Quick Answer
Quick Answer
Common stainless steel grades have approximate equivalents across ASTM, EN (European steel number and name), JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard), and IS (Indian Standard) systems. These are near-equivalents — composition windows differ slightly. Always verify actual chemical limits before substituting grades across standards systems.
Global fabrication projects routinely involve materials purchased in one country and used in equipment designed to standards from another. A Japanese fabricator may receive a purchase order calling for EN 1.4404 plate while their mill supplies material certified to JIS SUS316L. A European EPC contractor may source ASTM A240 316L from a US mill for a project designed to EN 13445.
This cross-reference guide maps the most common austenitic, duplex, and ferritic stainless steel grades across ASTM, EN (European steel number), EN (steel name), JIS, IS, and UNS designation systems. It also flags the key composition differences that prevent blanket interchangeability.
Important Disclaimer
Grade "equivalents" are approximate. The composition windows defined by each standards body differ — sometimes narrowly, sometimes significantly. A material that meets one standard does not automatically meet the equivalent in another. Always compare the specific element limits from the current editions of both standards before accepting a substitution.
Austenitic Grade Cross-Reference Table
| UNS | ASTM A240 | ASTM A312 | ASME SA | EN Number | EN Name | JIS | IS 6911 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S30400 | 304 | TP304 | SA-240 Gr 304 | 1.4301 | X5CrNi18-10 | SUS304 | 04Cr18Ni10 |
| S30403 | 304L | TP304L | SA-240 Gr 304L | 1.4307 | X2CrNi18-9 | SUS304L | 02Cr18Ni11 |
| S30409 | 304H | TP304H | SA-240 Gr 304H | 1.4948 | X6CrNi18-10 | SUS304H | — |
| S31600 | 316 | TP316 | SA-240 Gr 316 | 1.4401 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | SUS316 | 04Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
| S31603 | 316L | TP316L | SA-240 Gr 316L | 1.4404 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | SUS316L | 02Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
| S31609 | 316H | TP316H | SA-240 Gr 316H | 1.4919 | X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 | SUS316H | — |
| S31635 | 316Ti | — | — | 1.4571 | X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 | SUS316Ti | 04Cr17Ni12Mo2Ti |
| S32100 | 321 | TP321 | SA-240 Gr 321 | 1.4541 | X6CrNiTi18-10 | SUS321 | 04Cr18Ni11Ti |
| S34700 | 347 | TP347 | SA-240 Gr 347 | 1.4550 | X6CrNiNb18-10 | SUS347 | 04Cr18Ni11Nb |
| N08904 | 904L | — | — | 1.4539 | X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 | SUS890L | — |
| S31254 | — | — | — | 1.4547 | X1CrNiMoCuN20-18-7 | — | — |
Duplex Grade Cross-Reference Table
| UNS | ASTM | EN Number | EN Name | JIS | Common Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S31803 | A182 F51, A240 S31803 | 1.4462 | X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 | SUS329J3L | Duplex 2205 (original) |
| S32205 | A240 S32205, A182 F60 | 1.4462 | X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 | SUS329J3L | Duplex 2205 (revised) |
| S32750 | A240 S32750, A182 F53 | 1.4410 | X2CrNiMoN25-7-4 | — | Super Duplex 2507 |
| S32760 | A182 F55 | 1.4501 | X2CrNiMoCuWN25-7-4 | — | Zeron 100 / Super Duplex |
| S32101 | — | 1.4162 | X2CrMnNiN21-5-1 | — | LDX 2101 (lean duplex) |
| S32304 | — | 1.4362 | X2CrNiN23-4 | SUS329J1 | 2304 (lean duplex) |
Ferritic and Martensitic Grade Cross-Reference
| UNS | ASTM A240 | EN Number | EN Name | JIS | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S43000 | 430 | 1.4016 | X6Cr17 | SUS430 | Decorative, mild corrosive |
| S43035 | 439 | 1.4510 | X3CrTi17 | SUS430LX | Automotive, food |
| S44400 | 444 | 1.4521 | X2CrMoTi18-2 | SUS444 | Water systems |
| S41000 | 410 | 1.4006 | X12Cr13 | SUS410 | Cutlery, valves |
| S42000 | 420 | 1.4021 | X20Cr13 | SUS420J1 | Cutlery, surgical |
| S41008 | 410S | 1.4000 | X6Cr13 | SUS410S | Heat exchangers |
Key Composition Differences That Affect Interchangeability
304 vs 1.4301: Silicon
ASTM A240 Grade 304 allows Si up to 0.75%. EN 1.4301 allows Si up to 1.00%. A 304 MTC showing Si of 0.80% would fail A240 but pass EN 1.4301. Dual-certified material must meet 0.75% max.
