HDPE Pipe Sizes Chart
Complete reference charts for SDR 11, SDR 17, and SDR 21 HDPE pipe dimensions. Find OD, ID, wall thickness, and flow area for all standard sizes per ASTM D3035.
SDR 11 HDPE Pipe Size Chart
Heavy wall HDPE pipe with the thickest walls and highest pressure rating. Commonly used for high-pressure water mains, industrial process lines, force mains, and pump discharge systems.
| Nominal Size | OD (in) | OD (mm) | ID (in) | ID (mm) | Wall (in) | Wall (mm) | Area (in²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 0.840" | 21.30 | 0.688" | 17.50 | 0.076" | 1.93 | 0.372 |
| 3/4" | 1.050" | 26.70 | 0.859" | 21.80 | 0.095" | 2.41 | 0.580 |
| 1" | 1.315" | 33.40 | 1.076" | 27.30 | 0.120" | 3.05 | 0.909 |
| 1-1/4" | 1.660" | 42.20 | 1.359" | 34.50 | 0.151" | 3.84 | 1.451 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.900" | 48.30 | 1.554" | 39.50 | 0.173" | 4.39 | 1.897 |
| 2" | 2.375" | 60.30 | 1.943" | 49.30 | 0.216" | 5.49 | 2.965 |
| 3" | 3.500" | 88.90 | 2.864" | 72.70 | 0.318" | 8.08 | 6.442 |
| 4" | 4.500" | 114.30 | 3.682" | 93.50 | 0.409" | 10.39 | 10.648 |
| 6" | 6.625" | 168.30 | 5.423" | 137.70 | 0.602" | 15.29 | 23.098 |
Standard: ASTM D3035 - SDR 11 (Heavy Wall, Highest Pressure Rating)
SDR 17 HDPE Pipe Size Chart
Medium wall HDPE pipe for standard pressure applications. Most commonly used for municipal water distribution, irrigation mains, and wastewater collection systems.
| Nominal Size | OD (in) | OD (mm) | ID (in) | ID (mm) | Wall (in) | Wall (mm) | Area (in²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 0.840" | 21.30 | 0.741" | 18.80 | 0.049" | 1.24 | 0.431 |
| 3/4" | 1.050" | 26.70 | 0.926" | 23.50 | 0.062" | 1.57 | 0.673 |
| 1" | 1.315" | 33.40 | 1.160" | 29.50 | 0.077" | 1.96 | 1.057 |
| 1-1/4" | 1.660" | 42.20 | 1.465" | 37.20 | 0.098" | 2.49 | 1.686 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.900" | 48.30 | 1.676" | 42.60 | 0.112" | 2.84 | 2.206 |
| 2" | 2.375" | 60.30 | 2.095" | 53.20 | 0.140" | 3.56 | 3.447 |
| 3" | 3.500" | 88.90 | 3.088" | 78.40 | 0.206" | 5.23 | 7.489 |
| 4" | 4.500" | 114.30 | 3.971" | 100.90 | 0.265" | 6.73 | 12.385 |
| 6" | 6.625" | 168.30 | 5.845" | 148.50 | 0.390" | 9.91 | 26.832 |
Standard: ASTM D3035 - SDR 17 (Medium Wall, Standard Applications)
SDR 21 HDPE Pipe Size Chart
Thin wall HDPE pipe for lower pressure applications. Economical choice for low-pressure irrigation, drainage systems, and non-pressure applications.
| Nominal Size | OD (in) | OD (mm) | ID (in) | ID (mm) | Wall (in) | Wall (mm) | Area (in²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 0.840" | 21.30 | 0.760" | 19.30 | 0.040" | 1.02 | 0.454 |
| 3/4" | 1.050" | 26.70 | 0.950" | 24.10 | 0.050" | 1.27 | 0.709 |
| 1" | 1.315" | 33.40 | 1.190" | 30.20 | 0.063" | 1.60 | 1.112 |
| 1-1/4" | 1.660" | 42.20 | 1.502" | 38.20 | 0.079" | 2.01 | 1.772 |
| 1-1/2" | 1.900" | 48.30 | 1.719" | 43.70 | 0.090" | 2.29 | 2.321 |
| 2" | 2.375" | 60.30 | 2.149" | 54.60 | 0.113" | 2.87 | 3.627 |
| 3" | 3.500" | 88.90 | 3.167" | 80.40 | 0.167" | 4.24 | 7.877 |
| 4" | 4.500" | 114.30 | 4.071" | 103.40 | 0.214" | 5.44 | 13.016 |
| 6" | 6.625" | 168.30 | 5.994" | 152.20 | 0.315" | 8.00 | 28.218 |
Standard: ASTM D3035 - SDR 21 (Thin Wall, Lower Pressure Applications)
About HDPE Pipe SDR Ratings
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipe is classified using SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio), which is the ratio of outside diameter to wall thickness. A lower SDR number indicates a thicker wall and higher pressure rating. The formula is: SDR = OD ÷ Wall Thickness.
