Pipe Size Charts: Wall Thickness, Weight and More
When you’re working with pipes, whether it’s for plumbing, HVAC, or even industrial applications, understanding pipe charts isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. These charts aren’t just a bunch of numbers and symbols; they’re your key to getting the job done right.
They help you figure out the correct size, threading, and material for the job at hand. If you’ve ever ended up with a leak because the threads weren’t quite right or the pipe was just a hair-off, you know exactly why this matters.
What is a Pipe Chart?
A pipe chart is a crucial tool for professionals who work with piping systems, like plumbers, HVAC technicians, and engineers. It provides detailed information about different pipe sizes, wall thicknesses, and other specifications that are essential for selecting the right pipe for a specific job.
There are various types of pipe charts, including thread charts that help you determine the appropriate thread size, size charts that show the outer diameter and wall thickness of pipes, and material charts that compare the properties of different pipe materials, such as steel, PVC, or copper.
Pipe Schedule Wall Thickness | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nominal | O.D. Inches | 10s | 10 | 40s & Std | 40 | 80s & E.H. | 80 | 160 |
1/8" | .405 | .049 | .049 | .068 | .068 | .095 | .095 | |
1/4" | .540 | .065 | .065 | .088 | .088 | .119 | .119 | |
3/8" | .675 | .065 | .065 | .091 | .091 | .126 | .126 | |
1/2" | .840 | .083 | .083 | .109 | .109 | .147 | .147 | .187 |
3/4" | 1.050 | .083 | .083 | .113 | .113 | .154 | .154 | .218 |
1" | 1.315 | .109 | .109 | .133 | .133 | .179 | .179 | .250 |
1 1/4" | 1.660 | .109 | .109 | .140 | .140 | .191 | .191 | .250 |
1 1/2" | 1.900 | .109 | .109 | .145 | .145 | .200 | .200 | .281 |
2" | 2.375 | .109 | .109 | .154 | .154 | .218 | .218 | .343 |
2 1/2" | 2.875 | .120 | .120 | .203 | .203 | .276 | .276 | .375 |
3" | 3.500 | .120 | .120 | .216 | .216 | .300 | .300 | .437 |
3 1/2" | 4.000 | .120 | .120 | .226 | .226 | .318 | .318 | |
4" | 4.500 | .120 | .120 | .237 | .237 | .337 | .337 | .531 |
4 1/2" | 5.000 | .247 | .355 | 4 1/2" | 5.000 | |||
5" | 5.563 | .134 | .134 | .258 | .258 | .375 | .375 | .625 |
6" | 6.625 | .134 | .134 | .280 | .280 | .432 | .432 | .718 |
7" | 7.625 | .301 | .500 | |||||
8" | 8.625 | .148 | .148 | .322 | .322 | .500 | .500 | .906 |
9" | 9.625 | .342 | .500 | |||||
10" | 10.750 | .165 | .165 | .365 | .365 | .500 | .593 | 1.125 |
11" | 11.750 | .375 | .500 | |||||
12" | 12.750 | .180 | .180 | .375 | .406 | .500 | .687 | 1.312 |
14" | 14.000 | .188 | .250 | .375 | .437 | .500 | .750 | 1.406 |
16" | 16.000 | .188 | .250 | .375 | .500 | .500 | .843 | 1.593 |
18" | 18.000 | .188 | .250 | .375 | .562 | .500 | .937 | 1.781 |
Legend:
Wall Thickness in inches
Steel weight in lbs. per ft.