316L vs 1.4404: Sulfur
EN 1.4404 limits sulfur to 0.015% max. ASTM A240 316L allows 0.030%. Material meeting only ASTM may not meet EN sulfur requirements. Verify S content on the MTC before accepting as EN-compliant.
316L vs SUS316L: Carbon
JIS SUS316L carbon limit is 0.030% (same as ASTM). However, JIS specifies a Ni range of 12.0–15.0% vs ASTM's 10.0–14.0%, resulting in higher nickel minimum. JIS material is generally richer in Ni than ASTM minimum.
304H and 316H: Carbon Minimums
High-carbon "H" grades have both a minimum and maximum carbon (e.g., A240 304H: C = 0.04–0.10%). EN equivalents (1.4948, 1.4919) have similar but not identical carbon windows. Always verify the minimum carbon in elevated-temperature applications.
2205 Duplex: UNS S31803 vs S32205
This is a common source of confusion. The original 2205 designation maps to UNS S31803 (minimum 21% Cr). The revised designation S32205 has a narrower composition with minimum 22% Cr and minimum 0.14% N. Modern procurement almost always uses S32205 / EN 1.4462. Verify which UNS number is on the MTC.
How to Use This Table for Procurement
- Identify the design standard governing the equipment (ASME BPVC, EN 13445, etc.).
- Identify the required grade in that system (e.g., 316L for ASME, 1.4404 for EN).
- Check the UNS number — the UNS is the system-neutral identifier used in this table.
- Find the equivalent in the purchasing system (e.g., SUS316L if sourcing from Japan).
- Compare composition windows — do not assume equivalence; check C, S, Cr, Ni, Mo limits for both standards.
- Request dual certification if the material must comply with two systems simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASTM 316L exactly the same as EN 1.4404?
They are very close but not identical. The main difference is the sulfur limit (ASTM: 0.030%, EN: 0.015%) and slightly different Cr and Mo ranges. For most applications the alloys perform identically, but for dual certification, the material must meet the tighter EN sulfur limit.
Why do JIS stainless grades have higher nickel than ASTM?
JIS standards historically specified tighter minimum nickel limits for certain grades, resulting in slightly more alloyed material on average. This was partly a market quality convention and partly a reflection of the Japanese mill industry's practice at the time of standard writing. The practical impact on corrosion resistance is minimal.
Can I use this table to accept a JIS MTC for an ASTM-required material?
This table is a reference guide, not an engineering acceptance document. A formal material substitution must be reviewed by a qualified engineer, who compares the specific composition and property data on the MTC against the required standard's limits. Do not use grade equivalency tables as the sole basis for accepting non-conforming material.
Are there grade equivalents for nickel alloys (Inconel, Hastelloy)?
Nickel alloys (ASTM B-series, UNS N-prefix) are outside the scope of this table, which covers iron-based stainless steels. Nickel alloy equivalents across standards are more complex and are covered in ASTM B956 (nickel and nickel-alloy pipe), among other references.
Where can I find the official current composition limits for each standard?
Official limits are only in the current published editions of each standard: ASTM standards are available at astm.org; EN standards through CEN or national standards bodies; JIS through JSA (Japanese Standards Association); IS through BIS. Online tables (including this one) should be used only as orientation guides — always verify against the official standard text.
Ready to automate your certificate workflow?
Try TestCert free