Use this page as a quick reference for 16 inch Schedule 5 pipe dimensions when preparing piping layouts, material takeoffs, fabrication drawings, or procurement documents. It identifies the relationship between NPS 16, DN400, outside diameter, inside diameter, wall thickness, and published pipe weight.
The dimension data below is organized for practical engineering and drafting use. Before specifying or fabricating pipe, confirm the material specification, joining method, corrosion allowance, tolerances, and project design requirements with the applicable project documents.
Schedule 5 Pipe 16 Inch (DN400) is a large steel pipe size commonly used in industrial piping systems that require high flow capacity with a relatively light wall thickness. This pipe size is often used in utility piping, water transfer systems, low-pressure industrial service, and general steel pipe fabrication work.
This dimension data is based on ANSI/ASME B36.10, which is the standard commonly used for carbon steel pipe dimensions.
16 Inch Schedule 5 Pipe Dimensions
- Pipe Schedule: 5
- Nominal Pipe Size: 16 Inch
- DN Size: DN400
- Outside Diameter (OD): 406.4 mm
- Inside Diameter (ID): 398.02 mm
- Wall Thickness: 4.19 mm
- Pipe Weight: 41.56 kg/m
- Pipe Weight Including Water: 165.91 kg/m
- Standard: ANSI/ASME B36.10
Schedule 5 Pipe 16 Inch Dimension Table
| Pipe Schedule | NPS (Inch) | DN (mm) | OD (mm) | ID (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 16 | 400 | 406.4 | 398.02 | 4.19 | 41.56 |
What Is 16 Inch Schedule 5 Pipe?
A 16 inch Schedule 5 pipe is a steel pipe with a nominal size of 16 inches and a relatively thin wall thickness compared with heavier schedules. For this size, the outside diameter is fixed at 406.4 mm, while the inside diameter is 398.02 mm based on a wall thickness of 4.19 mm.
Schedule 5 pipe is often selected when a project needs large flow capacity, reduced pipe weight, and easier handling compared with thicker wall pipes. It is commonly referenced in steel piping design, drafting, fabrication, and material takeoff work.
Where Is Schedule 5 Pipe 16 Inch Used?
This pipe size is commonly used in applications that need large flow capacity with relatively light wall thickness. Typical uses include:
- Water transfer and distribution systems
- Utility and low-pressure industrial piping
- Large process and service lines
- Pipe spool fabrication and layout work
- General steel piping projects
Why Pipe Dimensions Matter
Accurate 16 inch Schedule 5 pipe dimensions are important for piping layout, fabrication, transport planning, support design, and installation work. Engineers and designers often check OD, ID, wall thickness, and weight before selecting supports, fittings, welding details, and handling methods.
The outside diameter is important for matching supports, clamps, and pipe accessories. The inside diameter helps estimate internal flow area and system capacity. The wall thickness affects mechanical strength and specification compliance, while the pipe weight per meter is useful for lifting plans, transport, and structural loading calculations.
16 Inch Schedule 5 Pipe Weight Information
The nominal weight of this pipe size is 41.56 kg/m. When filled with water, the combined weight becomes approximately 165.91 kg/m. This information is useful for pipe support design, structural coordination, and lifting preparation in large piping systems.
Difference Between NPS 16 and DN400
NPS 16 is the inch-based nominal pipe size, while DN400 is the metric designation used in international drawings and specifications. Both terms refer to the same nominal pipe size, and users may search by either inch size or DN format depending on project standards.
Common Search Terms for This Pipe Size
Users may also search for this pipe using related keywords such as 16 inch Schedule 5 pipe dimensions, DN400 Schedule 5 pipe dimensions, 16 inch pipe weight per meter, DN400 pipe dimensions, or DN400 sch 5 pipe dimensions.
Conclusion
Schedule 5 Pipe 16 Inch (DN400) has an outside diameter of 406.4 mm, an inside diameter of 398.02 mm, a wall thickness of 4.19 mm, and a weight of 41.56 kg/m. It is a useful steel pipe reference size for design, drafting, fabrication, and procurement work.
This page provides a quick reference for engineers, drafters, fabricators, and buyers who need reliable 16 inch Schedule 5 pipe dimensions and DN400 pipe dimensions in one place.
How to Read This Pipe Reference
The nominal size identifies the pipe designation used in drawings and specifications; it is not necessarily the measured outside or inside diameter. For this entry, NPS 16 and DN400 identify the same nominal size, while the listed OD and ID describe the physical dimensions used for layout and coordination.
Schedule 5 identifies the wall-thickness designation shown in the source data. Schedule selection should not be treated as a pressure rating by itself. Pressure capability depends on additional factors such as material grade, temperature, joint efficiency, corrosion allowance, manufacturing requirements, and the governing design code.
Using the Data in Design and Drafting
- Use the outside diameter when coordinating pipe supports, clamps, sleeves, penetrations, and nearby equipment.
- Use the inside diameter when reviewing flow-area assumptions or checking interfaces with piping components.
- Use wall thickness when preparing fabrication details, checking fit-up, and comparing the selected pipe with project specifications.
- Use the listed mass per unit length for preliminary support coordination, lifting preparation, transport planning, and structural interface checks.
- Review the water-filled weight separately when a line may be full during operation, testing, draining, or temporary conditions.
Related Pipe Reference Topics
For broader project work, this reference can be used alongside pages covering pipe schedules, NPS and DN designations, pipe fittings, flanges, pipe supports, and CAD or DWG piping details. Linking these topics helps readers move from dimensional lookup to layout, connection, and fabrication decisions without confusing nominal size with component dimensions.
Important Verification Before Use
Confirm that the selected pipe, fittings, flanges, valves, and accessories share compatible dimensional and material requirements. Also check the project specification and the current controlled edition of the referenced dimensional standard before issuing drawings, purchase documents, or fabrication instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NPS 16 mean for this pipe?
NPS 16 is the inch-based nominal pipe size designation. It is used in drawings, specifications, and procurement language to identify the pipe size without implying that the measured diameter is exactly the nominal inch value.
Is DN400 the same nominal size as NPS 16?
Yes. In this reference, DN400 is the metric designation corresponding to NPS 16. Both labels may appear on international projects, drawings, or supplier documents.
What does Schedule 5 describe?
Schedule 5 describes the pipe wall-thickness designation used for this entry. It does not independently establish allowable pressure, service suitability, or structural performance.
Why are both pipe weight and water-filled weight listed?
The pipe weight supports handling, transport, and support coordination for the empty pipe. The water-filled figure helps with situations in which the line may contain water, such as operation or testing. Actual project loads should include all relevant contents, fittings, insulation, supports, and temporary conditions.
Can the listed dimensions be used for fittings and flanges?
Use the pipe dimensions to coordinate connections, but verify each fitting, flange, valve, and accessory against its own dimensional and material requirements. Component standards and manufacturer data may govern connection details.
Is this pipe automatically suitable for low-pressure service?
No automatic suitability should be assumed from the schedule designation. Service selection requires review of the design pressure, temperature, fluid, material, joints, corrosion allowance, code requirements, and project specification by a qualified engineer.