Pipe Dimension and Weight | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Size | Inches | 5S | 5 | 10S | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40S & STD | 40 | 60 | 80S & E.H. | 80 | 100 | 120 | 140 | 160 | DBLE. E.H. |
1/8" | .405 | .035 .1383 | .049 .1863 | .049 .1863 | .068 .2447 | .068 .2447 | .095 .3145 | .095 .3145 | |||||||||
1/4" | .540 | .049 .2570 | .065 .3297 | .065 .3297 | .088 .4248 | .088 .4248 | .119 .5351 | .119 .5351 | |||||||||
3/8" | .675 | .049 .3276 | .065 .4235 | .065 .4235 | .091 .5676 | .091 .5676 | .126 .7448 | .126 .7448 | |||||||||
1/2" | .840 | .065 .5383 | .065 .5383 | .083 .6710 | .083 .6710 | .109 .8510 | .109 .8510 | .147 1.088 | .147 1.088 | .187 1.304 | .294 1.714 | ||||||
3/4" | 1.050 | .065 .6838 | .065 .6838 | .083 .8572 | .083 .8572 | .113 1.131 | .113 1.131 | 1.54 1.474 | 1.54 1.474 | .218 1.937 | .358 3.659 | ||||||
1" | 1.315 | .065 .8678 | .065 .8678 | .109 1.404 | .109 1.404 | .133 1.679 | .133 1.679 | .179 2.172 | .179 2.172 | .250 2.844 | .358 3.659 | ||||||
1 ¼” | 1.660 | .065 1.107 | .065 1.107 | .109 1.806 | .109 1.806 | .140 2.273 | .140 2.273 | .191 2.997 | .191 2.997 | .250 3.765 | .382 5.214 | ||||||
1 1/2" | 1.900 | .065 1.274 | .065 1.274 | .109 2.085 | .109 2.085 | .145 2.718 | .145 2.718 | .200 3.361 | .200 3.361 | .281 4.859 | .400 6.40 | ||||||
2" | 2.375 | .065 1.604 | .065 1.604 | .109 2.638 | .109 2.638 | .154 3.653 | .154 3.653 | .218 5.022 | .218 5.022 | .343 7.444 | .436 9.029 | ||||||
2 1/2" | 2.875 | .083 2.475 | .083 2.475 | .120 3.531 | .120 3.531 | 2.03 5.793 | 2.03 5.793 | .276 7.661 | .276 7.661 | .343 7.444 | .436 9.029 | ||||||
3" | 3.500 | .083 3.029 | .083 3.029 | .120 4.332 | .120 4.332 | .216 7.576 | .216 7.576 | .300 10.25 | .300 10.25 | .437 14.32 | .600 18.58 | ||||||
3 1/2" | 4.000 | .083 3.472 | .083 3.472 | .120 4.973 | .120 4.973 | .226 9.109 | .226 9.109 | 12.51 | .318 12.51 | .636 22.85 | |||||||
4" | 4.500 | .083 3.915 | .083 3.915 | .120 5.613 | .120 5.613 | .237 107.9 | .237 107.9 | .281 12.66 | .337 14.98 | .337 14.98 | .337 14.98 | .531 22.51 | .674 27.54 | ||||
4 1/2" | 5.00 | 0.247 12.53 | 0.355 17.61 | 10 32.53 | |||||||||||||
5" | 5.563 | .083 | 4.853 | .083 | 4.853 | .120 | 6.974 | .258 | 14.62 | .375 | 20.78 | ||||||
6" | 6.625 | 0.109 7.585 | 0.109 7.585 | 0.134 9.290 | 0.134 9.290 | 0.280 18.97 | 0.280 18.97 | 0.432 28.57 | 0.432 28.57 | 0.562 36.39 | 0.718 45.3 | 0.864 53.16 | |||||
7" | 7.625 | 0.301 23.57 | 0.500 38.05 | 0.875 63.08 | |||||||||||||
8" | 8.625 | 0.109 9.914 | 0.109 9.914 | 0.148 13.40 | 0.148 13.40 | 0.250 22.36 | 0.277 24.70 | 0.322 28.55 | 0.322 28.55 | 0.406 35.64 | 0.500 43.39 | 0.500 43.39 | 0.593 50.87 | 0.718 60.93 | 0.812 67.76 | 0.906 74.69 | 0.875 72.42 |
9" | 9.625 | 0.342 33.9 | 0.500 48.72 | ||||||||||||||
10" | 10.750 | 0.134 15.19 | 0.134 15.19 | 0.165 18.65 | 0.165 18.65 | 0.250 28.04 | 0.307 34.24 | 0.365 40.48 | 0.365 40.48 | 0.500 54.74 | 0.500 54.74 | 0.593 64.33 | 0.718 76.93 | 0.843 89.20 | 1.000 104.1 | 1.125 115.7 | |
11" | 11.750 | 0.375 45.55 | .500 60.07 | ||||||||||||||
12" | 12.750 | .156 21.07 | .165 22.18 | .180 24.17 | .180 24.17 | .250 33.38 | .307 34.24 | .365 40.48 | .365 40.48 | .500 54.74 | .500 54.74 | .593 64.33 | .718 76.93 | .843 89.20 | 1.000 104.1 | 1.125 115.7 | |
