Complete Guide to Steel Pipes: Types, Grades, and Applications
Steel pipes are the unsung heroes of modern infrastructure. You’ll find them buried underground, running through skyscrapers, spanning across oil fields, and even woven into the backbone of chemical plants. They carry water, gas, oil, steam—you name it! But let’s face it: when you go shopping for steel pipes, it can feel like stepping into a maze of confusing specs, grades, and standards.
That’s why I’m here to break it all down for you—plain and simple. In this guide, we’ll explore what steel pipes are, the different types and grades available, their top applications, and I’ll even hook you up with a Downloadable Steel Pipe Size Chart + Weight Calculator to make your life easier. Ready? Let’s roll.
That’s why I’m here to break it all down for you—plain and simple. In this guide, we’ll explore what steel pipes are, the different types and grades available, their top applications, and I’ll even hook you up with a Downloadable Steel Pipe Size Chart + Weight Calculator to make your life easier. Ready? Let’s roll.
What Are Steel Pipes, Anyway?
At their core, steel pipes & tubes are cylindrical tubes made from steel that are used to transport fluids, gases, or even solids. But they’re not just “metal tubes”—they’re precision-engineered components designed to handle extreme pressures, temperatures, and corrosive environments.
Depending on how they’re made, steel pipes can have different strengths, finishes, corrosion resistance, and performance characteristics. That’s where types and grades come into play.
Types of Steel Pipes (And Why They Matter)
Not all steel pipes are created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of the major types:
1. Seamless Steel Pipes
• What they are: Pipes made from a solid billet that’s heated and pierced through the center, without any welded seams.
• Why they rock: They handle high pressure and temperature like a champ, making them ideal for oil and gas, power plants, and chemical processing.
• Common standards: ASTM A106, ASTM A53, API 5L.
2. Welded Steel Pipes
• What they are: Pipes formed by rolling steel plates or coils and welding the seam.
• Why they’re great: More affordable and available in larger diameters, perfect for structural and low-pressure applications.
• Common standards: ASTM A53, ASTM A252, API 5L.
3. Galvanized Steel Pipes
• What they are: Steel pipes coated with a protective layer of zinc.
• Why they’re useful: Excellent corrosion resistance for water supply lines, fencing, and outdoor applications.
4. Stainless Steel Pipes (Alloy steel pipes)
• What they are: Pipes made with steel alloyed with chromium (and sometimes nickel) for corrosion resistance.
• Where they shine: Chemical plants, food processing, marine, and pharmaceutical industries.
5. Carbon Steel Pipes
• What they are: Pipes made primarily from carbon and iron, without significant alloying elements.
• Why they matter: Strong, durable, and cost-effective—widely used in oil, gas, water, and structural systems.
Grades of Steel Pipes (Choosing the Right One)
Here’s where it gets technical. Grades define the chemical makeup, mechanical properties, and performance of the pipe. A few key grades you’ll encounter:
✔ ASTM A106 Grade B / C: Seamless carbon steel pipes for high-temperature services.
✔ PI 5L X42 to X70: Line pipes for oil and gas transmission.
✔ ASTM A312 TP304/316: Stainless steel pipes for corrosive environments.
✔ ASTM A53 Grade B: Black and hot-dipped galvanized welded pipes.
Pro tip: Always check the project specs or consult your supplier when choosing grades—it’s not a one-size-fits-all game.
Applications of Steel Pipes (Where You’ll Find Them)
Steel pipes are everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Here’s a peek into where they’re most commonly used:
• Oil and Gas Pipelines: Transporting crude oil, natural gas, and refined products over long distances.
• Water and Wastewater Systems: Supplying clean water and handling sewage.
• Construction and Infrastructure: Structural supports, scaffolding, piling, and columns.
• Chemical and Power Plants: Carrying steam, chemicals, and high-pressure fluids.
• HVAC Systems: Chilled water, hot water, and compressed air distribution.
It’s pretty wild how one humble product can fit into so many industries, right?
How to Select the Right Steel Pipe
Here’s a simple checklist to help you narrow down your selection:
✔ What’s the fluid or gas being transported?
✔ What are the pressure and temperature requirements?
✔ Do you need corrosion resistance (e.g., in marine or chemical settings)?
✔ What size, wall thickness, and length do you need?
✔ Are there any industry standards or certifications to meet?
When in doubt, talk to your supplier—they’ve seen it all and can guide you to the right choice.
