To begin with, a pipe is a tubular section or hollow cylinder, usually but not necessarily of circular cross-section, used mainly to convey substances that can flow liquids and gases (fluids), slurries, powders, and masses of small solids. In fluid mechanics, the flow of fluid in a pipe is a type of liquid flow within a closed conduit, such as a pipe or tube (skip straight to the Pipe Sizing Chart).

A pipe diameter often specifies a pipe with a constant outer diameter (OD) and a schedule that specifies the thickness, depending on the applicable standard to which it is constructed. The internal diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), and wall thickness are the most common measurements used to specify tubes.

Although there are similar requirements for tubes used in particular industries, they are frequently fabricated to custom sizes and a wider variety of diameters and tolerances. For manufacturing pipe and tubing, many industrial and governmental standards exist. Non-circular pipes, such as square or rectangular tubing, are also sometimes referred to as “tubes.” “tube” is more often used in the United States, while “pipe” is more frequently used in most of the rest of the world.

Jump right into the Frequently Asked Questions

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Table of content: Pipe Sizing Chart

• Pipe Sizing Chart
• How to choose the right pipe size
• Frequently Asked Questions

Pipe Sizing Chart

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Pipe Sizing Chart (1/8 inch–24 inch Nominal Bores)

Pipe Sizing Chart (26inch -48inch Nominal Bores)

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How to choose the right pipe size

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Although it can be a little perplexing, anyone can learn how to measure pipe size. Get whether you need to measure the outside or pipe inner diameter before measuring with a ruler or tape to determine the correct size. The measurement must then be converted to the nominal pipe size PVC, which is what the pipe will be referred to as in the store. Knowing how to measure pipe size is crucial for plumbing and construction tasks.

Measuring the Right Diameter

Determine whether your correct pipe has “male” or “female” threads, or whether it is threadless. The tiny grooves on the ends of some pipes are called threads, which aid in fitting the pipes. In contrast to female threads on the inside of the pipe, male threads are located there.

If the diameter pipe contains male threads or none measure the outside diameter. The pipe’s overall outside diameter is measured from outside edge to outside edge. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the pipe’s circumference to find it. Pi, or approximately 3.14159, is the circumference divided.
If the pipe contains female threads, measure the interior diameter. Without accounting for the thickness of the pipe walls, that measurement represents the pipe’s midway distance.

Converting to Nominal Pipe Size PVC

If your diameter is less than 14 inches, convert it to a nominal size (360 mm). You don’t need to convert it if the diameter is 14 inches (360 mm) or greater because it already matches the nominal diameter.
Determine whether you must convert to NPS or DN. If you are in North America, convert to Nominal Pipe Size (NPS), or if you are using the metric system, convert to Diameter Nominal (DN).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nominal pipe size OD or ID?

Nominal pipe size refers to only the pipe inner diameter/outside diameter (OD) of a pipe, making it somewhat vague.

What does Sch 40 mean?

SCH 40 is the same wall thickness as the previously used value.

Which is the stronger schedule 40 or 80?

Schedule 40 PVC pipe is strong, rigid, and can handle pressure applications. For jobs that require higher pressure, though, schedule 80 pipe is better suited.

Is Schedule 40 or 80 thicker?

Schedule 40 pipe has thinner walls, so it is best for relatively low water pressure applications. Schedule 80 pipe has thicker walls and can withstand higher PSI (pounds per square inch).

How do I choose a pipe schedule?

Measure the outside diameter and the wall thickness of the pipe. Refer to the pipe schedule chart and find the outside diameter. Find the wall thickness in the corresponding column.

When Did Pipe Scheduling Start?

The Iron Pipe Size (IPS) System introduced steam pipe schedules and acceptable pipe sizes. This method of sizing created numbers to specify the rough pipe dimensions. Because of manufacturing tolerances, pipe manufacturers produced piping with a comparatively uniform thickness and schedule designations.

However, manufacturers began making pipes with thicker inner walls as pipe use increased and piping was required to handle higher pressures. Manufacturers categorized pipes into three major pipe sizes to represent the early thickness discrepancies:

• Standard weight
• Extra-strong
• Double extra-strong

There was eventually a need to consider different industries, various piping environments, and fluctuating pipe temperatures as mass production began to produce an increasing number of piping possibilities. Because of this, the American Standards Association developed steam pipe schedule numbers in the late 1920s to divide measurements of pipe wall thickness into smaller units.

How Do Pipe Sizes Work Today?

Today, there are two pipe classifications you can use to identify your pipe’s sizing quickly:

1. Nominal Pipe Size
2. Pipe Schedule

These pipe velocities help you estimate the full size of your pipe measurements, so you can safely install piping systems, pipe supports, and pipe layouts.

The American Standard Institute and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) assign pipe schedule numbers to provide a uniform set of pipe measurements. They show the pipe’s nominal wall thickness. Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 are two of the most used pipe schedule numbers.

What Is Nominal Pipe Size?

In North America, nominal pipe size is the standard for identifying pipe sizes. Outside North America, pipes are identified by nominal diameter, which approximately equates to the pipe’s outer diameter (OD) in millimeters.

Note that an NPS below 14 approximately refers to the diameter of a pipe measured from the center of the wall material to the opposing side center of the wall material, whereas an NPS of 14 or greater matches the outside diameter of the pipe precisely.

It is important to note that the difference in total pressure factors between two ends of a pipe is known as pressure drop. Pressure drop, also known as pressure loss, happens when a liquid material enters one end of a piping system and exits the other.

Learn more about pipe sizing chart and pipe scheduling (video)

Conclusion

Knowing the schedule of your pipes is crucial because a pipe’s thickness significantly affects the longevity of your piping system. Your plumbing system could sustain extra damage if your pipes crack, burst, leak, or carry a larger load than they are designed to handle. The proper stainless steel pipe supports may be more easily matched with your pipes to withstand an internal pressure bar. Mismatches can cause damage, on-site disasters, and project closure if your pipes are not matched to the appropriate ft pipe support at the proper size.

If you have enjoyed reading this article, on the pipe size, and nominal pipe size, please don’t forget to share your experience in the comments section!

Picture in this post is by Samuel Sianipar on Unsplash

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