Pipe Schedule Chart

Steel Pipe Dimensions & Sizes Chart (Schedule 40, 80 Pipe)

Pipe Schedule

At Tube Aligen Pro, we provide comprehensive pipe schedule charts that define pipe schedules, wall thickness, and their critical role in various industries.

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Nominal Pipe Size

Comprehensive Guide to Pipe Schedule Chart

An important tool in the piping, plumbing, and industrial engineering world is the pipe schedule chart. This standardized data is important for professionals who are inclined to select the most appropriate pipes for their application. From calculating pipe wall thickness to working with steel pipes and comprehending nominal pipe size (NPS), this guide will provide more light in all you need to know.

What Is a Pipe Schedule Chart?

A piping schedule chart represents the relationship between the nominal pipe size (NPS), outer diameter (OD), and wall thickness. It allows users to determine critical details like the schedule of the pipe, which influences its strength and durability. Standardized pipe size charts ensure consistency across industries, making them indispensable for engineers, architects, and contractors.

Key Terms Explained

Before diving into the details of a sch pipe chart, it’s crucial to understand some commonly used terms:

Pipe Size: Refers to the diameter of a pipe, including both the nominal pipe size (NPS) and actual outer diameter (OD).
Nominal Pipe Size (NPS): A standardized way of naming pipe sizes that simplifies the selection process.
Schedule of Pipe: Refers to the pipe wall thickness, typically denoted as Sch 10, Sch 20, Sch 40, etc.
Sch 40 Pipe Thickness: One of the most common schedules, known for its versatility and durability.

Understanding the Piping Schedule Chart

The piping schedule chart categorizes pipes based on their NPS and wall thickness. It is critical to ensure the pipe can withstand the required pressure. Below is an example of what a typical pipe size chart includes:

NPS (Nominal Pipe Size): Defines the approximate diameter of the pipe.
Outer Diameter (OD): The external measurement of the pipe, often presented in millimeters for global standardization.
Wall Thickness: The thickness of the pipe’s wall, which determines its strength and pressure-handling capacity.

Why Use a Pipe Size Chart?

A pipe size chart simplifies the selection process by providing all necessary details in a single reference. This includes steel pipe dimensions, wall thickness, and standard pipe sizes in mm, ensuring compatibility across various systems. It’s particularly useful for industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing.

Standard Pipe Sizes in mm

Pipes are categorized not just by NPS but also by their outer diameter and thickness in millimeters. For example:


1/2″	21.3	2.77
1″	33.4	3.38
2″	60.3	5.54
4″	114.3	6.02

For a complete piping schedule chart PDF, you can download online resources to keep a handy reference.

Pipe Wall Thickness Chart and Pipe OD Chart in mm

The pipe wall thickness chart complements the pipe OD chart in mm to ensure you have a clear understanding of the specifications for different schedules like Sch 10, Sch 20, and Sch 40. For instance:

Sch 40 Pipe Thickness: Known for being a balanced choice for strength and cost.
Sch 80: Offers a thicker wall for high-pressure applications.

Applications of the Steel Pipe Size Chart

Steel pipes are widely used in industries due to their durability and resistance to pressure. The steel pipe size chart ensures:

Correct fitting for industrial and residential applications.
Accurate pressure handling for pipelines.
Consistency in manufacturing and design processes.

Benefits of Using the Nominal Pipe Size Chart

Ease of Selection: The NPS pipe chart ensures users can quickly identify the right pipe for their project.
Standardization: Uniform sizing across manufacturers reduces compatibility issues.
Cost Efficiency: Prevents over-specification, saving on unnecessary material costs.

A pipe schedule chart is one table describing the thickness of different pipe dimensions. It guides the engineers, plumbers, & industrial manufacturers in selecting the pipes suitable for a particular job: it provides nominal pipe size (NPS), outer diameter (OD), and wall thickness

The schedule of a pipe determines its wall thickness, which directly controls strength and pressure capacity. High schedule numbers indicate thicker pipe walls, making pipes stronger and able to sustain higher pressure.

Pipe schedules are based on a formula:
Schedule Number=1000×PS\text{Schedule Number} = \frac{1000 \times \text{P}}{S}
where:
PP = Internal working pressure (psi)
SS = Allowable stress of the material (psi)

Some of the most frequently used pipe schedules include:
SCH 5, SCH 10, SCH 20 – Thin-walled pipes for low-pressure applications
SCH 40 – Standard thickness, widely used in construction and plumbing
SCH 80 – Thicker walls for higher-pressure systems
SCH 160 & SCH XXS (Double Extra Strong) – Extra thick walls for high-pressure applications

Pipe schedule focuses on wall thickness, while pipe class includes other factors like material, pressure rating, and usage. Pipe classes define where and how a pipe should be used based on industry standards.

Yes, different materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, PVC, and copper have unique wall thicknesses and pressure ratings. A Schedule 40 steel pipe and a Schedule 40 PVC pipe will not have the same exact thickness or strength.

For NPS 1/8″ to 12″, the outer diameter (OD) remains the same, but the inner diameter (ID) changes as the schedule increases.
For NPS 14″ and above, both OD and wall thickness increase with the schedule number

SCH 40 PVC – Standard thickness, mainly used for irrigation, drainage, and residential plumbing.
SCH 80 PVC – Thicker walls for high-pressure systems like industrial and chemical transport.

Consider these factors:
✅ Operating pressure – Higher pressure needs a thicker pipe.
✅ Fluid type – Corrosive or hot fluids may need a special material.
✅ Installation environment – Underground, marine, or high-temperature areas require specific pipes.
✅ Budget & weight constraints – Thicker pipes are more expensive and heavier.

You can check:
📌 ASME B36.10 (for carbon steel)
📌 ASME B36.19 (for stainless steel)
📌 Manufacturer websites and engineering handbooks

Using the incorrect schedule can cause:
⚠ Leaks or failure – If the pipe is too thin for the pressure.
⚠ Extra costs – If you use a pipe thicker than needed.
⚠ Compatibility issues – If the fittings don’t match the pipe thickness..

No, different regions use different standards:

ASME/ANSI B36.10 & B36.19 (USA)
BS 1600 (UK)
DIN 2448 (Germany)

JIS G3454 (Japan)

Yes, but plastic pipes (PVC, CPVC, HDPE) often follow SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) instead of traditional schedules.

Not really. Different industries and materials have their own specifications, so it’s always best to refer to the correct chart for your specific needs.

Conclusion

A pipe schedule chart is a crucial tool for selecting the correct pipes based on nominal pipe size, wall thickness, and outer diameter. Whether you’re working on a complex industrial project or a simple home renovation, referencing a sch pipe chart ensures accuracy and reliability. For a detailed guide, consider downloading a piping schedule chart PDF for quick and easy access.

By understanding the basics of pipe size, steel pipe dimensions, and standard pipe sizes in mm, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right materials for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pipe Schedule Chart

Pipe Schedule Data

Explore comprehensive pipe schedule charts for accurate wall thickness and pressure rating insights.

Understand pipe dimensions, including inner and outer diameters across various schedules.

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Pipe Schedules

Explore our comprehensive pipe schedule chart to understand pipe dimensions, wall thickness, and pressure ratings for your projects.

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