The main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel is the addition of 2-3% molybdenum in 216, which improves corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments such as saltwater or chemical processing.
304 stainless steel is more economical and widely used for general applications, while 316 stainless steel is preferred for marine, chemical, and high-corrosion environments.
| Property | 304 Stainless Steel | 316 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 18–20% | 16–18% |
| Nickel | 8–10.5% | 10–14% |
| Molybdenum | None | 2–3% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Lower | 20–40% higher |
| Best Use | General indoor applications | Marine, chemical, chloride environments |
The high levels of chromium and nickel found in 304 and 316 stainless steel provides them with a strong resistance to heat, abrasion, and corrosion. Not only are they known for their resistance to corrosion, they are also known for their clean appearance and overall cleanliness.
Kloeckner Metals is a full-line stainless steel supplier and service center. Download our stainless steel spec sheet and check what Kloeckner Metals routinely stocks.
Both types of stainless steel appear in wide-ranging industries. As the most common grade of stainless steel, 304 is considered the standard “18/8” stainless. 304 stainless steel is widely used because it is durable and easy to form into various forms such as stainless steel sheet and stainless steel plate. 316 steel’s resistance to chemicals and marine environments makes it a popular choice among manufacturers.
The five classes of stainless steel are organized based on their crystalline structure (how their atoms are arranged). Out of the five classes, 304 and 316 stainless steel are in the austenitic grade class. The structure of austenitic grade stainless steels makes them non-magnetic and prevents them from being hardenable by heat treatment.
| Grade | Carbon | Manganese | Silicon | Phosphorus | Sulfur | Chromium | Nickel | Nitrogen |
| 304 | 0.08 | 2 | 0.75 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 18.0/20.0 | 8.0/10.6 | 0.1 |
| Physical Property | Value |
| Melting Point | 1450℃ |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm^3 |
| Thermal Expansion | 17.2 x10^-6/K |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 W/m.K |
| Tensile Strength | 500-700 Mpa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45 Min % |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 215 Max HB |
The medical industry commonly uses 304 SS because it endures the powerful cleaning chemicals without corroding. As one of the few alloys that meets the Food and Drug Administration’s sanitary regulations for food preparation, the food industry often uses 304 SS.
316 contains many similar chemical and mechanical properties as 304 stainless steel. To the naked eye, the two metals look the same. However, the chemical composition of 316, which is made up of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum, is the main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel.
| Melting point | 1400℃ |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm^3 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 15.9 x 10^-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.3 W/m.K |
| Tensile Strength | 400-620 Mpa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45% min |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 149 max HB |
The addition of Molybdenum in 316 makes it much more corrosion resistant than similar alloys. Due to its superior resistance to corrosion, 316 is one of the staple metals for marine environments. 316 stainless steel is also utilized in hospitals because of its durability and cleanliness.
Fun fact: The Chicago Bean is made from 316 stainless steel!
| Element | 304 (%) | 316 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 18–20 | 16–18 |
| Nickel | 8–10.5 | 10–14 |
| Molybdenum | – | 2–3 |
The addition of molybdenum significantly improves resistance to chloride-induced pitting corrosion, which is why 316 is commonly used in marine environments.
Heat resistance is an important factor to consider when comparing the different grades of stainless steel. The melting range of 304 is around 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit higher than 316. Although the melting range of 304 is higher than 316, they both have good resistance to oxidization in intermittent service up to 870°C (1500℉) and in continuous service at 925°C (1697℉).
What makes 316 more expensive than 304 stainless steel? The increase of nickel content and the addition of molybdenum in 316 makes it more expensive than 304. On average, the price of 316 stainless steel 40% higher than the price of 304 SS.
When comparing 304 stainless steel vs 316, they both have pros and cons to consider when deciding which one to use for different applications. For instance, 316 stainless steel is more resistant than 304 to salt and other corrosives. So, if you are manufacturing a product that will often face exposure to chemicals or a marine environment, 316 is the better choice.
On the other hand, if you are manufacturing a product that does not need strong corrosion resistance, 304 is a practical and economical choice. For many applications, 304 and 316 are actually interchangeable.
Short answer:
316 stainless steel is generally considered superior for corrosion existence because of its molybdenum content. However, 304 stainless steel is more widely used because it offers excellent performance at a lower cost.
Use 316 stainless steel when:
Use 304 stainless steel when:
Both grades have similar mechanical strength, though 316 performs slightly better in high-corrosion environments.
Yes, particularly in chloride environments such as salwater.
Because it contains more nickel and molybdenum.
Yes, it is widely used in food processing and kitchen equipment.
Kloeckner Metals is a full-line stainless steel supplier and service center. Kloeckner Metals combines a national footprint with the latest fabrication and processing technologies and most innovative customer service solutions.
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