ASME B36.10-2022 is the dimensional standard for welded and seamless wrought steel pipe. It standardizes nominal pipe sizes, outside diameters, wall thickness series and plain-end reference masses for steel pipe used in piping and pipeline applications. Material and product specifications such as ASTM A53, ASTM A106, ASTM A333, ASTM A335 and API 5L define the applicable material and product requirements, while ASME B36.10 provides the dimensional framework.

Current Edition: ASME B36.10-2022

The 2022 revision uses the designation ASME B36.10 rather than ASME B36.10M. The older B36.10M-2018 designation remains common in engineering drawings, specifications and search queries, so both designations are useful when identifying the standard.

Scope of ASME B36.10

ASME B36.10 covers the standardization of dimensions of welded and seamless wrought steel pipe for high or low temperatures and pressures. The term pipe is used, as distinguished from tube, for tubular products of dimensions commonly used in pipeline and piping systems.

For NPS 1/8 through NPS 12, the nominal pipe size is a designation rather than the actual outside diameter. From NPS 14 upward, the NPS number corresponds numerically to the outside diameter in inches. The outside diameter remains fixed for a given NPS while wall thickness changes with the selected schedule.

ASME B36.10 Pipe Size Range

The ASME B36.10 size range extends from NPS 1/8 (DN 6) through NPS 80 (DN 2000). The complete reference below provides the NPS, corresponding DN and outside diameter used for pipe sizing.

The largest nominal size listed is NPS 80, corresponding to DN 2000 and an outside diameter of 80 in. (2032 mm).

Small Bore Pipe Dimensions

Small bore pipe commonly refers to the smaller nominal pipe sizes used in process, utility and instrument-related piping. For this reference page, the small bore range is grouped as NPS 1/2 through NPS 2. This is an industry-oriented size grouping rather than a formal classification defined by ASME B36.10.

For small bore piping, the NPS designation should be checked together with the outside diameter and wall thickness because NPS does not directly equal the actual OD for sizes through NPS 12.

Medium Bore Pipe Dimensions

For this reference page, medium bore pipe is grouped as NPS 2-1/2 through NPS 6. This grouping is used to organize the dimensional information and search terminology; it is not a separate dimensional category defined by ASME B36.10.

Large Bore Pipe Dimensions

For this reference page, large bore pipe is grouped as NPS 8 through NPS 24. Large bore steel pipe is used in process, utility, power, pipeline and other industrial piping systems where larger flow capacity is required. The term large bore describes an industry-oriented size grouping rather than a separate ASME B36.10 dimensional category.

For large bore steel pipe, the selected NPS, OD, wall thickness and material grade should be specified together. These parameters directly affect internal diameter, flow area, theoretical mass, fabrication requirements and project material quantity.

Large Diameter Pipe Sizes: NPS 26 to NPS 80

Above NPS 24, pipe sizes move into a large-diameter range that is frequently used for high-flow process systems, water transmission, energy infrastructure and large pipeline applications. The exact term large diameter is not a separate classification within ASME B36.10, so the size group below should be understood as a practical reference rather than an ASME-defined category.

For large diameter steel pipe procurement, dimensions above NPS 24 should be confirmed against the applicable manufacturing specification, fabrication process and project requirements. ASME B36.10 provides the dimensional reference; it does not by itself define the manufacturing process, steel grade or project pressure class.

Wall Thickness and Pipe Schedule

ASME B36.10 uses numbered schedule designations together with traditional weight designations such as STD, XS and XXS. The applicable wall thickness depends on both NPS and the selected schedule, and not every schedule is available for every nominal size.

STD and Sch 40 are not interchangeable at all sizes, and XS and Sch 80 are not interchangeable at all sizes. For large-bore and large-diameter pipe, the specified NPS and wall thickness should therefore be checked directly against the applicable dimensional table.

Selected Wall Thicknesses

Pipe Weight Calculation: Reference Weight and Material Density

Pipe mass depends on the geometry of the pipe and the density of the material. The outside diameter and wall thickness determine the cross-sectional area, while the material density determines the mass of that volume. Therefore, two pipes with the same NPS, OD and wall thickness can have different theoretical masses when their material densities differ.

Reference Steel Weight Formula

For a reference steel density of approximately 7850 kg/m³, the commonly used metric expression is:

This coefficient is useful for checking reference steel pipe mass. It should not be treated as a universal coefficient for every stainless steel, duplex stainless steel or nickel alloy grade.

