What is the thickness of stainless steel pipe 316?

If you are purchasing 316 stainless steel pipes, one of the most critical factors to understand is pipe thickness, commonly referred to as pipe schedule (SCH). Choosing the correct thickness directly affects pressure resistance, durability, and project cost.

In this guide, we explain standard thickness ranges, specifications, and how to select the right option for your application.

 

What is SS 316 stainless steel tubing?

SS 316 is an austenitic stainless steel containing molybdenum (2.0%–2.5%). Compared to SS 304, it offers superior resistance to chloride, acid, and seawater corrosion, making it suitable for chemical and petrochemical pipelines, heat exchangers and pressure piping, marine and offshore structures, and food and pharmaceutical processing lines.

 

What is the Thickness of 316 Stainless Steel Pipe?

The wall thickness of 316/316L stainless steel pipes varies significantly depending on the specific application; for common specifications, the wall thickness typically ranges from 0.6 mm to 12.7 mm (approximately 0.024" to 0.5"), although heavy-duty piping can feature wall thicknesses exceeding 50 mm. Pipe wall thickness is typically defined by a "Schedule" number (e.g., Sch 5S, 10S, 40S, 80S), with common Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) specifications spanning a range from 1/8" to 36".

SCH 5 / SCH 10 → Thin wall (lightweight, low pressure)
SCH 40 → Standard thickness (general industrial use)
SCH 80 → Thick wall (high pressure applications)
SCH 160 / XXS → Extra thick (extreme conditions)

The actual wall thickness varies depending on the pipe diameter (NPS).

 

What is the difference between ASME B36.19 and ASME B36.10?

In the stainless steel industry, thickness is governed by the Schedule (Sch) system, primarily defined by ASME B36.19 (for stainless) and ASME B36.10 (for carbon steel).

For any given Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), the Outside Diameter (OD) remains constant, regardless of the thickness. As the Schedule number increases (e.g., from Sch 10S to Sch 80S), the wall thickness becomes larger, and the Internal Diameter (ID) decreases.

316 Stainless Steel Pipe Thickness Chart 

NPS (Inches)	Outside Diameter (mm)	Sch 10S (mm)	Sch 40S (mm)	Sch 80S (mm)
1/8"	10.3	1.24	1.73	2.41
1/4"	13.7	1.65	2.24	3.02
3/8"	17.1	1.65	2.31	3.20
1/2"	21.3	2.11	2.77	3.73
3/4"	26.7	2.11	2.87	3.91
1"	33.4	2.77	3.38	4.55
1-1/2"	48.3	2.77	3.68	5.08
2"	60.3	2.77	3.91	5.54
3"	88.9	3.05	5.49	7.62
4"	114.3	3.05	6.02	8.56
6"	168.3	3.40	7.11	10.97

 

What is the difference between 316 SCH 40 pipe and SCH 80?

The primary difference between Schedule 40 (SCH 40) and Schedule 80 (SCH 80) pipes made of 316 material lies in the fact that SCH 80 features thicker walls and a smaller inner diameter, and possesses a higher pressure rating than SCH 40. SCH 40 is generally regarded as the standard specification suitable for general low-pressure applications, whereas SCH 80-distinguished by its enhanced strength and durability-is specifically designed for industrial environments involving high pressure, heavy loads, or highly corrosive conditions.

 

What is the "12.5% Wall Tolerance" in ASTM A312?

According to the ASTM A312 standard for seamless stainless steel pipe, the wall thickness is allowed a negative tolerance of 12.5%. For example, if the nominal thickness is 10mm, a pipe arriving at 8.75mm is technically compliant. If your safety code requires a strict minimum, you must specify "Minimum Wall" instead of "Nominal Wall."

 

At GNEE, we are more than just a piping supplier; we provide "ready-to-use" piping solutions. Whether you are responsible for refinery shutdowns and maintenance, chemical plant expansions, or high-pressure offshore projects, we offer a range of 316 stainless steel products compliant with ASTM A312/A213 standards.

 

Product Form	Technical Specifications	Size & Schedule Range
316 Seamless Pipes	ASTM A312 / ASME SA312	NPS 1/8" to 30"; SCH 5S to XXS
316 Welded Pipes	ASTM A312 / A358 (EFW)	NPS 1/2" to 60"; Large Diameter Specialists
316 Heat Exchanger Tubes	ASTM A213 / A269	OD 6mm to 114.3mm; U-Bend Available

 

316 stainless steel pipes manufactured by GNEE feature a molybdenum content of ≥ 2.0% and fully comply with the requirements of the NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 standard. Every order is accompanied by an EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificate (MTC).

We offer the following services:
Precision Cutting and Beveling: Ready for immediate welding upon unpacking.
Surface Polishing.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): We provide 100% Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Eddy Current Testing (ET), and Hydrostatic Testing services.
GNEE offers highly competitive final CIF quotations, which include professional seaworthy packaging (fumigated wooden crates/VCI anti-rust film) and accurate documentation classifying the goods under HS Code 7304.41, ensuring smooth customs clearance for your shipment.