PVC Pipe Sizes Chart (With Dimensions & Wall thickness)

Q: How are PVC pipe sizes measured?

PVC pipe sizes are generally measured by their nominal size , which refers to the inside diameter (ID) of the pipe, not the outside diameter (OD). However, the actual OD is larger than the nominal size to accommodate wall thickness.

Q: What is the difference between nominal size and actual size in PVC pipes?

Nominal Size → The labeled size (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inch) Actual Size → The real measurement of the pipe’s outer and inner diameters. For example, a 1-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe has an actual OD of 1.315 inches.

Q: What are the most common PVC pipe schedules?

Schedule 40 → Standard wall thickness, most common for plumbing and drainage. Schedule 80 → Thicker wall, stronger, used for high-pressure applications.

Q: How do I identify PVC pipe size if it’s unlabeled?

Measure the outside diameter (OD) using a caliper or tape measure, then compare it to a PVC pipe size chart to find the nominal size.

PVC Pipe Dimensions – Complete Guide to Dimensions, Types, and Applications

At JM Engineering Our mission is to provide accurate and updated information. The PVC Pipe Size Chart is very impotent to calculate pipe weight pressure flow and temperature ratting. PVC Pipe dimensions are an indispensable tool in industries like plumbing to the electrical conduits and oil & gas RO plants and irrigation.

In this complete guide, we tried to equip you with all the knowledge concerning the sizes of PVC pipe in mm and inches, how PVC pipe sizing is done, and special cases, such as the introduction of Schedule 80 PVC pipe, smallest PVC pipe and the largest PVC pipe size available on the market.

Understanding PVC Pipe Sizing Basics

Before diving into the numbers, it helps to understand what you’re working with. PVC is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in construction because it’s strong, resistant to chemicals, and easy to install.

Definition and Composition

PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride. It’s created by polymerising vinyl chloride monomers. In its rigid form (UPVC pipe schedule 40 is a common variation), it is incredibly hard and durable. Unlike metal pipes, PVC doesn’t rust or corrode over time, which is a massive advantage for water transport systems.

Common Applications

You’ll find PVC everywhere.

Construction: Electricians use schedule 40 and schedule 80 conduit to protect electrical wiring.

Plumbing: It’s the standard for residential drain lines and vents.

Irrigation: Farmers and landscapers use schedule 40 PVC tubing for sprinkler systems.

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

Corrosion Resistance: It doesn’t rot or rust.
Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than copper or steel.
Flow Rate: The smooth interior surface reduces friction, allowing for better water flow.

Disadvantages:

Temperature Sensitivity: Standard PVC can deform at high temperatures (usually above 140°F).
UV Sensitivity: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can make untreated PVC brittle.

PVC Pipes Sizes Chart

PVC Pipe Schedule 40

Nom. Pipe Size (in)	O.D	Average I.D	Min. Wall	Nominal Wt./Ft.	Maximum W.P. PSI
1/8	0.405	0.249	0.068	0.051	810
1/4	0.540	0.344	0.088	0.086	780
3/8	0.675	0.473	0.091	0.115	620
1/2	0.840	0.602	0.109	0.170	600
3/4	1.050	0.804	0.113	0.226	480
1	1.315	1.029	0.133	0.333	450
1-1/4	1.660	1.360	0.140	0.450	370
1-1/2	1.900	1.590	0.145	0.537	330
2	2.375	2.047	0.154	0.720	280
2-1/2	2.875	20445	0.203	1.136	300
3	3.500	3.042	0.216	1.488	260
3-1/2	4.000	3.521	0.226	1.789	240
4	4.500	3.998	0.237	2.118	220
5	5.563	5.016	0.258	2.874	190
6	6.625	6.031	0.280	3.733	180
8	8.625	7.942	0.322	5.619	160
10	10.750	9.976	0.365	7.966	140
12	12.750	11.889	0.406	10.534	130
14	14.000	13.073	0.437	12.462	130
16	16.000	14.940	0.500	16.286	130
18	18.000	16.809	0.562	20.587	130
20	20.000	18.743	0.593	24.183	120
24	24.000	22.544	0.687	33.652	120

This chart lists the standard dimensions of PVC Schedule 40 pipes, including nominal size, outside diameter, inside diameter, and wall thickness. Nominal size is not the actual measurement—use outside diameter for fittings and inside diameter to estimate flow capacity.

