PVC Pipe Sizes report

PVC is the abbreviation of Polyvinylchloride, the main component is polyvinyl chloride, and other components are added to enhance its heat resistance, toughness, and flexibility. PVC pipe is a synthetic material widely used in the world today. Its global usage ranks second among various synthetic materials.

As one of the products of technological development, PVC pipes are very common in daily life, and the most typical is water pipes. Whether it is a new house renovation or a new water pipe replacement, you need to understand the PVC pipe's size fully. The diameters of PVC threading pipes commonly used in home decoration are 16mm and 20mm, respectively.

PVC pipes offer the simplest in performance, versatility, durability, and affordability for plumbing, construction, drainage, and ventilation needs. You would possibly feel confused about the varied numbers and sizes when choosing PVC pipes. Fortunately, it takes a couple of minutes to know the various types and PVC pipe sizes(dimensions). You will find all details about PVS pipes in the following article.

PVC Pipe Size Guide

PVC pipes are divided into different categories depending on both the length and the thickness of their walls. There are many different sizes of PVC pipe. Some are tiny, at 1/2", but others are huge at 12". The problem is that what the industry calls a 1" pipe is not 1" in diameter. There are three factors about PVC pipe sizes you should understand.

PVC Pipe OD

The outer diameter of the PVC pipe is slightly larger than what its name says. This is because PVC pipes and fittings use a nominal system. That means compatible parts are given the same name, so all 1" pipes will fit in 1" fittings. The measurements in pipe names are the PVC nominal pipe sizes, but it does not equal the PVC pipe size. To find PVC pipe OD sizes, you cannot simply see the number on the label, such as the OD for 1/2" PVC pipe is 0.840" and the OD for 3" PVC pipe is 3.500". The wall thickness continues increasing as the pipe gets larger.

PVC Pipe Insider Diameter

It is the measurement from the inside hole of the pipe, from top to bottom or left to right. The insider diameter is used to determine the PVC pipe size.

Wall Thickness

A pipe’s wall thickness is particularly important to understand during construction projects, as a pipe with too thin a wall may burst due to pressure. As PVC pipe increases in diameter, the walls must also be thicker.

Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80

Schedule 80 PVC pipe has thicker walls than schedule 40 but still has the same OD. It means that the ID of 1" schedule 80 PVC pipe is slightly less than 1". While the ID of the pipe may vary by schedule, the ID of fittings is always the same as the OD of the pipe it is meant to work with.

PVC Pipe Size Charts

PVC pipes vary in size and are broken down into three main categories: schedule 40, schedule 80, and schedule 120. There are also different uses for each type of pipe schedule. Keep reading to understand each PVC pipe's size.

PVC Pipe OD Chart

If you prefer to measure the outer diameter of PVC pipe use the tables below. The PVC pipe OD chart below shows the nominal size of the PVC pipe along with the actual OD. As mentioned before, the OD for schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC pipe are always the same.

PVC Pipe Size	Actal OD	Applies to
1/2"	0.84	schedule 40, schedule 80, and furnitue grade PVC pipe
3/4"	1.05	schedule 40, schedule 80, and furnitue grade PVC pipe
1"	1.32	schedule 40, schedule 80, and furnitue grade PVC pipe
1 1/4"	1.66	schedule 40, schedule 80, and furnitue grade PVC pipe
1 1/2"	1.9	schedule 40, schedule 80, and furnitue grade PVC pipe
2"	2.4	schedule 40, schedule 80, and furnitue grade PVC pipe
2 1/2"	2.9	schedule 40, schedule 80
3"	3.5	schedule 40, schedule 80
4"	4.5	schedule 40, schedule 80
5"	5.6	schedule 40, schedule 80
6"	6.6	schedule 40, schedule 80
8"	8.6	schedule 40, schedule 80
10"	10.8	schedule 40, schedule 80
12"	12.8	schedule 40, schedule 80

Schedule 40 PVC Pipe

Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Size	Decimal OD	Nominal Inside Diameter	Minimum Wall Thickness	Weight(lb/100 ft)
1/2"	0.84	0.62	0.109	16
3/4"	1.05	0.82	0.113	21
1"	1.32	1.05	0.133	32
1 1/4"	1.66	1.38	0.14	43
1 1/2"	1.9	1.61	0.145	51
2"	2.38	2.07	0.154	68
2 1/2	2.88	2.5	0.203	107
3	3.5	3.1	0.216	141
4	4.5	4.03	0.237	201
5	5.6	5.05	0.258	273
6	6.6	6.07	0.28	353
8	8.6	8.0	0.322	539
10	10.8	10.02	0.365	755

Schedule 80 PVC Pipe

Schedule 80 PVC Pipe Size	Decimal OD	Nominal Inside Diameter	Minimum Wall Thickness	Weight(lb/100 ft)
1/2"	0.84	0.55	0.147	20
3/4"	1.05	0.75	0.154	27
1"	1.32	0.96	0.18	41
1 1/4"	1.66	1.28	0.19	52
1 1/2"	1.9	1.5	0.2	67
2"	2.38	1.94	0.22	95
2 1/2	2.88	2.3	0.28	145
3	3.5	2.9	0.3	194
4	4.5	3.8	0.34	275
5	5.6	4.8	0.38	387
6	6.6	5.8	0.43	542
8	8.6	7.6	0.5	805
10	10.8	9.6	0.59	1200

You always need to buy the right size of PVC for whichever application. PVC pipes have their schedule and pounds per sq in (PSI) rating printed or embroidered on the side to assist people in making the right purchase.