PVC Pipe Sizes

When it comes to plumbing, irrigation, or construction projects, understanding PVC pipe sizes is essential. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes are among the most widely used materials for piping systems worldwide because they are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, affordable, and long-lasting. However, choosing the right pipe size can be confusing due to various standards and dimensions.

This complete PVC pipe size chart and guide will help you understand the different sizes of PVC pipe, how to read the dimensions, and how to select the right size for your project.

What Is PVC Pipe?

PVC pipe is made from polyvinyl chloride, a durable thermoplastic material used for transporting water, chemicals, and waste. It’s popular in plumbing, agriculture, and industry due to its strength, low cost, and easy installation.

PVC pipes come in multiple types and schedules, which determine their wall thickness and pressure capacity. The most common types include:

Schedule 40 PVC pipe – standard wall thickness, used for residential plumbing and irrigation.
Schedule 80 PVC pipe – thicker walls, higher pressure rating, used for industrial and commercial systems.

Understanding the PVC pipe size dimensions is crucial to ensure proper fit and function in your project.

Understanding PVC Pipe Size Dimensions

One of the most common misconceptions is that PVC pipe sizes refer to the inner diameter (ID), but that’s not always true. PVC pipes are classified by their nominal size, which is a standardized measurement and may not match the actual ID or OD.

Here’s what you need to know about PVC plastic pipe sizes:

Term	Description
Nominal Size (NPS)	The standardized pipe size name (e.g., 1″, 2″, 4″).
Outer Diameter (OD)	The outside width of the pipe measured edge to edge.
Inner Diameter (ID)	The inside width of the pipe (varies by wall thickness).
Wall Thickness	The difference between OD and ID.
Schedule Number	A code indicating wall thickness (e.g., Schedule 40, 80).

PVC Pipe Size Chart (Inches and Millimeters)

Below is a comprehensive PVC pipe size chart showing the nominal size, outside diameter, inside diameter, and wall thickness for Schedule 40 pipes — the most common standard used in residential and commercial systems.

Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Dimensions

Schedule 40 PVC Pipe Dimensions (Nominal sizes 1/8″ — 24″)

Q: What are the standard sizes of PVC pipe?

Standard PVC pipes typically range from 1/2 inch to 24 inches in diameter, though most household plumbing uses sizes between 1/2 inch and 4 inches .

Q: How can I measure PVC pipe size accurately?

Measure the outer diameter (OD) of your pipe and refer to a PVC pipe size chart to find the nominal size. The OD is more reliable than the ID for determining the right fit.

Q: What’s the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC?easure PVC pipe size accurately?

The main difference is wall thickness . Schedule 80 pipes have thicker walls, allowing them to handle higher pressure, while Schedule 40 is used for general low-pressure work.

Q: What are PVC pipes commonly used for?

PVC pipes are widely used in plumbing, drainage, irrigation, electrical conduit systems, and industrial piping due to their strength and corrosion resistance.

Table shows nominal pipe size, outside diameter (O.D.), average inside diameter (I.D.), minimum wall thickness, nominal weight per foot and maximum working pressure (PSI).

Nom. Pipe Size (in)	O.D.	Average I.D.	Min. Wall	Nominal Wt./Ft.	Maximum W.P. PSI*
1/8	0.405	0.249	0.068	0.051	810
1/4	0.540	0.344	0.088	0.086	780
3/8	0.675	0.473	0.091	0.115	620
1/2	0.840	0.602	0.109	0.170	600
3/4	1.050	0.804	0.113	0.226	480
1	1.315	1.029	0.133	0.333	450
1-1/4	1.660	1.360	0.140	0.450	370
1-1/2	1.900	1.590	0.145	0.537	330
2	2.375	2.047	0.154	0.720	280
2-1/2	2.875	2.445	0.203	1.136	300
3	3.500	3.042	0.216	1.488	260
3-1/2	4.000	3.521	0.226	1.789	240
4	4.500	3.998	0.237	2.118	220
5	5.563	5.016	0.258	2.874	190
6	6.625	6.031	0.280	3.733	180
8	8.625	7.942	0.322	5.619	160
10	10.750	9.976	0.365	7.966	140
12	12.750	11.889	0.406	10.534	130
14	14.000	13.073	0.437	12.462	130
16	16.000	14.940	0.500	16.286	130
18	18.000	16.809	0.562	20.587	130
20	20.000	18.743	0.593	24.183	120
24	24.000	22.544	0.687	33.652	120

*Maximum working pressure (W.P.) shown for reference — confirm manufacturer’s datasheet for design and safety factors.

PVC Pipe Schedule 80

Schedule 80 PVC Pipe Dimensions Chart

Schedule 80 PVC Pipe Dimensions (1/8″ to 24″)

This table provides nominal pipe size, outside diameter (O.D.), inside diameter (I.D.), minimum wall thickness, nominal weight per foot, and maximum working pressure (PSI) for Schedule 80 PVC pipes.

