Is 304 SS stronger than 316

Strength Comparison: SA 240 GR 304 vs. SA 240 GR 316

Strength in stainless steel is typically measured by tensile strength (stress before fracture), yield strength (stress at plastic deformation onset, 0.2% offset), and hardness. Both SA 240 GR 304 (AISI 304, 1.4301) and SA 240 GR 316 (AISI 316, 1.4401) are austenitic stainless steels with similar mechanical properties in the annealed state, but slight differences arise due to their chemical compositions. In general, SA 240 GR 304 and SA 240 GR 316 have comparable strength, with 304 sometimes showing slightly higher tensile strength in certain conditions, while 316 may offer better creep resistance at elevated temperatures due to molybdenum. The "stronger" grade depends on the specific application and temperature.

Mechanical Properties Comparison (Annealed, 8-75 mm thick plates)

*Source: ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards, as of October 14, 2025.

• Tensile Strength: Both grades have a minimum tensile strength of 515 MPa (74.7 ksi), making them equally strong in terms of ultimate load capacity in annealed conditions. In cold-worked states, 304 can reach slightly higher tensile strength (e.g., 900 MPa vs. 800-850 MPa for 316) due to its composition, but this varies by processing.
• Yield Strength: Both have a minimum yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) in annealed condition, indicating no significant difference in resistance to plastic deformation.
• Hardness: SA 240 GR 316 is slightly harder (≤217 HB vs. ≤201 HB for 304) due to molybdenum, which may improve wear resistance but makes 316 marginally less machinable.
• Elongation: Both offer ≥40% elongation, ensuring excellent formability for applications like plat stainless 304 or plate 2 mm SUS 304.

For detailed specs, refer to our SS 304 data sheet.

Chemical Composition Comparison

The strength differences are influenced by composition, particularly 316’s molybdenum content:

• Molybdenum in 316: Improves corrosion resistance and slightly enhances creep strength at high temperatures but does not significantly affect room-temperature strength.
• Nickel and Chromium: 304’s higher chromium (18-20% vs. 16-18%) may contribute to slightly higher tensile strength in some cold-worked conditions, but nickel in 316 (10-14%) improves toughness.

Other Factors Affecting Strength

• Cold-Working: Both grades strengthen with cold-working, but 304 may achieve slightly higher tensile strength due to its composition. However, this reduces ductility and SA 240 304 non magnetic properties.
• Temperature: At elevated temperatures (>538°C/1000°F), 316’s molybdenum provides better creep resistance, making it “stronger” in high-temperature applications (e.g., allowable stress of 18.6 ksi for 304 vs. 19.0 ksi for 316 at 1000°F). For high-temperature needs, explore sa 240 gr 304h.
• Weldability: 304 is weldable with ER308 fillers, but SA 240 GR 304L is preferred for critical welds. 316 uses ER316 fillers, with 316L better for welding. See sa 240 gr 304l and sa 240 gr 316l.

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

While strength is similar, corrosion resistance differs:

• SA 240 GR 304: Excellent in atmospheric, freshwater, and mild acid environments (food-grade), but susceptible to chloride pitting.
• SA 240 GR 316: Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in chloride environments (e.g., marine, chemical) due to molybdenum, making it preferable for harsh conditions despite similar strength.

For harsher environments, consider sa 240 gr 317l.

Applications and Strength Considerations

• SA 240 GR 304: Used in food processing (tanks, plat stainless 304), chemical equipment, and architecture where strength and cost (lower SS 304 plate price) are priorities. Slightly higher cold-worked strength suits structural components.
• SA 240 GR 316: Preferred for marine, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications requiring chloride resistance, with comparable strength but better high-temperature performance.

Which is Stronger?

• Room Temperature: SA 240 GR 304 and 316 have equal strength in annealed condition (515 MPa tensile, 205 MPa yield). In cold-worked states, 304 may be slightly stronger (higher tensile strength), but the difference is minimal.
• High Temperatures: 316 is “stronger” in terms of creep resistance above 538°C due to molybdenum, making it better for heat-exposed applications.
• Overall: Neither is definitively stronger; choose based on corrosion needs (316 for chlorides) or cost (304 is 10-20% cheaper).

Pricing and Availability

As of October 14, 2025, SA 240 GR 304 prices range from $1.55-$3.50/kg, while 316 is $2.50-$3.50/kg. Gangsteel offers SA 240 GR 304 at $1.60/kg FOB and 316 at $2.50/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton) for sa 240 gr 304.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 GR 304 and 316 plates with competitive SS 304 plate price and sizes like plate 2 mm SUS 304. For quotes or to learn what is SA 304, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.