14" | 14.00 | .156 23.07 | .188 27.73 | .250 36.71 | .312 45.38 | .375 54.57 | .375 54.57 | .437 63.37 | .593 84.91 | .500 72.09 | .750 106.1 | .937 130.7 | 1.093 150.7 | 1.250 170.2 | 189.1 | ||
16" | 16.00 | .165 27.90 | .188 31.75 | .250 42.05 | .312 52.36 | .375 62.58 | .375 62.58 | .500 107.5 | .656 107.5 | .500 82.77 | .843 136.5 | 1.031 164.8 | 1.218 192.3 | 1.427 223.5 | 1.593 245.1 | ||
18" | 18.00 | .165 31.43 | .188 357.6 | .250 47.39 | .312 59.03 | .437 82.06 | .375 70.59 | .562 104.2 | .750 138.2 | .500 93.45 | .937 170.8 | 1.156 208.0 | 1.375 244.1 | 1.526 274.2 | 1.781 308.5 | ||
20" | 20.000 | .188 39.78 | .218 46.05 | .250 52.73 | .375 78.6 | .500 104.1 | .375 78.6 | .593 122.9 | .812 166.4 | .500 104.1 | 1.031 208.9 | 1.280 256.1 | 1.500 296.4 | 1.750 341.1 | 1.968 379.0 | ||
22" | 22.000 | .188 43.8 | .218 50.71 | .250 58.07 | .375 86.61 | .500 114.81 | .375 86.61 | .875 197.41 | .500 114.81 | 1.125 250.81 | 1.375 302.88 | 1.625 353.61 | 1.875 403.0 | 2.125 451.06 | |||
24" | 24.000 | .218 55.37 | .250 63.41 | .250 63.41 | .375 94.62 | .562 140.8 | .375 94.62 | .687 17.12 | .968 23.81 | .500 125.5 | 1.218 296.4 | 1.531 36.74 | 1.812 429.4 | 2.062 483.1 | 2.344 542.13 | ||
26" | 26.000 | .312 85.60 | .500 136.17 | .375 102.63 | .500 136.17 | ||||||||||||
28" | 28.000 | .312 92.26 | .500 146.85 | .625 182.73 | .375 110.64 | ||||||||||||
30" | 30.000 | .250 79.43 | .312 98.93 | .312 98.93 | .500 157.53 | .625 196.08 | .375 118.65 | .500 157.53 | |||||||||
32" | 32.000 | .312 105.59 | .500 168.21 | .625 209.43 | 375 126.66 | .688 230.08 | .500 168.21 | ||||||||||
34" | 34.000 | .312 112.25 | .500 178.89 | .625 222.78 | .375 134.667 | .688 244.77 | |||||||||||
36" | 36.000 | .312 118.92 | .625 236.13 | .375 142.68 | .750 262.35 | .500 189.57 |
Why Pipe Charts are Important
Pipe charts support projects to ensure that you’re choosing the correct pipe size and thread for applications. Accuracy in this area is non-negotiable as this can negatively affect the jobsite, as having the incorrect pipe size or thread can lead to leaks, structural failures, or more dangerous situations if you’re working in a system under pressure. Most measurements tend to be standardized to make it easier to choose the right pipe supports.
Having a pipe chart available also allows you to stick with industry standards and regulations to make sure that installations continue to be safe. In short, a pipe chart is your go-to guide for avoiding costly mistakes and maintaining the integrity of your work.
How to Read a Pipe Chart: A 5-Step Guide
A typical pipe chart includes several columns and rows, each representing key details about the pipe. The columns might list the nominal pipe size, which is the size designation used in the industry, while rows could indicate the outer diameter (O.D.) of the pipe in inches, the wall thickness, and the schedule number. The schedule number refers to the wall thickness, with higher schedules indicating thicker walls.
These components are interrelated, and understanding them is crucial to interpreting the chart correctly.
