304 vs 304L
These two grades are listed as equivalents of each other: their chemistry windows overlap and they serve the same applications. They are not always identical — check the differences below before substituting, especially in certified designs.
304
Stainless Steel
304 is the most widely used stainless steel in the world, an 18-8 austenitic grade balancing corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. It covers the majority of food, architectural and general industrial applications.
Standards: DIN 1.4301 · AISI 304 · JIS SUS304 · GB 06Cr19Ni10
304L
Stainless Steel
304L is the low-carbon version of 304, specified for welded fabrications because its carbon cap of 0.030% prevents sensitisation in the heat-affected zone. It is the default 18-8 grade for welded chemical and food plant.
Standards: DIN 1.4307 · AISI 304L · JIS SUS304L · GB 022Cr19Ni10
Chemical composition compared (%)
| Element | 304 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.08 | ≤0.030 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| P | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Cr | 18.00–20.00 | 18.00–20.00 |
| Ni | 8.00–10.50 | 8.00–12.00 |
| N | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 |
Properties compared
| Property | 304 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery condition | Annealed | Annealed |
| Hardness | ≤187 HB (annealed) | ≤187 HB (annealed) |
| Tensile strength | 515–720 MPa | 485–690 MPa |
| Yield strength | ≥205 MPa | ≥170 MPa |
| Density | 7.90 g/cm³ | 7.90 g/cm³ |
Sourcing either grade?
Nasteel stocks both families from Shenzhen with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates by heat number.
Ask for a quotationSee full data sheets: 304 · 304L. Substitution decisions for certified parts stay with the design authority.