Stainless Steel 304 and 316: Comparison Between the Two Grades of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials in modern industry thanks to its corrosion resistance, durability, and versatility.
Among the most common alloys are two main types: stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316.
At first glance, they may appear similar, but they differ in chemical composition, corrosion resistance, and applications.

In this 2025 Guide, we’ll look in detail at the differences between 304 and 316 stainless steels and how to choose the one best suited to your project.

Stainless steel 304: characteristics, composition and uses

Stainless steel 304 is the most common and versatile stainless alloy.
It belongs to the austenitic 300 series and is composed mainly of iron, chromium (18%) and nickel (8%), hence the name “18/8 stainless steel.”

Key features:

• Excellent corrosion resistance in indoor or mildly aggressive environments.

• Outstanding workability and weldability.

• Good mechanical strength and dimensional stability.

• Non-magnetic under standard conditions.

Typical applications:

• Domestic appliances and professional kitchens.

• Urban furnishings and interior architecture.

• Tanks, sinks, cladding and food-processing components.

• Structural parts not exposed to chemical or saline agents.

Ideal for general-purpose applications requiring hygiene, aesthetics, and durability.

Stainless Steel 316: Properties, Advantages and Applications

Stainless steel 316 is an enhanced version of 304, with the addition of molybdenum (2–3%) in its composition.
This addition significantly improves its corrosion resistance, especially in saline or chemical environments.

Key features:

• Excellent corrosion resistance in marine or industrial settings.

• High stability at elevated temperatures.

• Superior resistance to pitting and intergranular corrosion.

• Workability and weldability comparable to 304.

• Slightly more expensive due to the higher Mo and Ni content.

Typical applications:

• Marine and offshore components.

• Chemical and petrochemical industries.

• Pharmaceutical and medical equipment.

• Tanks and systems for corrosive liquids.

It is the premium choice for aggressive or constantly wet environments.

Comparison: Stainless Steel 304 vs 316

How to Choose Between Stainless Steel 304 and 316

Your choice depends on environmental conditions and performance requirements:

• Choose 304 for indoor or non-aggressive environments (food industry, architecture, design).

• Choose 316 for outdoor, marine or chemically aggressive environments.

When in doubt, 316 is a long-term investment thanks to its superior durability.

304L and 316L: Low-Carbon Versions

The designations 304L and 316L refer to “Low Carbon” versions, with a carbon content ≤ 0.03%.
These reduce the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding and improve the strength of welded joints.
They are ideal for welded systems, piping and tanks in aggressive environments.

Conclusions

Both stainless steel 304 and 316 offer excellent performance in terms of strength, longevity, and quality.
304 is the ideal choice for general-purpose and aesthetic applications, while 316 excels in marine, chemical, and industrial contexts.

Choosing the right material means ensuring more reliable, durable, and high-performing components.

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