SDR 11 - Heavy Wall
- SDR Value: 11 (lowest, thickest wall)
- Wall Thickness: Thickest
- Inside Diameter: Smallest
- Pressure Rating: Highest (160-200 PSI)
- Weight: Heaviest
- Cost: Most expensive
- Applications: High-pressure water mains, force mains, industrial process
SDR 17 - Medium Wall
- SDR Value: 17 (medium wall)
- Wall Thickness: Medium
- Inside Diameter: Medium
- Pressure Rating: Medium (100-125 PSI)
- Weight: Moderate
- Cost: Moderate
- Applications: Municipal water distribution, irrigation mains, wastewater
SDR 21 - Thin Wall
- SDR Value: 21 (highest, thinnest wall)
- Wall Thickness: Thinnest
- Inside Diameter: Largest (more flow capacity)
- Pressure Rating: Lower (80-100 PSI)
- Weight: Lightest
- Cost: Least expensive
- Applications: Low-pressure irrigation, drainage, non-pressure systems
Important Note:
HDPE pipe dimensions are based on actual outside diameter (similar to copper), not Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) like steel. The SDR calculation determines wall thickness: for a given OD, lower SDR means thicker wall. All three SDR types can share the same OD but have different ID and wall thickness values.
How to Read This Chart
Column Definitions
- Nominal Size
- The standard reference size (e.g., 1/2", 3/4", 1"). For HDPE, this represents the approximate diameter range.
- OD (Outside Diameter)
- Actual external diameter of the pipe. Same for all SDR types for a given nominal size. Used in the SDR calculation (SDR = OD ÷ Wall). Shown in both inches and millimeters.
- ID (Inside Diameter)
- Internal diameter available for fluid flow. Varies by SDR - SDR 11 has smallest ID, SDR 21 has largest ID. Calculated as: ID = OD - (2 × Wall Thickness). Shown in both inches and millimeters.
- Wall Thickness
- Thickness of the pipe wall. SDR 11 (thickest) → SDR 17 (medium) → SDR 21 (thinnest). Formula: Wall = OD ÷ SDR. Shown in both inches and millimeters.
- Area (Flow Area)
- Cross-sectional area available for fluid flow, calculated as π × (ID/2)². Used in flow rate and velocity calculations. Shown in square inches.
How to Select the Right SDR
- Determine system pressure requirements - Calculate maximum operating pressure including surge. SDR 11 for high pressure (160+ PSI), SDR 17 for medium (100-125 PSI), SDR 21 for low (80-100 PSI).
- Consider temperature de-rating - HDPE pressure ratings decrease at higher temperatures. Apply appropriate de-rating factors for temperatures above 73°F (23°C).
- Review application type - Force mains and pump discharge typically require SDR 11, municipal distribution uses SDR 17, irrigation often uses SDR 17 or SDR 21.
- Check material cell classification - PE 4710 material (newest) provides higher pressure ratings than older PE 3408 or PE 2406 materials.
- Calculate flow requirements - Use our Flow Rate Calculator to ensure adequate flow capacity for your SDR selection.
HDPE Pipe Applications by SDR Type
SDR 11 Applications
- High-pressure water transmission mains
- Force mains and pump discharge lines
- Industrial process piping
- Fire protection systems
- Directional drilling installations
- Slip lining and pipe bursting
- High-pressure gas distribution
- Mining and dredge applications
SDR 17 Applications
- Municipal water distribution (most common)
- Irrigation main lines and laterals
- Wastewater collection systems
- Golf course irrigation
- Agricultural water supply
- Landscape and turf irrigation
- Industrial water supply
- Reclaimed water systems
SDR 21 Applications
- Low-pressure irrigation systems
- Drainage and storm water
- Non-pressure sewer applications
- Agricultural drainage
- Subsurface drainage systems
- Pond and lake liners
- Geothermal ground loops (closed loop)
- Low-pressure distribution networks
Pressure & Temperature Considerations:
HDPE pipe pressure ratings are based on material cell classification (PE 4710, PE 3408) and temperature. Ratings decrease significantly at elevated temperatures. Maximum continuous operating temperature is typically 140°F (60°C). For PE 4710 material at 73°F, typical pressure ratings are: SDR 11 = 200 PSI, SDR 17 = 125 PSI, SDR 21 = 100 PSI. Always apply temperature de-rating factors and verify with manufacturer data.
