ANSI Pipe Schedules

An ANSI pipe schedule is a standard classification system used throughout industries to classify pipe for high- or low-pressure applications, applications involving high or low temperatures, and more. The higher the pipe schedule number, the thicker the pipe wall.

Totten Tubes maintains the USA’s most diverse and specialized inventory of steel tube and pipe. In addition to our vast range of products, we are your go-to source for industrial steel knowledge, resources, and services. Use this chart to discover your steel pipe’s ANSI pipe schedule. For in-depth product information, including our available steel pipe with a variety of schedules, visit our spec sheets.

                    

How to Use a Steel Pipe Schedule Chart

While pipe schedule exists to estimate a pipe’s ID, outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness are used to calculate the final value. Totten Tubes provides an easy-to-use steel pipe schedule chart to assist you in finding the best option for your industrial application. Follow these straightforward steps:

1. Measure your pipe’s OD and wall thickness
2. Using the pipe schedule chart above, find the corresponding OD or pipe size in the vertical column
3. Using the pipe schedule chart above, find the corresponding thickness in the horizontal row
4. Identify the ANSI pipe schedule value

For example, let’s say your steel pipe OD is 3.5” and the thickness is 0.216”. By locating these values on the above chart, you will find that you have an ANSI schedule 40 steel pipe.

Is Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 Thicker?

Schedule 40 and schedule 80 are two of the most commonly used ANSI pipe schedules. The main differences between these two options are wall thickness, ID, and weight. Schedule 80 pipe is thicker than schedule 40 pipe due to schedule 80 pipe’s wall measurements, smaller inside diameter, and higher weight. While these numbers can vary depending on nominal pipe size, they provide a starting point while referencing a pipe schedule chart.

Why Does Pipe Schedule Matter?

Pipe schedule matters because it helps to determine which steel pipe is best for your application or industry. For example, any project dealing with compressed air or natural gas will need stronger pipes with higher schedule values to handle high-pressure operations without bursting. However, a thinner pipe with a lower schedule may be adequate when dealing with standard plumbing systems.
The best ANSI steel pipe schedule for your job will depend on your short-term goals, long-term requirements, and specific demands of your assembly.

America’s Most Diverse & Specialized Steel Tube & Pipe Company

Totten Tubes is your full-service supplier for steel tube and pipe. Once we’ve determined the best product for your planned use, we offer custom steel tube fabrication services to customize all orders to your specifications. From tube laser cutting to tube bending and beyond, we create tailored solutions to satisfy the requirements of any order. With locations spanning the North American West Coast, we are ready to provide fast turnarounds on hard-to-find options for competitive prices.

Contact us today with any questions, concerns, or for more information about pipe schedules. Request a quote to receive inventory availability, pricing information, and timeline estimates specific to your order.