Identify the Nominal Pipe Size : Start by finding the nominal pipe size in the first column. This will tell you the industry-standard size of the pipe.
Check the Schedule Number : Move across the chart to find the schedule number that matches your application. This tells you the wall thickness.
Find the Outer Diameter : Once you have the nominal size and schedule, locate the corresponding outer diameter in the chart.
Determine the Wall Thickness : Use the schedule number to find the exact wall thickness of the pipe, which is listed in another column.
Cross-Check Other Specifications : If you’re working with a material-specific chart, ensure the material matches your requirements and can handle the pressure and temperature conditions of your project.
Common Symbols and Abbreviations: Pipe charts often use symbols and abbreviations that can be confusing if you’re not familiar with them. For example, " NPS " stands for Nominal Pipe Size, while " O.D ." refers to Outer Diameter. " SCH " is short for Schedule, and it’s followed by a number indicating the wall thickness. Familiarizing yourself with these common terms will make reading the charts much easier.
Why Rely on Pipe Charts?
![pipes](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0717/0159/4403/files/resources-pipe-charts-md.jpg?v=1724347432)
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Safety is the top priority in any job involving pipes, and pipe charts play a crucial role in ensuring that installations meet safety standards and comply with industry regulations. They provide the necessary information to select pipes that can withstand the pressures and temperatures they’ll be exposed to, preventing accidents and ensuring the long-term reliability of the system.
Efficiency in the Field
When you have quick access to accurate pipe information, you can make decisions faster and with more confidence. This efficiency reduces errors and rework, saving time and money on the job. Whether you’re installing a new system or maintaining an existing one, having a reliable pipe chart on hand speeds up the process and improves overall job performance.
Tips for Using Pipe Charts Effectively
- Keep a Reference Handy: Always have a reliable reference, like a printed chart or a smartphone app, within reach when you’re working. This can save you time and prevent mistakes, especially when you’re in the field and need to make quick decisions.
- Cross-Check with Manufacturer Guidelines: When in doubt, cross-check the pipe specifications with the manufacturer’s guidelines. This ensures that you’re using the right pipe for the job and helps avoid costly mistakes.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you use pipe charts, the more comfortable you’ll become with interpreting them. Practice regularly to build your confidence and ensure that you can quickly and accurately read the charts when it matters most.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to selecting the right pipe for the job, having a reliable pipe size chart handy can save you a lot of time and frustration. Whether you’re working a plumbing job, installing an HVAC system, or just dealing with industrial pipes, these pipe size charts can help give you the dimensions you need, including wall thickness and schedules.
Pipe Size Chart Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nominal pipe size (NPS)?
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) is a standardized system used to define the diameter of a pipe. Despite the term "nominal," which suggests an approximation, NPS provides a rough idea of the pipe's size for ordering and specification purposes. For pipes with an NPS of 1/8" to 12", the outside diameter (OD) is fixed, while the wall thickness varies with different schedules, affecting the internal diameter.
What are the advantages of using Schedule 5S or 10S pipes?
Schedule 5S and 10S pipes are thinner-walled options often used in low-pressure and non-critical applications, such as in certain HVAC systems, plumbing, and drainage. They are lighter and more cost-effective than thicker schedules, making them ideal where high strength is not necessary.
What do the abbreviations like "STD," "XS," and "XXS" mean on a pipe chart?
These abbreviations represent different pipe schedules:
- STD (Standard) : Commonly equivalent to Schedule 40, this is a standard thickness used in a wide range of applications.
- XS (Extra Strong): Also known as Schedule 80, this has a thicker wall for higher-pressure applications.
- XXS (Double Extra Strong): This is the thickest standard pipe wall, used in extremely high-pressure environments.
What is the difference between schedule 40 and schedule 80 pipes?
Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pipes differ in wall thickness and, consequently, their pressure ratings. Schedule 80 pipes have a thicker wall than schedule 40 pipes, making them suitable for higher-pressure applications. The chart provides the dimensions for both schedules so you can select the appropriate pipe based on your needs.
How do I choose the right pipe size for my project?
Selecting the right pipe size involves considering the flow rate, pressure requirements, and application type. The pipe size chart provides the necessary dimensions and specifications, such as NPS, OD, wall thickness, and weight per foot, to help you choose a pipe that meets your project’s demands.