Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe, also written as SCH10 stainless steel pipe, is often selected when a project needs corrosion resistance, lighter wall thickness and efficient installation. It is commonly used in water supply, HVAC and industrial piping systems where the pipe schedule, wall thickness and material grade must match the project design.
For buyers comparing stainless steel pipes, Schedule 10 is not just a pipe size. It describes a wall thickness range for a given nominal pipe size. Therefore, selection should consider pipe diameter, pressure condition, installation environment and matching stainless steel pipe fittings.
What Is Schedule 10 Stainless Steel Pipe?
Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe is a pipe wall thickness classification. In many pipe sizing systems, the nominal pipe size describes the general pipe size, while the schedule number helps define wall thickness.
Compared with heavier schedules, SCH10 pipe usually has a thinner wall. This can make it useful for applications where corrosion resistance, clean installation and lower pipe weight are important. However, final selection should always follow project drawings, pressure requirements and applicable standards.
Schedule 10 Stainless Steel Pipe Size Table
The following table shows common SCH10 pipe sizes, including nominal pipe size, nominal diameter, outside diameter and wall thickness. Final dimensions should be confirmed according to project drawings, applicable standards and project requirements.
| Nominal Pipe Size | Nominal Diameter | Outside Diameter (in) | Outside Diameter (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8″ | DN6 | 0.405 | 10.29 | 1.24 |
| 1/4″ | DN8 | 0.540 | 13.72 | 1.65 |
| 3/8″ | DN10 | 0.675 | 17.15 | 1.65 |
| 1/2″ | DN15 | 0.840 | 21.34 | 2.11 |
| 3/4″ | DN20 | 1.050 | 26.67 | 2.11 |
| 1″ | DN25 | 1.315 | 33.40 | 2.77 |
| 1-1/4″ | DN32 | 1.660 | 42.16 | 2.77 |
| 1-1/2″ | DN40 | 1.900 | 48.26 | 2.77 |
| 2″ | DN50 | 2.375 | 60.33 | 2.77 |
| 2-1/2″ | DN65 | 2.875 | 73.03 | 3.05 |
| 3″ | DN80 | 3.500 | 88.90 | 3.05 |
| 3-1/2″ | DN90 | 4.000 | 101.60 | 3.05 |
| 4″ | DN100 | 4.500 | 114.30 | 3.05 |
| 5″ | DN125 | 5.563 | 141.30 | 3.40 |
| 6″ | DN150 | 6.625 | 168.28 | 3.40 |
| 8″ | DN200 | 8.625 | 219.08 | 3.76 |
| 10″ | DN250 | 10.750 | 273.05 | 4.19 |
| 12″ | DN300 | 12.750 | 323.85 | 4.57 |
| 16″ | DN400 | 16.000 | 406.40 | 6.35 |
| 20″ | DN500 | 20.000 | 508.00 | 6.35 |
| 24″ | DN600 | 24.000 | 609.60 | 6.35 |
| 28″ | DN700 | 28.000 | 711.20 | 6.35 |
| 32″ | DN800 | 32.000 | 812.80 | 6.35 |
| 36″ | DN900 | 36.000 | 914.40 | 6.35 |
Need more wall thickness options? Download the full stainless steel pipe schedule table for additional Schedule 5, Schedule 10, Schedule 40, Schedule 80 and related pipe dimension references.
Understanding NPS, DN, OD and Wall Thickness
When selecting stainless steel pipe, buyers often see terms such as NPS, DN, OD and wall thickness. NPS is a nominal pipe size system, DN is a metric nominal diameter designation, OD refers to outside diameter, and wall thickness affects internal diameter, strength and installation requirements.
This is why two pipes may have the same nominal size but different wall thicknesses. The schedule number helps identify the pipe wall thickness for a given pipe size.
For additional background, you may review this Nominal Pipe Size reference.
SCH10 vs SCH40: Wall Thickness and Use Cases
SCH10 stainless steel pipe is generally thinner than SCH40 stainless steel pipe for the same nominal pipe size. As a result, SCH10 may be suitable for applications where lighter wall thickness is acceptable, while Schedule 40 may be considered when higher wall thickness or different mechanical requirements are needed.
This does not mean one schedule is always better than the other. The right choice depends on pressure, temperature, medium, installation environment, required service life and project standards.
Common Applications
Schedule 10 pipe is often considered for projects where stainless steel corrosion resistance and clean installation are important.
- Building water supply systems
- HVAC piping systems
- Industrial utility pipelines
- Low to moderate pressure stainless steel pipe systems
- Projects where lighter wall thickness can meet design requirements
- Stainless steel piping systems using compatible press-fit or welded fittings
How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Pipe Schedule
Before choosing Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe, confirm the project requirements carefully. Pipe schedule should not be selected only by cost or weight.
| Selection Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pipe size / NPS | Determines the nominal pipe size and matching fittings. |
| Wall thickness | Affects internal diameter, strength and pressure suitability. |
| Material grade | 304 / 316L selection depends on corrosion environment and project requirements. |
| Application | Water, HVAC and industrial systems may require different pipe schedules. |
| Project standard | Final selection should follow drawings, specifications and applicable standards. |
You can also check Nonleak Technical Documentation for installation and product reference information.
Need Help Selecting the Right Stainless Steel Pipe?
Nonleak provides stainless steel pipes and fittings for water supply, HVAC, industrial and project piping systems. Contact Nonleak to select the right Schedule 10 stainless steel pipe size, material grade and fitting solution for your project.