Material-Specific Weight Formula

For a material-specific theoretical mass, use the density of the selected material:

The same equation can be simplified to M = π × ρ × t × (D − t) × 10⁻⁶.

Material Density Correction

This correction allows a reference steel weight to be adjusted for the density of another material. The applicable density should be taken from the relevant material specification, approved manufacturer data or grade-specific technical datasheet.

US Customary Formula

At a reference steel density of approximately 0.2836 lb/in³, the expression becomes approximately W = 10.69 × (D − t) × t in lb/ft.

Typical Density Reference

The density table is a calculation reference only. The exact density should be confirmed for the actual grade being purchased because chemical composition and grade-specific material data can affect density.

Reference Pipe Weight Chart

The following selected values are theoretical reference masses calculated using a reference density of 7850 kg/m³. They are useful for dimensional and purchasing checks. For stainless steel, duplex stainless steel or other alloys, adjust the reference mass using the material density formula above.

Reference mass is not the same as actual shipping weight. Manufacturing tolerances, product length, end preparation and other product-specific factors can affect the delivered weight.

ASME B36.10 vs ASME B36.19

ASME B36.19 is the companion dimensional standard for welded and seamless wrought stainless steel pipe. Stainless steel pipe should therefore be checked against B36.19 where its dimensional schedule and wall thickness requirements apply. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

What ASME B36.10 Does Not Specify

• Material chemistry and mechanical properties, which come from the applicable ASTM, API or other product specification.
• A universal material density. Density is grade-dependent and should be taken from applicable material data.
• Pressure rating. Pipe schedule describes wall thickness and is not itself a universal pressure class.
• Corrosion allowance or other project-specific design allowances.
• Manufacturing process requirements for a particular procurement unless specified by the applicable product standard.
• Tube dimensions, which use a different dimensional basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current edition of ASME B36.10?

The current edition is ASME B36.10-2022, which revises ASME B36.10M-2018.

What is the size range of ASME B36.10?

The dimensional range extends from NPS 1/8 (DN 6) through NPS 80 (DN 2000).

What is the largest pipe size in ASME B36.10?

The largest listed nominal size is NPS 80, corresponding to DN 2000 and an outside diameter of 80 in. (2032 mm).

What is small bore pipe?

Small bore pipe is an industry term for smaller nominal pipe sizes. This page groups NPS 1/2 through NPS 2 as small bore for reference, although ASME B36.10 does not define small bore as a formal dimensional category.

What is medium bore pipe?

For this reference page, medium bore pipe is grouped as NPS 2-1/2 through NPS 6. The exact industry or project boundary can vary because ASME B36.10 itself does not define small, medium and large bore categories.

What is large bore pipe?

For this page, large bore pipe is grouped as NPS 8 through NPS 24. The term is an industry-oriented size description rather than an official ASME B36.10 classification.

What is large diameter steel pipe?

Large diameter steel pipe refers to larger outside-diameter steel pipe used in applications requiring high flow capacity or large transmission sections. The exact size boundary varies by manufacturer, project and industry rather than being fixed by ASME B36.10.

Is STD the same as Sch 40?

Only through NPS 10. Above NPS 10, STD and Sch 40 should not be treated as interchangeable.

Is XS the same as Sch 80?

Only through NPS 8. Above NPS 8, XS and Sch 80 should not be treated as interchangeable.

How is ASME B36.10 pipe weight calculated?

Pipe mass depends on outside diameter, wall thickness and material density. The material-specific metric formula is M = π/4 × [D² − (D − 2t)²] × ρ × 10−6, where D and t are in mm, ρ is in kg/m³ and M is in kg/m.

Why does the same pipe size have different weights for different materials?

Because mass depends on material density. Pipes with the same NPS, OD and wall thickness can have different theoretical masses when made from materials with different densities.

Does ASME B36.10 specify material density?

No. B36.10 is a dimensional standard. The density used for material-specific weight calculation should come from the applicable material specification or approved material data.

What is the difference between ASME B36.10 and B36.19?

B36.10 covers welded and seamless wrought steel pipe, while B36.19 covers welded and seamless wrought stainless steel pipe. Stainless steel pipe should be checked against the applicable B36.19 dimensions and schedule requirements.