Steel Tubing v. Steel Pipe

Steel Tubing and Steel Pipe are often used synonymously however, they differ in two key ways: how the material is ordered and toleranced. A pipe is a hollow section with a round cross-section whereas a tube is a round, square, rectangular or hollow section.


Steel Tubing is mainly used for structural purposes, so its Outside Diameter is necessary for ordering the correct tubing size. The most important factor of using steel tubing for a specific application is the outer diameter dimension, which refers to its stability.


Pipes are used to transport gasses or liquids, knowing how much can flow through or inside the pipe is critical to ordering steel pipe. Metal Steel Tubing is suitable for greenhouse framing, chain link fence framing, livestock fence, and more. Steel pipe is suited for the conveyance of products.


Specific Characteristics To Pipe

  • Shape: Round Only
  • Rigidity: Cannot Be Shaped Without Special Equipment
  • How It's Made: Hot Rolled Only
  • Usage: Conveyance Of Product, Liquid Or Gas
  • Dimensions: Measured By OD (Outer Diameter) and Wall Thickness (WT)
  • Dimensons Note: Determines Liquid Capacity Of Pipe
  • Wall Thickness: Designated By "Schedule" Value (Sch. 80, Sch., STD.)

Specific Characteristics To Tubing

  • Shape: Round, Oval, Square, Rectangular
  • Rigidity: Can Be Shaped With Effort
  • How It's Made: Hot Rolled Or Cold Rolled
  • Usage: For Framework
  • Dimensions: Measured By OD (Outer Diameter) and Wall Thickness (WT)
  • Dimensons Note: WT Measured With A Gauge Nomenclature

How To Call Out Tubing Or Pipe

Naming tube or pipe relies on two key measurements: Outside Diameter (OD) and Wall Thickness (WT). Steel Tubing is measured and referred to by its Outer Diameter and Wall Thickness or Gauge. Steel Pipe is referred to by its Nomial Pipe Size for the diameter in inches and a "Schedule" for the wall thickness.


Pipe Size Example: A pipe with an Outside Diameter (OD) of 1-7/8 inches and a Schedule of 0.120 is referred to as a "one and seven-eighths SS40 pipe."


Tube Size Example: A tube with an Outside Diameter (OD) of 1-3/8 inches and a wall thickness of 0.065 is referred to as a "one and three-eighths 16 gauge tube."


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