PVC Pipes Schedule 80

Nominal Pipe Size (in)	O.D	Average I.D	Min Wall	Nominal Wt./ft.	Maximum W.P. PSI*
1/8	0.405	0.195	0.095	0.068	1230
1/4	0.540	0.282	0.119	0.115	1130
3/8	0.675	0.403	0.126	0.158	920
1/2	0.840	0.526	0.167	0.232	850
3/4	1.050	0.722	0.154	0.314	690
1	1.315	0.936	0.179	0.461	630
1-1/4	1.660	1.255	0.191	0.638	520
1-1/2	1.900	1.476	0.200	0.773	470
2	2.375	1.913	0.218	1.070	400
2-1/2	2.875	2.29	0.276	1.632	420
3	3.500	2.864	0.300	2.186	370
4	4.500	3.786	0.337	3.196	320
6	6.625	5.709	0.432	6.102	280
8	8.625	7.565	0.500	9.269	250
10	10.750	9.493	0.593	13.744	230
12	12.750	11.294	0.687	18.909	230
14	14.000	12.41	0.750	22.681	220
16	16.000	14.213	0.843	29.162	220
18	18.000	16.014	0.937	36.487	220
20	20.000	17.814	0.031	44.648	220
24	24.000	21.418	1.218	63.341	210

This chart shows the standard dimensions of PVC Schedule 80 pipes, including nominal size, outside diameter, inside diameter, and wall thickness. Schedule 80 pipes have thicker walls than Schedule 40, offering higher pressure strength; use outside diameter for fittings and inside diameter to calculate flow capacity.

Standard PVC Pipe Sizes Explained

One of the most confusing aspects of buying pipe is the sizing system. You might pick up a pipe labeled “1 inch,” measure it, and find the outside diameter is actually 1.315 inches. Why the discrepancy?

Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) vs. Outside Diameter (OD)

PVC pipe sizes use a standard known as Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). The “nominal” size refers to the approximate inside diameter (ID) of the pipe, not the outside. However, the exact ID changes based on the thickness of the pipe wall (the schedule).

The critical thing to remember is that the Outside Diameter (OD) is constant for a specific pipe size, regardless of the schedule. This ensures that fittings fit all schedules of the same pipe size. For example, a 1-inch Schedule 40 pipe and a 1-inch Schedule 80 pipe will both fit into a 1-inch coupling because their OD is the same.

Explanation of Schedule Numbers

The “schedule” refers to the wall thickness of the pipe.

Schedule 40 PVC: This is the standard for most home repairs and irrigation. It has a thinner wall compared to Schedule 80.
Schedule 80 PVC: This pipe has thicker walls, making it stronger and able to handle higher pressures. Because the walls are thicker and the OD stays the same, the PVC pipe ID size (inside diameter) is smaller than Schedule 40.

How to Measure the Size of PVC Pipe?

If you are repairing an existing system, you need to know the PVC pipe dimensions exactly.

Tools Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment. A simple tape measure or a set of calipers will work.

Method

Check the Label: Look for the print on the side of the pipe. It will usually say something like “1 1/2 inch Schedule 40 PVC ASTM D1785.” This is the easiest way to identify it.
Measure the OD: If the label is faded, measure the outside diameter across the widest part of the cut end.
- If it measures 0.840 inches, it’s a 1/2-inch pipe.
- If it measures 1.315 inches, it’s a 1-inch pipe.
- If it measures 2.375 inches, it’s a 2-inch pipe.
Check the ID: If you need to distinguish between schedules, measure the ID size PVC. A smaller hole with the same OD means a higher schedule (thicker wall).

PVC Pipe: Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80

When people are buying PVC pipe, they often assume that Schedule 80 PVC pipe is stronger than Schedule 40 PVC pipe – why?
Wall Thickness: Schedule 80 has thicker walls and is better at handling high pressures.

Schedule 80 pipes are usually gray, and Schedule 40 pipes are usually white.

Uses: Schedule 80 is more commonly used in factories and chemical plants. Schedule 40 is used for plumbing in homes and businesses.

