Nickel Content 8.0 to 11.0% 10.0 to 14.0%
Molybdenum None 2.0 to 3.0%
Chloride Resistance Moderate High
Cost (relative) Lower Higher (approx. 20 to 30% premium)
Tensile Strength (min) 515 MPa 515 MPa
Common Applications Food processing, freshwater, and general chemical Marine, saltwater, chloride-rich chemical

Use 304 stainless steel pipe for food processing, freshwater systems, mild chemicals, and architectural work. Choose 316 stainless steel pipe for saltwater, brackish water, chloride-containing chemicals, or coastal environments. Since both have the same minimum tensile strength, base your choice mainly on how corrosive the environment is, not on how much load the pipe must carry.

Shipping & Packaging

Main export packaging setup Heavy-duty wooden boxes Packing
Export Packaging Standard

We strictly follow seaworthy export handling standards to protect 304 pipe from transit damage, moisture ingress, and surface contamination during long-distance dispatch.

  • Heavy-duty wooden boxes with moisture barrier lining
  • HDPE stretch film wrapping on all bundles
  • Plastic end caps on threaded and plain-end pipes
  • Silica gel desiccants to minimize moisture exposure
  • ISPM-15 fumigated wooden packaging for export
shipping preparation Pipe Bundle Yard Staging
Shipping packaging Container End-Cap Protection
Shipping stock Wrapped Export-Ready Bundles

We Export Worldwide

Sachiya Steel International supplies stainless steel products to major industrial markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa with export-ready documentation and logistics support.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is 304 stainless steel pipe used for? +
The 304 stainless steel pipe serves food and beverage processing, chemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, architectural structures, oil and gas systems, and exhaust systems. Its resistance to corrosion and weldability make it the most commonly used austenitic pipe grade in these industries.
What sizes does 304 stainless steel pipe come in? +
304 stainless steel pipe is available in NPS 1/8" to 24" and larger, in schedules 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S, and 160. Standard lengths are 20 ft (6 metres), random. Custom sizes and cut-to-length options are available through Sachiya Steel International.
What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel pipe? +
316 stainless steel pipe has 2-3% molybdenum, which makes it better at resisting corrosion from chloride and seawater. 304 pipe is more cost-effective and works well for food processing, freshwater, and general chemical service. Both share the same minimum tensile strength of 515 MPa.
What is the weight of 304 stainless steel pipes per metre? +
Weight varies by outside diameter and wall thickness. Use the formula: Weight (kg/m) = (OD - WT) x WT x 0.02491. A 2" Schedule 40 pipe (60.3 mm OD, 3.91 mm wall) weighs approximately 5.44 kg/m.
What is the pressure rating of 304 stainless steel pipe? +
Pressure ratings depend on schedule, size, and temperature. A 2" Schedule 40 pipe handles approximately 2,220 psi at ambient temperature per ASME B31.3. Smaller diameters and heavier schedules provide higher ratings. Ratings decrease at elevated temperatures.
Is 304 stainless steel pipe available in seamless and welded forms? +
Yes. Sachiya Steel International stocks 304 stainless steel pipes in both seamless and welded (ERW) forms. Seamless pipe has higher pressure ratings and uniform wall thickness. Welded pipe is more economical for general-purpose applications.
What is the price of 304 stainless steel pipe? +
Prices are usually about INR 192 to 500 per kg and $3 to $12 per foot (USD). It depends on size, schedule, form (seamless or welded), quantity, and surface finish. Request a quote from Sachiya Steel International for current market pricing.
Can 304 stainless steel pipe be welded? +
304 stainless steel pipe is easy to weld with TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), or SMAW. You can weld it with or without filler metal. For the best corrosion resistance in harsh conditions, post‑weld solution annealing is recommended.

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