A516 Gr.65 vs Gr.70 — which should I specify?

Gr.70 (485–620 MPa, yield ≥260 MPa) is the default worldwide and the most widely stocked. Gr.65 (450–585 MPa, yield ≥240 MPa) is chosen when the design allows the lower band and easier forming or welding is valued. Design codes rate them separately — do not substitute without re-rating the vessel.

Grades · Structural & HSLA Steel · A516 Gr.65

A516 Gr.65

Data verified

ASTM A516 Grade 65 is the middle grade of the A516 pressure-vessel plate family, sitting between Gr.60 and the more common Gr.70. It offers the same fine-grain, killed, weldable practice as Gr.70 with a slightly lower strength band, which can ease forming and welding on moderate-pressure vessels.

DINP355GH (near)

AISIA516 Gr.65

JISSGV450 (near)

CategoryStructural & HSLA Steel

Chemical composition

Element	Content (%)
C	≤0.24 (≤12.5 mm)
Si	0.15–0.40
Mn	0.85–1.20
P	≤0.025
S	≤0.025

Weight percent, per the governing standard ranges. Actual values per heat are on the mill certificate.

Properties

Yield strength	≥240 MPa
Tensile strength	450–585 MPa
Density	7.85 g/cm³

Heat treatment

Supplied as-rolled or normalized; normalizing is commonly specified for thicker plate and low-temperature service.

Equivalent grades

Standard	Designation
din	P355GH (near)
aisi	A516 Gr.65
jis	SGV450 (near)
gb	Q345R (near)

Compare side by side: A516 Gr.65 vs A516 Gr.60 · A516 Gr.65 vs A516 Gr.70 · A516 Gr.65 vs P355GH

Equivalents overlap in chemistry and use but are not always identical — see our equivalents guide before substituting in certified designs.

Applications & Processing

Applications: Pressure vessels, boilers, storage tanks, heat exchanger shells, moderate-pressure process equipment.

Processing: Excellent weldability with standard vessel procedures; PWHT per code when thickness or service requires it.

FAQ

A516 Gr.65 vs Gr.70 — which should I specify?: Gr.70 (485–620 MPa, yield ≥260 MPa) is the default worldwide and the most widely stocked. Gr.65 (450–585 MPa, yield ≥240 MPa) is chosen when the design allows the lower band and easier forming or welding is valued. Design codes rate them separately — do not substitute without re-rating the vessel.

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Source: ASTM A516 published ranges · Last updated 2026-11-03. Data is indicative — verify critical values against the governing standard and mill certificate before use.