Schedule 40 vs schedule 80 pipe sizes in mm

Apex Metals · Updated · 2 min read

Pipe is named by a nominal size and a schedule. The nominal size fixes the outside diameter and the schedule sets the wall thickness. Schedule 80 has a thicker wall than schedule 40 on the same outside diameter, so it handles more pressure but has a smaller bore.

In this guide
  1. Sizes chart
  2. What schedule means
  3. Nominal size is not the outside diameter
  4. Schedule 40 or 80?
  5. Ordering schedule pipe

Sizes chart

Dimensions to ASME B36.10M. Stainless pipe to ASME B36.19M has the same outside diameters, and the same walls in schedule 40S and 80S up to 8 inch.
Nominal sizeDNOutside Ø (mm)Sch 40 wall (mm)Sch 80 wall (mm)
½"1521.32.773.73
¾"2026.72.873.91
1"2533.43.384.55
1¼"3242.23.564.85
1½"4048.33.685.08
2"5060.33.915.54
2½"6573.05.167.01
3"8088.95.497.62
4"100114.36.028.56
5"125141.36.559.53
6"150168.37.1110.97
8"200219.18.1812.70
10"250273.19.2715.09
12"300323.910.3117.48

What schedule means

Schedule is a series of wall thicknesses, not a pressure rating on its own. The same schedule gives a thicker wall as the pipe gets bigger, so 6 inch schedule 40 has a far heavier wall than 1 inch schedule 40.

Inside diameter is the outside diameter less two walls. A 2 inch schedule 40 pipe has a bore of about 52.5 mm. In schedule 80 it is about 49.2 mm.

Nominal size is not the outside diameter

Up to 12 inch the nominal size is a trade name, not a measurement. A 2 inch pipe measures 60.3 mm across the outside. To identify a pipe you already have, measure the outside diameter with a vernier and the wall at a cut end, then match both to the chart.

Schedule 40 or 80?

Schedule 40 is the standard wall for most water, air and general process lines, and for structural uses such as posts and handrails. Schedule 80 is chosen for higher pressure, for pipe that will be threaded, since the thread is cut into the wall, and where corrosion or erosion will thin the wall over time.

The pressure a pipe may carry depends on the material, the temperature and the design code. Take the rating from your engineer or the code, not from the schedule alone.

Ordering schedule pipe

  • Nominal size, or the outside diameter if you are matching existing pipe
  • Schedule, for example 40 or 80
  • Material: mild steel, or stainless with the grade (see 304 vs 316)
  • Full lengths, or the cut lengths you need
  • Quantity and delivery town

We stock mild steel and stainless schedule pipe in full lengths or cut to size.

Phone, WhatsApp or email

Send us your cutting list

Sizes, quantities and where it needs to go. A photo of a handwritten list is fine. We reply with a written price.