Nominal Pipe Size (in)	O.D. (in)	Average I.D. (in)	Min. Wall (in)	Nominal Wt./ft.	Maximum W.P. PSI*
1/8	0.405	0.195	0.095	0.068	1230
1/4	0.540	0.282	0.119	0.115	1130
3/8	0.675	0.403	0.126	0.158	920
1/2	0.840	0.526	0.147	0.232	850
3/4	1.050	0.722	0.154	0.314	690
1	1.315	0.936	0.179	0.461	630
1-1/4	1.660	1.255	0.191	0.638	520
1-1/2	1.900	1.476	0.200	0.773	470
2	2.375	1.913	0.218	1.070	400
2-1/2	2.875	2.290	0.276	1.632	420
3	3.500	2.864	0.300	2.186	370
4	4.500	3.786	0.337	3.196	320
6	6.625	5.709	0.432	6.102	280
8	8.625	7.565	0.500	9.269	250
10	10.750	9.493	0.593	13.744	230
12	12.750	11.294	0.687	18.909	230
14	14.000	12.410	0.750	22.681	220
16	16.000	14.213	0.843	29.162	220
18	18.000	16.014	0.937	36.487	220
20	20.000	17.814	1.031	44.648	220
24	24.000	21.418	1.218	63.341	210

PVC Pipe Size Conversion: Inches to mm

If you’re working on international projects or using mixed measurement systems, these quick conversions will help:

1/2 inch = 21.34 mm
3/4 inch = 26.67 mm
1 inch = 33.40 mm
2 inch = 60.33 mm
4 inch = 114.30 mm
6 inch = 168.28 mm
8 inch = 219.08 mm

Pro tip: Always double-check your fittings and connectors — some fittings are sized for metric systems while others follow imperial standards.

How to Read and Measure PVC Pipe Sizes

Measuring PVC pipes isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. Here’s a simple way to do it:

Find the printed marking on the pipe — it usually lists size, schedule, and pressure rating.
Measure the Outer Diameter (OD) — use calipers or a measuring tape across the pipe.
Match the OD to the closest nominal size in a PVC pipe size chart.
Select fittings that match your nominal pipe size (not the measured diameter).

For example, a 1-inch PVC pipe actually measures 1.315 inches OD, but you’ll still use 1-inch fittings.

What People Use PVC Pipes For by Size

Each size of PVC pipe has a specific purpose based on how much water needs to flow and how it will be used:

Pipe Size and Common Uses

Common PVC Pipe Sizes and Their Uses

Different PVC pipe sizes serve different purposes. Here’s a practical breakdown:

Pipe Size	Typical Use
1/2″ – 3/4″	Garden hoses, small water lines, drip irrigation
1″ – 2″	Home plumbing, water distribution, drainage
3″ – 4″	Sewage lines, vent systems, main drains
6″ – 8″	Industrial systems, stormwater lines
10″ – 12″	Municipal water mains, large-scale irrigation

Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80 PVC Pipes

One of the most common questions people ask is, “What’s the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 pipes?”
It’s simple — the schedule number refers to wall thickness.

Type	Wall Thickness	Pressure Capacity	Color	Common Use
Schedule 40	Standard	Up to 280 PSI	White	Plumbing, irrigation
Schedule 80	Thicker	Up to 400 PSI	Gray	Industrial, high-pressure systems

If you’re building a home irrigation line, Schedule 40 is usually enough. But for factory or chemical use, Schedule 80 offers more durability and safety.

How to Choose the Right PVC Pipe Size

Choosing the correct PVC pipe size is about more than just diameter. Here are some professional tips:

Calculate your flow rate – How much water or fluid will pass through?
Check the pressure rating – Make sure your pipe can handle it.
Consider temperature – PVC loses strength at higher temperatures.
Match the fittings – Always use the same nominal size for all joints.
Factor in wall thickness – Thicker walls reduce inner diameter, slightly affecting flow.

Getting these details right saves time, money, and future leaks.

Advantages of PVC Pipes

PVC remains a favorite material for both homeowners and professionals because of its many benefits:

Lightweight and easy to handle
Doesn’t rust or corrode
Affordable and readily available
Lasts for decades with minimal maintenance
Smooth inner surface for better water flow
Environmentally friendly (recyclable)

In short, PVC pipes are reliable, long-lasting, and perfect for nearly any type of fluid transfer system.

PVC Pipe Standards and Quality Marks

All PVC plastic pipe sizes are manufactured under strict standards to ensure performance and compatibility. The most common ones include:

ASTM D1785: Dimensions and pressure ratings for PVC pipes
ASTM D2466: PVC fittings specifications
ISO 1452: International metric standard for PVC pressure pipes
BS EN 1452: British and European standard for water supply PVC pipes

Always check the standard code printed on your pipe to confirm it meets local requirements.

FAQs About PVC Pipe Size Chart

Not standard ones. Regular PVC is rated for cold or warm water up to around 140°F (60°C). For hot water, you should use CPVC pipes instead.

Standard PVC pipes typically range from 1/2 inch to 24 inches in diameter, though most household plumbing uses sizes between 1/2 inch and 4 inches.

Measure the outer diameter (OD) of your pipe and refer to a PVC pipe size chart to find the nominal size. The OD is more reliable than the ID for determining the right fit.

The main difference is wall thickness. Schedule 80 pipes have thicker walls, allowing them to handle higher pressure, while Schedule 40 is used for general low-pressure work.

Not standard ones. Regular PVC is rated for cold or warm water up to around 140°F (60°C). For hot water, you should use CPVC pipes instead.

PVC pipes are widely used in plumbing, drainage, irrigation, electrical conduit systems, and industrial piping due to their strength and corrosion resistance.

conclusion

Choosing the right PVC pipe size isn’t just about guessing what looks right — it’s about understanding how dimensions, wall thickness, and pressure ratings affect performance.

With this PVC pipe size chart and guide, you now know exactly how to read pipe markings, compare schedules, and convert sizes from inches to millimeters. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a professional installer, this knowledge helps ensure leak-free, efficient systems that last for decades.

So next time you’re shopping for pipes, bring this chart along — it’s your quick, reliable tool for choosing the perfect PVC pipe size for any job.

PVC Pipe Sizes