Pipe Size Chart report
The pipe is one of the most important and common tools in our daily life. Understanding pipe sizes and pipe scheduling is essential to the long-term performance of your piping system. Knowing what pipe schedule number you need doesn't only save you time and money, but it also can affect everything from load-bearing capacity to your piping system's structure.
A pipe's thickness plays a critical role in your piping system's longevity. If your pipes are handling a heavier load than they are prepared to carry, they could snap, burst, leak, or cause additional damage to your piping system. Choosing the standard size will make it easier to pair your piping with the correct pipe supports to enhance your design.
Have you noticed what pipe sizes you use in your home? There are two pipe classifications that you can use to quickly identify your pipe's sizing: nominal pipe and pipe schedule number. The following post explains what you need to know about pipe scheduling and sizes.
Difference between a Pipe and a Tube
In some instances, the terms may be used interchangeably. However, there is one key difference between tube and pipe, particularly in ordering and tolerancing the material. The tube is used in structural applications, so the outside diameter becomes the critical dimension. At the same time, pipes are generally used to transport gasses or liquids, making it important to know the capacity.
Tubes can come in different shapes such as square, rectangular and cylindrical, whereas pipes are always round. The circular shape of the pipe makes the pressure force evenly distributed.
Pipe Size Guide
The classification of pipes is the schedule and nominal diameter. The pipe is typically ordered using the Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) standard and by specifying a nominal diameter (pipe size) and schedule number (wall thickness). The schedule number can be the same on different pipes, but the actual wall thickness will be different. Pipes accommodate larger applications with sizes that range from a 1/2 inch to several feet.
O.D. and nominal size of the Pipe
The table below cross-references the nominal dimension with its actual outside diameter. The NPS corresponds to the nominal inside diameter for sizes from 1/8 inch through 12 inches but differs somewhat from its actual inside diameter. For sizes larger than 12 inches, NPS corresponds to the actual outside diameter. For each nominal pipe size, the outside diameter (O.D.) remains relatively constant; the variations in wall thickness affect only the inside diameter (I.D.).
NOMINAL PIPE SIZE | OUTSIDE DIAMETER (INCHES) |
---|---|
1/2" | 0.84 inches |
3/4" | 1.05 inches |
1" | 1.315 inches |
1 1/4" | 1.66 inches |
1 1/2" | 1.9 inches |
2" | 2.375 inches |
2 1/2" | 2.875 inches |
3" | 3.5 inches |
3 1/2" | 4 inches |
Wall Thickness Of The Pipe
The wall thickness of tubing is measured in inches (.0035″), or by standard gauge from 7 (heaviest) to 22 (lightest) which correspond to a range of wall thicknesses.
- Standard wall (STD)
- Extra Strong wall (XS), sometimes referred to as Extra Heavy wall (XH)
- Double Extra Strong wall (XXS), sometimes referred to as Double Extra Heavy wall (XXH)
GAUGE | THICKNESS RANGE(INCHES) | TYPICAL VALUE (INCHES) |
---|---|---|
22 | 0.025 through 0.029 | 0.028 |
20 | 0.031 through 0.035 | 0.035 |
19 | 0.038 through 0.042 | 0.042 |
18 | 0.044 through 0.049 | 0.049 |
17 | 0.053 through 0.058 | 0.058 |
16 | 0.060 through 0.065 | 0.065 |
15 | 0.066 through 0.074 | 0.072 |
14 | 0.075 through 0.085 | 0.083 |
13 | 0.087 through 0.097 | 0.095 |
12 | 0.101 through 0.111 | 0.109 |
11 | 0.112 through 0.122 | 0.12 |
10 | 0.126 through 0.136 | 0.134 |
9 | 0.140 through 0.150 | 0.148 |
8 | 0.157 through 0.167 | 0.165 |
Pipe Schedule Size Chart
Pipe schedule numbers are assigned by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to give you a standard set of pipe measurements. They indicate the nominal wall thickness of a pipe. Some of the most common pipe schedule numbers are Schedule 40 and Schedule 80. The following chart shows the relationship of the various NPS sizes and Schedules and the actual Outside Diameter and Wall Thickness.
NOMINAL PIPE SIZE | OD | SCH5 | SCH10 | SCH40 | SCH80 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1/2" | 0.84 | 0.65 | 0.83 | 0.109 | 0.147 |
3/4" | 1.05 | 0.65 | 0.83 | 0.113 | 0.154 |
1" | 1.315 | 0.65 | 0.109 | 0.133 | 0.179 |
1 1/4" | 1.66 | 0.65 | 0.109 | 0.14 | 0.191 |
1 1/2" | 1.9 | 0.65 | 0.109 | 0.145 | 0.2 |
2" | 2.375 | 0.83 | 0.109 | 0.154 | 0.218 |
2 1/2" | 2.875 | 0.83 | 0.12 | 0.203 | 0.276 |
3" | 3.5 | 0.83 | 0.12 | 0.216 | 0.3 |
3 1/2" | 4 | 0.83 | 0.12 | 0.226 | 0.318 |
4" | 4.5 | 0.83 | 0.12 | 0.237 | 0.337 |
Knowing the above pipe standards will help you estimate the full size of your pipe, so you can safely install piping systems, pipe supports, and pipe layouts.