PVC Pipe Size Guide

PVC pipe is sold by nominal size, which doesn't match any measurement you can take. The simplest way to identify your pipe is to measure its outside diameter and match it to the chart below, or hold it against our free, printable FORMUFIT PVC Size Guide. Knowing your size before you order means your fittings will fit the first time.
Download the PVC Size Guide (PDF) Back to PVC Guides
FORMUFIT PVC Size Guide printable with dime, nickel, and quarter scale circles and pipe profiles from 1/2" to 2"

How to Tell What Size PVC Pipe You Have

Measure across the outside of the pipe with a ruler or calipers, then find the closest match. These are standard Schedule 40 outside diameters, which FORMUFIT pipe and fittings are built to.

Schedule 40 PVC pipe sizes and outside diameters
Pipe Size Outside Diameter Metric
1/2"0.840"21.3 mm
3/4"1.050"26.7 mm
1"1.315"33.4 mm
1-1/4"1.660"42.2 mm
1-1/2"1.900"48.3 mm
2"2.375"60.3 mm

For wall thickness, inside diameter, and weight, see the PVC Pipe Dimensions Chart. To learn why a 1" pipe measures 1.315" across, read PVC 101.

FORMUFIT PVC Size Guide printable with dime, nickel, and quarter scale circles and pipe profiles from 1/2" to 2"

Download the Printable Size Guide

The FORMUFIT PVC Size Guide is a one-page, true-to-scale guide covering 1/2" to 2" pipe. Print it, or open it on your phone or tablet, then stand your pipe on its end over the circles to find its size. Each size also shows its relative strength, weight, and flexibility.

Download PDF

How to Print at the Correct Scale

The guide only works at full size. Most browsers shrink PDFs to fit the page by default, so check the scale before you print. Use standard 8-1/2" x 11" paper.

Google Chrome

  1. Open the PDF and click the printer icon, or press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on a Mac).
  2. Click More settings.
  3. Under Scale, choose Actual size, or choose Custom and enter 100.
  4. Click Print.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Open the PDF and click the printer icon, or press Ctrl+P.
  2. Click More settings.
  3. Under Scale, choose Actual size, or choose Custom and enter 100.
  4. Click Print.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

  1. Choose File > Print.
  2. Under Page Size & Handling, choose Actual size.
  3. Click Print.

Mac Preview or Safari

  1. Choose File > Print.
  2. Set Scale to 100%. If you don't see Scale, click Show Details.
  3. Click Print.

Check the Scale with a Coin

U.S. coins are made to exact sizes, so they're an easy way to confirm the guide is at true scale. The guide has a circle for each of these coins:

  • Dime: 0.705"
  • Nickel: 0.835"
  • Quarter: 0.955"

Lay a coin on its matching circle. It should cover the circle exactly. If the circle's edge shows around the coin, or the coin hangs past it, the guide isn't at 100%. Set the scale to Actual size and print again.

Use the Size Guide on Your Phone or Tablet

No printer? You can use the Size Guide on your screen. A tablet works best since it can show larger sizes at once. A phone works well for 1/2" to 1-1/2" pipe.

  1. Open the guide. Tap Download PDF on your phone or tablet.
  2. Size the screen with a coin. Place a dime, nickel, or quarter on its circle at the top of the guide. Pinch to zoom until the circle is exactly the size of the coin.
  3. Don't zoom again. Once the circle matches the coin, the whole guide is at true size. If you pinch or double-tap, check the coin again. You can still scroll around the page.
  4. Check your pipe. Stand your pipe on its end over the circles on the screen and find the one it matches.

Tips:

  • Hold the pipe just above the screen or rest it gently. Freshly cut edges can scratch glass.
  • Turn on rotation lock so the page doesn't resize when you tilt your device.
  • Turn up screen brightness so the circles are easy to see.

How to Use the Size Guide

  • Identify pipe you already have. Stand your pipe on its end over the circles on the printed guide or your screen. The circle that matches the outside of your pipe is its size.
  • Shop with confidence. Bring the printed guide or your phone to the hardware store or home center to make sure you're buying the right size pipe.
  • Avoid pipe that won't fit. CTS (CPVC), PEX, polyethylene pipe, and acrylic tube use different sizing systems and won't fit FORMUFIT fittings.
  • Match your fittings. FORMUFIT fittings are sized to fit over the pipe's outside diameter, so a 1" fitting fits 1" pipe. Once you know your size, shop fittings by size.

PVC Pipe Size Questions

PVC pipe is named by nominal size, a standard that dates back to early plumbing pipe. It doesn't match the actual inside or outside diameter. For example, 1" Schedule 40 pipe has an outside diameter of 1.315". PVC 101 explains the full history.

Measure the outside diameter and compare it to the chart on this page, or stand the pipe on its end over the FORMUFIT PVC Size Guide, printed or on your phone or tablet.

Yes. FORMUFIT fittings fit standard Schedule 40 PVC pipe of the same size. Thinwall and Schedule 80 pipe have the same outside diameter as Schedule 40, but a different wall thickness. CTS (CPVC), PEX, and polyethylene pipe use different sizing systems and will not fit.

Your browser or printer probably scaled the page to fit. In Chrome or Edge, open More settings and set Scale to Actual size, or Custom at 100. Then print again and check it with a dime, nickel, or quarter.

Yes. Open the PDF, place a dime, nickel, or quarter on its circle at the top, and zoom until the circle matches the coin exactly. The guide is then at true size, and you can stand your pipe on its end over the circles on the screen.

U.S. coins are made to exact sizes. The guide has circles for a dime (0.705"), a nickel (0.835"), and a quarter (0.955"). If your coin covers its circle exactly, the whole guide is at true size.

The guide is designed for pipe. To check a fitting, test it with a short piece of pipe you've already sized with the guide.