People use the words pipe and tube interchangeably, and they think that both are the same. However, there are significant differences between pipe and tube.

A recurring question is “what is the basic difference between pipe and tube”? The short answer is: A PIPE is a round tubular to distribute fluids and gases, designated by a nominal pipe size (NPS or DN) that represents a rough indication of the pipe conveyance capacity; a TUBE is a round, rectangular, squared or oval hollow section measured by outside diameter (“OD”) and wall thickness (“WT”), expressed in inches or millimeters.

What is a Pipe?

The word “steel pipe” refers to round hollow sections to convey fluids and gases – such as oil & gas, propane, steam, acids, and water.

Pipe is a hollow section with round cross section for the conveyance of products. The products include fluids, gas, pellets, powders and more.

The most important dimensions for a pipe is the outer diameter (OD) together with the wall thickness (WT). OD minus 2 times WT (SCHEDULE) determine the inside diameter (ID) of a pipe, which determines the liquid capacity of the pipe.

The pipe outside diameter (OD) does not match the nominal size for pipes below NPS 14 inches (a 2 inches pipe, for instance, has an internal flow capacity of approximately 2 inches, but has an outside diameter of 2.375 inches).

For pipes of a given NPS, the pipe outside diameter is fixed, whereas the pipe inside diameter decreases by increasing schedule values (pipe wall thickness).

The most important mechanical parameters for pipes are the pressure rating, the yield strength, and the ductility.

The standard combinations of pipe nominal diameter and wall thickness (schedule) are covered by the ASME B36.10 and ASME B36.19 specifications (respectively, carbon and alloy pipes, and stainless steel pipes).

EXAMPLES OF ACTUAL O.D. AND I.D.

ACTUAL OUTSIDE DIAMETERS

NPS 1 actual O.D. = 1.5/16" (33.4 mm)

NPS 2 actual O.D. = 2.3/8" (60.3 mm)

NPS 3 actual O.D. = 3.1/2" (88.9 mm)

NPS 4 actual O.D. = 4.1/2" (114.3 mm)

NPS 12 actual O.D. = 12.3/4" (323.9 mm)

NPS 14 ACTUAL O.D. = 14" (355.6 MM)

ACTUAL INSIDE DIAMETERS OF A 1 INCH PIPE.

NPS 1-SCH 40 = O.D.33,4 mm - WT. 3,38 mm - I.D. 26,64 mm

NPS 1-SCH 80 = O.D.33,4 mm - WT. 4,55 mm - I.D. 24,30 mm

NPS 1-SCH 160 = O.D.33,4 mm - WT. 6,35 mm - I.D. 20,70 mm

Such as above defined, the inside diameter is determined by the oudside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT).

The most important mechanical parameters for pipes are the pressure rating, the yield strength, and the ductility.

PIPE INSIDE DIAMETER CALCULATOR

As mentioned, the outside diameter of pipes of a specific NPS is constant but the inside diameter of the pipe (ID) changes depending on the pipe schedule.

The pipe ID can be easily calculated, as long as the pipe NPS and schedule are known.

The pipe ID can be calculated by deducting from the pipe NPS the pipe wall thickness multiplied by 2 (the pipe WT can be taken from the schedule).

Example: for a 12 NPS pipe (DN 300 mm), schedule 40, the pipe outside diameter and the wall thickness are 12.75 inches (324 mm) and 0.406 inches (10.4 mm).

Therefore, the pipe ID (internal diameter) is 12.75 inches – 2 x 0.406 inches = 11.94 inches, or Pipe ID = 324 mm – 2 x 10.4 mm = 303.2 mm.

It should be noted that this calculation is just theoretical, as pipes have a wall thickness tolerance which is generally +/-12.5% for ASME pipes. Hence the actual ID of a given pipe may differ by +/- 12,5% from the theoretical value.

The standard combinations of pipe Nominal Pipe Size and Wall Thickness (schedule) are covered by the ASME B36.10 and ASME B36.19 specifications (respectively, carbon and alloy pipes, and stainless steel pipes).

What is Tube?

The name TUBE refers to round, square, rectangular and oval hollow sections that are used for pressure equipment, for mechanical applications, and for instrumentation systems.

The word “tube” refers to round, square, rectangular, and oval hollow sections used for pressure equipment, for mechanical applications, and for instrumentation systems.

Tubes are designated by their outside diameter and wall thickness, which are exact measures in inches or millimeters. For tubes, the difference between the outside diameter and the wall thickness, multiplied by two, defines the inside diameter of the tube.

The most important physical properties of steel tubes are the hardness, the tensile strength, and low manufacturing tolerances.

Tubes are indicated with outer diameter and wall thickness, in inches or in millimeters.

Pipe vs Tube, 10 basic differences

PIPE vs TUBE STEEL PIPE STEEL TUBE

Key Dimensions (Pipe and Tube Size Chart) The most important dimensions for a pipe is the outer diameter (OD) together with the wall thickness (WT). OD minus 2 times WT (SCHEDULE) determine the inside diameter (ID) of a pipe, which determines the liquid capacity of the pipe. The NPS does not match the true diameter, it is a rough indication The most important dimensions for a steel tube are the outside diameter (OD) and the wall thickness (WT). These parameters are expressed in inches or millimeters and express the true dimensional value of the hollow section.

Wall Thickness The thickness of a steel pipe is designated with a "Schedule" value (the most common are Sch. 40, Sch. STD., Sch. XS, Sch. XXS). Two pipes of different NPS and same schedule have different wall thicknesses in inches or millimeters. The wall thickness of a steel tube is expressed in inches or millimeters. For tubing, the wall thickness is measured also with a gage nomenclature.

Types of Pipes and Tubes (Shapes) Round only Round, rectangular, square, oval

Production range Extensive (up to 80 inches and above) A narrower range for tubing (up to 5 inches), larger for steel tubes for mechanical applications

Tolerances (straightness, dimensions, roundness, etc) and Pipe vs. Tube strength Tolerances are set, but rather loose. Strength is not the major concern. Steel tubes are produced to very strict tolerances. Tubulars undergo several dimensional quality checks, such as straightness, roundness, wall thickness, surface, during the manufacturing process. Mechanical strength is a major concern for tubes.

Production Process Pipes are generally made to stock with highly automated and efficient processes, i.e. pipe mills produce on a continuous basis and feed distributors stock around the world. Tubes manufacturing is more lengthy and laborious

Delivery time Can be short Generally longer

Market price Relatively lower price per ton than steel tubes Higher due to lower mills productivity per hour, and due to the stricter requirements in terms of tolerances and inspections

Materials A wide range of materials is available Tubing is available in carbon steel, low alloy, stainless steel, and nickel-alloys; steel tubes for mechanical applications are mostly of carbon steel

End Connections The most common are beveled, plain and screwed ends Threaded and grooved ends are available for quicker connections on site