Pipe Size Chart + Weight Calculator
To make your life even easier, I’ve prepared a free Steel Pipe Size Chart + Weight Calculator. Trust me, it’s a time-saver you’ll come back to again and again.
With this tool, you can:
• Look up standard pipe sizes (OD, ID, wall thickness)
• Calculate pipe weight per meter or foot
• Quickly check dimensions for project planning
Pipe Size Chart for standard steel pipes. The chart includes outer diameter (OD), wall thickness, and weight per meter or foot. Please note that pipe dimensions and weight can vary depending on the specific standards (e.g., ASTM, API) and grades being used.
Standard Steel Pipe Size Chart
| Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) | Outer Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness (Schedule 40) | Wall Thickness (Schedule 80) | Weight per Meter (Schedule 40) | Weight per Meter (Schedule 80) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8″ | 0.405″ | 0.068″ | 0.095″ | 0.58 kg (1.28 lbs) | 0.87 kg (1.92 lbs) |
| 1/4″ | 0.540″ | 0.088″ | 0.119″ | 1.15 kg (2.53 lbs) | 1.57 kg (3.46 lbs) |
| 3/8″ | 0.675″ | 0.091″ | 0.126″ | 1.73 kg (3.81 lbs) | 2.26 kg (4.98 lbs) |
| 1/2″ | 0.840″ | 0.109″ | 0.147″ | 2.47 kg (5.44 lbs) | 3.32 kg (7.32 lbs) |
| 3/4″ | 1.050″ | 0.113″ | 0.154″ | 3.42 kg (7.53 lbs) | 4.52 kg (9.95 lbs) |
| 1″ | 1.315″ | 0.140″ | 0.179″ | 4.93 kg (10.87 lbs) | 6.63 kg (14.61 lbs) |
| 1-1/4″ | 1.660″ | 0.140″ | 0.191″ | 6.72 kg (14.81 lbs) | 8.98 kg (19.79 lbs) |
| 1-1/2″ | 1.900″ | 0.145″ | 0.200″ | 8.20 kg (18.08 lbs) | 10.70 kg (23.59 lbs) |
| 2″ | 2.375″ | 0.154″ | 0.218″ | 11.09 kg (24.43 lbs) | 14.79 kg (32.59 lbs) |
| 2-1/2″ | 2.875″ | 0.203″ | 0.276″ | 14.85 kg (32.72 lbs) | 19.89 kg (43.86 lbs) |
| 3″ | 3.500″ | 0.216″ | 0.300″ | 19.55 kg (43.12 lbs) | 26.19 kg (57.78 lbs) |
| 4″ | 4.500″ | 0.237″ | 0.337″ | 26.80 kg (59.14 lbs) | 35.85 kg (79.02 lbs) |
| 6″ | 6.625″ | 0.280″ | 0.432″ | 48.40 kg (106.79 lbs) | 70.34 kg (154.53 lbs) |
| 8″ | 8.625″ | 0.322″ | 0.500″ | 74.40 kg (164.78 lbs) | 107.60 kg (237.92 lbs) |
| 10″ | 10.750″ | 0.365″ | 0.500″ | 102.90 kg (227.49 lbs) | 151.10 kg (332.47 lbs) |
| 12″ | 12.750″ | 0.406″ | 0.500″ | 133.30 kg (294.99 lbs) | 189.50 kg (417.38 lbs) |
Notes:
1. Nominal Pipe Size (NPS): Refers to the pipe’s nominal (rough) size. It doesn’t correspond directly to the actual outer diameter (OD), but is a standardized measure used for classification.
2. Wall Thickness: The thickness of the pipe wall, typically measured in inches. Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 are common schedules, with Schedule 80 providing thicker walls for higher pressure applications.
3. Weight per Meter (kg): This is the pipe’s weight based on its length (per meter or foot). Different schedules and sizes have different weights, which can be critical when planning material costs and structural support requirements.