Standards & Specifications
ASTM D3035 Standard
ASTM D3035 is the primary standard for polyethylene (PE) plastic pipe based on controlled outside diameter. It specifies dimensions, material requirements, and performance criteria for pressure-rated HDPE pipe used in water distribution, irrigation, and other pressure piping applications.
- SDR 11: Dimension ratio of 11:1 (OD:Wall), highest pressure rating for standard HDPE
- SDR 17: Dimension ratio of 17:1, medium pressure rating for municipal and irrigation
- SDR 21: Dimension ratio of 21:1, lower pressure rating for economical applications
AWWA C906 Standard
AWWA C906 is the American Water Works Association standard specifically for polyethylene (PE) pressure pipe and fittings, 4 inches through 65 inches, for water distribution and transmission. It provides additional requirements beyond ASTM D3035 for municipal water applications.
Material Cell Classifications
PE 4710 (Latest Generation)
High-performance polyethylene with Hydrostatic Design Stress (HDS) of 1600 PSI at 73°F. Provides 25% higher pressure ratings than PE 3408. Most common for new installations. Cell classification per ASTM D3350: PE445574C.
PE 3408 (Previous Generation)
Standard polyethylene with HDS of 1250 PSI at 73°F. Widely used in existing systems. Still acceptable for many applications but being replaced by PE 4710 in new projects. Cell classification per ASTM D3350: PE345464C.
Joining Methods
- Heat Fusion (Butt Fusion): Most common permanent joining method. Creates leak-free joints as strong as the pipe itself. Requires specialized fusion equipment and trained operators.
- Electrofusion: Uses special fittings with embedded heating coils. Ideal for tight spaces and repair work. Provides consistent, high-quality joints.
- Mechanical Joints: Compression fittings, flanged connections, and transition fittings for connecting to other materials. Allow for disassembly but may have pressure limitations.
Material Properties
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - PE 4710 or PE 3408
- Density: 0.941-0.965 g/cm³ (high-density classification)
- Tensile Strength: 3200-4600 PSI (depending on cell class)
- Coefficient of Expansion: 0.00009 in/in/°F (9× greater than steel)
- Maximum Operating Temperature: 140°F (60°C) continuous, 180°F (82°C) surge
- Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to most acids, bases, and salts
- UV Resistance: Carbon black added (2-3%) for long-term UV stability
Related Calculators
Engineering Notes & Disclaimer
Standards Compliance: All dimensions in this chart are based on ASTM D3035 (Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastic Pipe Based on Controlled Outside Diameter).
Pressure Ratings: Pressure ratings vary by SDR, material cell classification (PE 4710 vs PE 3408), temperature, and pipe size. Always consult manufacturer specifications and apply appropriate temperature de-rating factors.
Temperature Considerations: HDPE pressure ratings decrease significantly at elevated temperatures. Maximum continuous operating temperature is typically 140°F (60°C). Apply de-rating factors per manufacturer data.
Thermal Expansion: HDPE has a high coefficient of thermal expansion (9× greater than steel). Proper allowance for expansion/contraction must be provided in system design through expansion loops, offsets, or anchoring.
Fusion Welding: Heat fusion joints must be performed by qualified operators using properly maintained equipment following manufacturer procedures. Proper fusion is critical for achieving joint strength equal to the pipe.
Installation: Follow manufacturer guidelines for burial depth, bedding, backfill, and support spacing. HDPE pipe is flexible and requires proper installation for long-term performance.
Code Compliance: Always verify compliance with local plumbing codes, water utility standards (AWWA), and building codes. Some jurisdictions have specific requirements for HDPE pipe applications.
Professional Verification: This chart is for reference and preliminary design only. All piping systems must be designed and verified by qualified engineers in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and local regulations. Always verify dimensions and specifications with manufacturer data sheets.
Liability: The user assumes all responsibility for proper application of this information. PipeSizing.net and its operators are not liable for any damages or losses resulting from the use of this chart.