For example:

The inside diameter of a 2″ Schedule 40 pipe is approximately 2.067″.
A 2″ Schedule 80 pipe has an inside diameter of approximately 1.939″, due to the wall thickness.
There are two main standards for the sizes of PVC pipes;
PVC Schedule 40 Pipe Sizes is the most common type of pipe used for plumbing, drainage and irrigation.

Schedule 80 has thicker walls, can withstand higher pressure; it is used for installing jobs that are very strength-heavy and happen to be expected to be durable.
For a certain nominal dimension, the two schedules have the same OD, but their wall thickness and ID are different.

PVC sizes in both inches and millimeters

Most of the time, PVC pipes in the US are measured in inches, but in some other countries, they are measured in mm.
A PVC pipe that is nominally 1 inch in diameter has an outside diameter of about 33.4 mm.
The outside diameter of a 2-inch PVC pipe is about 60.3 mm.
This means that in global projects, you need to know how to change the sizes of PVC pipes into mm to avoid fittings that don’t fit

Most will argue that Schedule 80 is stronger than Schedule 40 when it comes to PVC pipe fittings because of:
Wall Thickness: Schedule 80 has thicker walls, which can withstand higher pressures.
Color: In that Schedule 80 is mostly gray, and Schedule 40 is mostly white.
Intended Uses: Schedule 80 is used in factories and chemical plants, while Schedule 40 is used in residences and commercial uses.
As such, for example:
A 2-inch PVC Schedule 40 Pipe Size has an inner diameter of about 2.067 inches.
With thicker walls, a 2-inch SCH 80 PVC Pipe Sizes has an inner diameter of about 1.939 inches.

PVC Pipe Sizes in mm – Used Around the World

Many countries, especially in Asia and Europe, sell PVC pipes in sizes that are usually based on millimetres. There won’t be any more signs that say ½ inch, ¾ inch, or 2 inches. PVC Pipe diameter sizes are like 20mm, 25mm, 50mm, and so on instead.
Common PVC Pipe sizes and Fittings are for the outside diameter of the pipe. For instance:
A 20 mm PVC pipe is often used for water supply pipes in homes.
People often use a 50 mm PVC pipe for plumbing in swimming pools or small-scale irrigation.

Sewers and main drainage lines use 110 mm PVC pipe.

When working on projects outside of your home country, you need to know the sizes of PVC pipes in mm so that fittings, couplings, and connectors will fit.

Why is it hard to understand the sizes of PVC pipes?

One would think that the size of PVC pipes is measured the same way as any other round object, by its outer diameter. The nominal size method is based on old standards for steel pipes, when “size” meant the inner diameter at a certain wall thickness.

So, the same sizing rule for PVC means that the nominal size doesn’t always match the real inner or outer diameters. This makes it even harder to choose fittings or replace pipes.

Always check a chart of PVC pipe sizes and measure the outside diameter before you buy.

The largest PVC pipe that is for sale

PVC manufacturing has come a long way, so you can now find pipes that are very big. Most hardware stores only sell PVC in sizes up to 6 or 8 inches, but other businesses get it in much bigger sizes.
In some places, the biggest PVC Plastic Pipe Sizes can be as big as 1200 mm (about 48 inches) across.
These big pipes are used to move water, drain industrial sites, and water crops.
The size is based on how much flow is needed, how much pressure it can handle, and how easy it is to install.

Applications of Different PVC Pipe Sizes

Selecting the right PVC pipe width ensures your system operates efficiently without leaks or bursts.

Residential Plumbing

1/2 to 1 inch: Supply lines carrying water to faucets and toilets.
1 1/2 to 2 inch: Drains for sinks, showers, and tubs. A 2in PVC union or 40mm waste pipe fittings (common in metric regions) are staples here.
3 to 4 inch: Toilet drains and main waste lines. 4in PVC cap and 4in PVC elbow fittings are common repair parts.

Commercial Plumbing

Commercial buildings handle higher volumes of waste. You will often see 6in PVC or even larger used for main trunk lines to prevent clogs.

Irrigation Systems

3/4 to 1 inch: Typical sprinkler lateral lines.
1 1/4 to 2 inch: Main supply lines for large lawns.