Pressure and Temperature Ratings for Steel Pipes
| Pipe Material | Schedule | Temperature (°F) | Pressure Rating (psi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel (ASTM A106 Gr B) | 40 | 100 | 2800 |
| 200 | 2600 | ||
| 300 | 2400 | ||
| 400 | 2200 | ||
| 80 | 100 | 3700 | |
| 200 | 3300 | ||
| 300 | 3000 | ||
| 400 | 2800 | ||
| Stainless Steel (ASTM A312 TP304) | 40 | 100 | 3000 |
| 200 | 2700 | ||
| 300 | 2400 | ||
| 400 | 2100 | ||
| 80 | 100 | 4200 | |
| 200 | 3900 | ||
| 300 | 3500 | ||
| 400 | 3200 | ||
| Carbon Steel (API 5L X42) | 40 | 100 | 2200 |
| 200 | 2100 | ||
| 300 | 2000 | ||
| 400 | 1900 | ||
| 80 | 100 | 3000 | |
| 200 | 2800 | ||
| 300 | 2600 | ||
| 400 | 2400 | ||
| Stainless Steel (ASTM A312 TP316) | 40 | 100 | 3200 |
| 200 | 2900 | ||
| 300 | 2600 | ||
| 400 | 2300 | ||
| 80 | 100 | 4500 | |
| 200 | 4200 | ||
| 300 | 3800 | ||
| 400 | 3500 |
Key Points to Note:
1. Temperature (°F): The temperature column indicates the operating temperature range of the pipes. As temperature increases, the material strength of the steel may decrease, which can affect pressure ratings.
2. Pressure Rating (psi): This is the maximum allowable internal pressure that the pipe can withstand safely at a given temperature. As temperature increases, pressure ratings typically decrease due to the weakening of the material at higher temperatures.
3. Schedule: This refers to the pipe wall thickness. A higher schedule (like Schedule 80) means a thicker wall and can handle higher pressures. The chart provides values for Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pipes.
4. Material Grades: The pressure and temperature ratings vary depending on the material composition. Carbon steel (ASTM A106) and Stainless steel (ASTM A312 TP304/TP316) are some of the most commonly used materials, with stainless steel offering higher resistance to corrosion and higher temperature performance.
5. Units: The chart uses pounds per square inch (psi) for pressure and degrees Fahrenheit (°F) for temperature.
How to Use This Chart:
• Determine Your Pipe Material: Identify whether you are using carbon steel or stainless steel, and the relevant grade (e.g., ASTM A106 Grade B for carbon steel, ASTM A312 TP304 for stainless steel).
• Choose the Schedule: Depending on your project requirements, choose the correct schedule (Schedule 40, Schedule 80).
• Temperature Conditions: Determine the operating temperature of the system.
• Check Pressure Rating: Use the chart to find the corresponding pressure rating for the material, schedule, and temperature.
Important Considerations:
• Always consult with your pipe supplier or manufacturer for specific application scenarios, as actual pressure and temperature limits can vary with the medium being transported, the pipe installation, and system design.
• If your system operates in extreme conditions, you may want to use specialized materials or higher-grade pipe materials to ensure safety and longevity.
Steel Pipe Weight Calculator (Per Meter or Per Foot)
✔ Formula (per meter):
Weight (kg/m)=(Outside Diameter (mm)−Wall Thickness (mm))×Wall Thickness (mm)×0.02466
✔ Formula (per foot):
Weight (lb/ft)=(Outside Diameter (in)−Wall Thickness (in))×Wall Thickness (in)×10.68
Explanation of formula:
• OD (Outside Diameter) → the outer diameter of the pipe
• WT (Wall Thickness) → thickness of the pipe wall
• 0.02466 → constant for kg/m (based on steel density ~7850 kg/m³)
• 10.68 → constant for lb/ft (based on steel density ~490 lb/ft³)
Quick Reference Table
| Nominal Size (in) | OD (mm) | Schedule 40 (kg/m) | Schedule 80 (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1” | 33.4 | ~2.72 | ~3.36 |
| 2” | 60.3 | ~5.44 | ~7.14 |
| 3” | 88.9 | ~8.63 | ~11.6 |
| 4” | 114.3 | ~11.9 | ~16.1 |
| 6” | 168.3 | ~28.3 | ~38.7 |
| 8” | 219.1 | ~44.5 | ~61.6 |
| 10” | 273 | ~66.1 | ~91.5 |
| 12” | 323.9 | ~90.3 | ~125 |
How to Use the Calculator
1. Measure or look up the OD and wall thickness.
2. Plug values into the formula.
3. Get weight per meter (kg) or per foot (lb).
4. Multiply by total length to get total weight.
Final Thoughts
Steel pipes may not get the spotlight they deserve, but they’re absolutely essential to keeping the world running. Whether you’re an engineer, a purchase manager, or just curious about industrial products, understanding the types, grades, and applications of steel pipes will help you make smarter decisions.
So next time you’re staring at a spec sheet or catalog, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at—and maybe even impress your colleagues a little!
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your team or bookmark it for later. And don’t forget to grab that free size chart + calculator!
Got questions about steel pipes or need help picking the right type? get in touch—We are happy to help!
