304 Stainless Steel properties
304 is the most widely used stainless steel, an austenitic grade with excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. It is the default choice for kitchenware, food equipment, tanks, and architectural work. Values are for the annealed condition.
Mechanical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield strength | 30 ksi (205 MPa) |
| Ultimate tensile strength | 73 ksi (505 MPa) |
| Elongation | 70% |
| Hardness | about 70 HRB (Rockwell B) |
| Modulus of elasticity | 28,000 ksi (193 GPa) |
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.289 lb/in³ (8000 kg/m³) |
| Melting point | about 1400 to 1450 °C |
Thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 17.3 µm/m·°C |
| Specific heat | 500 J/kg·K |
Values are typical for the grade and condition shown. Actual properties vary with temper, heat treatment, and product form, so use these for comparison and preliminary design and confirm against material certificates for final work.
Compare with other materials
See the Material Properties Comparison, Yield Strength, and Density charts.
Typical uses
304 is everywhere corrosion resistance and hygiene matter: sinks, cookware, food and dairy equipment, tanks, fasteners, and architectural trim. It forms, welds, and polishes well, and resists most foods, water, and many chemicals, making it the general-purpose stainless.
How it compares
304 offers the best all-round balance of corrosion resistance, cost, and fabricability among stainless steels. It resists less chloride attack than molybdenum-bearing 316, so for marine or salt exposure 316 is preferred, but for most uses 304 is the economical standard.
FAQ
What is 304 stainless steel used for?
Kitchen and food equipment, sinks, tanks, fasteners, and architectural parts: most general applications needing corrosion resistance and easy fabrication.
Is 304 stainless magnetic?
In the annealed state it is essentially non-magnetic, though heavy cold working can make it slightly magnetic.
What is the difference between 304 and 316?
316 adds molybdenum for much better resistance to chlorides and salt, so it is used in marine and chemical settings, while 304 is the lower-cost general grade.