Difference between steel pipe and tube: check prices, types

Meaning
Difference between pipe and tube
Types
Applications
Prices
Frequently asked questions

Often, people get confused between steel pipes and steel tubes. However, there are a few differences between them. Before understanding the difference, one has to know the definition of pipes and tubes. This article elaborates on the meaning of steel pipes and steel tubes and also the differences between the two products.

Steel pipes: Meaning

Pipes are round hollow sections that are used mainly in the transportation of fluids, gas, powders, etc. Steel pipes are used in various ways. Water supply in cities is generally done through steel pipes.

Also read: Sq pipe weight chart – Learn to calculate weight in kg

Steel tubes: Meaning

Steel tubes come in various shapes such as round, square, rectangular, oval, and so on. Tubing is commonly specified by its outer diameter and wall thickness, and it is typically subject to stricter and more precise tolerances and specifications compared to pipes.

Also read: What is steel tubing?

Difference between pipe and tube

Here are some key differences between steel pipes and steel tubes on various parameters. The key difference between steel pipes are tubes is pipes are made to convey or transport various materials such as gas, water, liquids, powder and so on. On the other hand, steel tubes may or may not be made for carrying or transporting materials. For example, steel tubes are commonly used in steel railings.

Steel pipes vs. steel tubes: Shape

	Steel pipes	Steel tubes
Shape	Steel pipe is always round in shape.	Steel tubes can be round, square, rectangular or oval.

Steel pipes vs steel tubes: Measurement criteria

Measurement criteria for steel pipes and steel tubes are very different. Here is what the difference is.

	Steel pipe	Steel tube
Measurement criteria	Pipes are typically ordered using the nominal pipe size (NPS) standard.	Steel tubes are typically measured inches and millimetres.
Capacity	NPS denotes the approximate conveyance capacity of the steel pipe.	Inches and millimetres denote the outside diameter of the tube.

Steel pipes vs steel tubes: Rigidity and durability

Steel pipes are invariably rigid but are the tubes rigid? Here is more:

Characteristics	Steel pipe	Steel tube
Rigidity	Steel pipes are typically rigid	Steel tubes may or may not require special equipment for shaping.
Need of special equipment	Steel pipes can not be shaped without special equipment.	Steel tubes may or may not require special equipment to shape.
Durability	Steel pipes are lesser durable than tubes.	Steel tubes feature better durability and strength than steel pipes.

Types of steel pipes and steel tubes

Steel pipes as well as tubes can be manufactured with different kinds of steel. Here is a list.

Types of steel pipes	Types of steel tube
Carbon steel pipes Alloy steel pipes Galvanised steel pipes Stainless steel pipes	Carbon steel tubing Alloy steel tubing Stainless steel tubing Galvanised steel tubing

Applications of steel pipes and tubing

Steel pipes and tubes are used in various applications. Here are some of the common uses of steel pipes and tubes.

Steel pipes applications	Steel tubes applications
Water supply and distribution Residential plumbing Sewage and drainage systems In drilling operations of the oil and gas industry Used in the transportation of fluids, gases, and bulk materials within manufacturing facilities HVAC systems Agriculture and irrigation Bicycle frames In the mining industry for transporting materials Water and wastewater management systems	Steel railings Scaffolding Automotive components such as exhaust systems, roll cages, and suspension components Aerospace components like landing gear, hydraulic systems, etc. Railway infrastructure like tracks, signal systems, rolling stock components Power plants Oil & gas industry Conveyors systems Robotics

Manufacturing steel pipes and steel tubes

Pipes: Steel pipes are manufactured with hot rolled steel.

Tubes: Steel tubes can be hot rolled or cold rolled.

Steel pipes and tubes, both can be galvanised as per the need. Additionally, both can be either seamless or welded.

Sizes (length)

Steel pipes are available in variety of sizes in terms of NPS. However, pipes come in standard sizes. Most pipes come in 21 or 42 feet.

Similar is the case with steel tubes. Although tubes are available in various diameters, however, most tubes are sold in 20, 24, 40 and 48 foot lengths.

Having said this, steel pipes and tube sizes are customisable.

Prices

Steel pipes are available in a wide range of prices depending on the size, type and steel grades used. For example, the range of steel pipe prices is ₹80 to ₹250 kg.

Steel tubes are also available at a wide range of prices. Steel tubes’ price range is ₹60 to ₹250 kg.

List of steel pipes and tube manufacturers

Here is a list of some steel pipes and tube manufacturers

APL Apollo Tubes
Group Nirmal
JSW Steel Ltd.
Kalyani Steels Ltd.
Aditya Stainless
Bhuwalka Pipes (P) Ltd.
Reliant Pipe & Tubes
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India

Also read: ERW pipe: Meaning, full form, manufacturing process, sizes, specifications

Frequently asked questions

Are steel pipes and steel tubes the same?

No. Steel pipes and steel tubes are two different things. Steel pipes are meant for carrying or transporting materials such as liquid, powders, and so on. On the other hand, steel tubes are not necessarily meant for transporting. For example, steel tubes are commonly used in scaffolding.

Are steel pipes stronger than steel tubes?

Generally, steel tubes are known to be more durable and stronger than steel pipes. However, strength and durability depend on the grade of steel material, application and so on.

What is more corrosion resistance steel pipes or steel tubes?

Corrosion resistance depends on the type of steel used. For example, stainless steel or galvanised steel is more corrosion resistant whether they are used for pipes or tubes.

What should you choose – steel pipes and steel tubes?

Whether to use steel pipes are steel tubes, totally depends on the application. For example, automotive components and medical equipment need tubing while residential plumbing systems need pipes for water distribution.

Author: Swati Deshpande

Swati is a passionate content writer with more than 10 years of experience crafting content for the business and manufacturing sectors, and helping MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) navigate complexities in steel procurement, and business services. Her clear and informative writing empowers MSMEs to make informed decisions and thrive in the competitive landscape.