Use this page as a quick reference for 3 inch Schedule 30 pipe, also identified as NPS 3 and DN80. The dimensional data below is organized for piping design, CAD drafting, estimating, fabrication review, and preliminary support-load checks.
When using the table, distinguish between nominal size and measured geometry. NPS and DN identify the pipe size category, while outside diameter, wall thickness, and inside diameter are the dimensions used for layout, clearance, flow review, and connection coordination. The downloadable DWG can also support drafting workflows, but project drawings should be checked against the applicable piping specification and connection details.
Schedule 30 pipe 3 inch (DN80) is a standard steel pipe size commonly used in piping design, drafting, fabrication, estimation, and industrial layout work. This page provides the standard dimensions, wall thickness, inside diameter, and weight per meter for NPS 3 Schedule 30 pipe based on ASME B36.10.
For engineers, designers, estimators, and CAD users, quick access to accurate pipe data helps improve piping layout, support planning, weight checks, transport review, and fabrication coordination during project development.
3 Inch Schedule 30 Pipe Dimensions
- Nominal Pipe Size (NPS): 3 inch
- Diameter Nominal (DN): DN80
- Outside Diameter (OD): 88.9 mm
- Wall Thickness: 4.78 mm
- Inside Diameter (ID): 79.34 mm
- Pipe Weight: 9.92 kg/m
- Pipe Weight Including Water: 14.86 kg/m
- Standard: ASME B36.10
Schedule 30 Pipe 3 Inch Data Table
| NPS | DN | Outside Diameter (OD) | Wall Thickness | Inside Diameter (ID) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inch | DN80 | 88.9 mm | 4.78 mm | 79.34 mm | 9.92 kg/m |
Understanding 3 Inch Schedule 30 Pipe
3 inch Schedule 30 pipe is a standard steel pipe size used as a reference in industrial piping layouts, utility systems, water lines, process design studies, and CAD drafting. With an outside diameter of 88.9 mm and a wall thickness of 4.78 mm, this pipe size is suitable for light to medium piping applications where designers need a balance between flow capacity and pipe wall strength.
What Does Schedule 30 Mean?
Schedule 30 refers to the wall thickness series of the pipe. For NPS 3, Schedule 30 gives a wall thickness of 4.78 mm. The schedule affects the inside diameter, total pipe weight, fabrication planning, and compatibility with supports, fittings, and structural loading requirements.
Why These Pipe Dimensions Matter
Accurate pipe dimension data is important for piping layouts, spool drawings, support design, structural load review, and material takeoff. Knowing that this pipe weighs 9.92 kg/m helps with transport estimates, lifting plans, and support loading. If the pipe is filled with water, the total weight increases to 14.86 kg/m, which is useful for operating load calculations and support checks.
Common Uses of DN80 Schedule 30 Pipe
DN80 Schedule 30 pipe may be referenced in industrial utility systems, water transfer lines, plant layout studies, process piping documentation, and engineering design work. It is also useful for piping designers, CAD users, estimators, and procurement teams who need standard steel pipe dimensions for piping systems.
Difference Between NPS 3 and DN80
NPS 3 is the inch-based nominal pipe size designation, while DN80 is the metric nominal diameter reference. Both refer to the same pipe size category on this page. The actual standard outside diameter for this size is 88.9 mm.
How to Use This Data
You can use this page to quickly check:
- pipe outside diameter for layout and clearance
- inside diameter for flow reference
- wall thickness for schedule comparison
- weight per meter for estimation and transport planning
- water-filled weight for support and structural load review
Quick Reference for Schedule 30 Pipe 3 Inch
- Pipe Size: 3 inch
- DN: DN80
- OD: 88.9 mm
- ID: 79.34 mm
- Wall Thickness: 4.78 mm
- Weight: 9.92 kg/m
- Weight Including Water: 14.86 kg/m
- Reference Standard: ASME B36.10
Related Pipe Size Pages
Conclusion
Schedule 30 Pipe 3 Inch (DN80) is an important steel pipe reference for piping design, drafting, estimation, and fabrication work. With its 88.9 mm outside diameter, 4.78 mm wall thickness, and 9.92 kg/m pipe weight, it provides useful dimensional data for engineers and designers who need fast and accurate pipe information.
Note: NPS = Nominal Pipe Size, DN = Diameter Nominal. Dimensions and weights shown here are based on ASME B36.10 steel pipe data.
How to Read This Pipe Reference
The most useful starting point is usually the outside diameter, because it controls the envelope needed for routing, insulation clearance, clamps, guides, and nearby equipment. The inside diameter is a reference for flow-area evaluation and hydraulic calculations. The wall thickness links the outside and inside geometry and is also important when comparing pipe schedules.
Schedule Is a Wall-Series Designation
Schedule 30 identifies a pipe wall-thickness series for the listed nominal size. It should not be treated as a complete pressure-design specification. Allowable pressure, corrosion allowance, temperature limits, material grade, manufacturing requirements, joining method, and applicable design code must be verified separately for the project.
Using Weight Data in Design Reviews
The listed pipe weight supports material takeoffs, shipping estimates, lifting reviews, and preliminary support-load checks. The water-filled value is useful when considering an operating condition in which the pipe contains water. Actual system loads may also include valves, flanges, fittings, insulation, lining, supports, contents other than water, and temporary or seismic loads, so the page values should be combined with the project load basis rather than used in isolation.
NPS, DN, and Connection Coordination
NPS 3 and DN80 are corresponding nominal size designations, not interchangeable measurements of the actual bore. Use the listed outside diameter when coordinating space and external connections, and confirm the selected fittings, flanges, valves, and joining components against the same dimensional standard and project specification.
Drafting and Procurement Checks
- Use the outside diameter for preliminary routing and clearance checks.
- Use the inside diameter as dimensional input for flow or hydraulic review, subject to the engineer’s calculation method.
- Use wall thickness when comparing schedule options or checking fabrication details.
- Use the weight values for early estimating and support coordination, then add project-specific components and loads.
- Confirm material grade, end preparation, tolerances, coating, and certification requirements before procurement.
For a nearby size comparison, see the references for Schedule 30 Pipe 2 1/2 Inch (DN65) and Schedule 30 Pipe 3 1/2 Inch (DN90).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3 inch Schedule 30 pipe called in metric sizing?
It is identified as DN80. NPS 3 and DN80 are nominal size designations for the same pipe size category shown on this page.
Does Schedule 30 describe the pipe material?
No. Schedule 30 describes the wall-thickness series for the listed nominal size. Material grade, manufacturing requirements, and service limitations must be specified separately.
Which dimension should be used for pipe layout?
Use the listed outside diameter for the basic pipe envelope and routing review. Allowances for insulation, coatings, clamps, supports, access, and nearby components must be added where applicable.
Why is the water-filled weight different from the pipe weight?
The water-filled value includes the pipe and its water contents. It is therefore higher than the empty pipe weight and can be relevant to operating-load and support reviews.
Can this data be used for pressure-vessel or piping-system approval?
It is a dimensional reference, not a complete design approval. Pressure design requires review of material, temperature, corrosion allowance, joining details, code requirements, and the project piping specification.
Is the DWG file ready for final construction drawings?
The downloadable DWG is a drafting reference. Check scale, units, geometry, connection details, tolerances, and project-specific requirements before incorporating it into issued drawings.