Industrial Applications

Factories use schedule 80 PVC water pipe and schedule 80 conduit because machinery and heavy traffic pose a risk to thinner pipes. Large dia PVC pipe (10-inch plus) is often used for fluid transfer in processing plants.

When picking the right size of PVC pipe, you should think

As a professional plumber, I saw that even homeowners made costly mistakes due to their unprofessional selecting of PVC pipes. The selection of well-chosen pipes determines the durability, safety, and efficiency of plumbing which otherwise would have also been applied in irrigation or construction. Below are the really most common mistakes that will cause one to choose the wrong pipe.

1. Flow Rate and Pressure

A smallest PVC pipe (like 1/2 inch) restricts flow significantly over long distances. If you need high volume, step up the size. Always check the PSI rating. Remember, Schedule 80 handles more pressure than Schedule 40.

2. Chemical Compatibility

Standard PVC is great for water and many acids, but it can react with certain solvents. Ensure your PVC pipe work sizes and materials match the fluid you are transporting.

3. Not Considering Temperature Limits

However, PVC is quite durable and can withstand considerable pressure through internal and external forces, but it shows some temperature limitation. Regular PVC pipe may weaken or warp when subjected to hot water and outdoor heat. If your system contains warm water or is in the sunlight, CPVC or specially UV-resistant PVC should be considered.

4. Cost

Schedule 40 PVC is significantly cheaper than Schedule 80. A 6 inch PVC pipe 20 ft price will be much higher for Schedule 80 than for sch 35 PVC pipe (a thinner drainage pipe).

5. Overlooking Chemical Compatibility

Is it fair to say that PVC is largely used in industries and not all chemicals are compatible with PVC? At such low levels of chemical resistance, PVC should not be used for strong acids, solvents, or very high concentrations of chemicals since these could oxidise the compound. Always consult a PVC chemical compatibility chart before installation.

6. Ignoring Joint and Fitting Compatibility

A joint is only as strong as the pipe itself. Improper PVC fittings can lead to leakage or weak joints. Ensure that your fittings correctly match the pipe type and size to avoid problems during installation.

7. Skipping UV Protection for Outdoor Use

Standard PVC can no longer withstand exposure to sunlight for extended periods. One common mistake is the installation of unprotected PVC outdoors, which would result in limited service life. Instead, paint the pipe with UV-resistant paint or use UV-stabilised PVC.

8. Not Consulting Local Plumbing Codes

Every region has its own plumbing code and standards. Using an incorrect pipe type can cause system failure as well as bring legal ramifications or rejected inspections, so make sure to always check your local building codes before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are running a simple drain using 40mm waste pipe and fittings or designing a complex industrial system with schedule 80 pipe, knowing your numbers is key.

Remember:

Read the Print: The markings on the side of the pipe tell you everything from the PVC pipe size dimensions to the pressure rating.

Check the OD and ID: Know the difference between PVC pipe sizes in mm and inches.

Pick the Right Schedule: Use Sch 40 for general home use and Sch 80 for high pressure.

By choosing the correct standard PVC pipe sizes and following proper installation methods, you ensure a leak-free, durable system that will last for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQ’s)

PVC pipe sizes are generally measured by their nominal size, which refers to the inside diameter (ID) of the pipe, not the outside diameter (OD). However, the actual OD is larger than the nominal size to accommodate wall thickness.

Nominal Size → The labeled size (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inch)

Actual Size → The real measurement of the pipe’s outer and inner diameters.
For example, a 1-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe has an actual OD of 1.315 inches.

Schedule 40 → Standard wall thickness, most common for plumbing and drainage.

Schedule 80 → Thicker wall, stronger, used for high-pressure applications.

Measure the outside diameter (OD) using a caliper or tape measure, then compare it to a PVC pipe size chart to find the nominal size.

Conclusion

Understanding PVC pipe sizes is key to building efficient and leak-free piping systems. From small residential lines to large industrial networks, the correct size determines flow capacity, pressure tolerance, and long-term durability.

Always refer to ASTM standards, use accurate measurement tools, and consult size charts before purchasing or installing PVC pipes. Whether you’re using Schedule 40 for lightweight applications or Schedule 80 for heavy-duty systems, correct sizing ensures safety, reliability, and performance for years to come.

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