ABS pipe sizes are nominal designations. This chart gives the actual outside diameter, minimum wall and calculated inside diameter for common ABS Schedule 40 DWV pipe.

*Calculated ID = listed OD – 2 x listed minimum wall. Dimensions are in inches unless noted; millimeters use 25.4 mm per inch.

💡

What this table represents

These values are Charlotte Pipe’s ABS Schedule 40 foam-core DWV product data (ASTM F628), a manufacturer-specific reference for non-pressure pipe. Verify other nominal sizes from the relevant product specification instead of extrapolating, and check the applicable ASTM edition for your pipe type.

Four numbers describe an ABS pipe. Keep them separate when you read a chart.

Schedule 40 names the dimensional series for iron pipe size products. It does not by itself make the pipe pressure-rated.

For comparisons across materials, see the Pipe Outside Diameter Chart and the Pipe Inside Diameter Chart.

A nominal 2-inch ABS pipe has an outside diameter of about 2.375 inches. The same pattern holds across the series.

The difference column is nominal size versus measured OD. It is not wall thickness.

For a general explanation of pipe sizing across materials, see the Pipe Size Chart.

Use the table to identify an unmarked pipe. Measure across the pipe with calipers, or wrap a flexible tape around it and compare to the circumference.

Circumference = pi x OD, an arithmetic conversion of the listed OD values.

Average OD, tolerance and out-of-roundness

Listed ODs are average outside diameters. Real pipe varies within tolerance and can be slightly out of round, so measure at several points and use the average.

Tolerance values depend on the governing standard and product. Read them from the applicable specification or manufacturer datasheet.

The same IPS series continues for other DWV sizes, such as 1-1/4 in (1.660 in OD), 2-1/2 in (2.875 in) and 5 in (5.563 in). Confirm ABS availability, and keep multi-material comparisons on the Pipe Outside Diameter Chart.

Minimum wall is the thinnest wall the product is allowed to have. It is not a measurement of every pipe.

• Minimum wall is a specification floor; the actual measured wall is usually a little thicker.
• Wall tolerance is set by the governing standard and product.
• Solid-wall and cellular-core ABS can share nominal Schedule 40 dimensions, so always confirm which construction you have.

A single wall value cannot describe every product construction. For other wall systems, see the Pipe Wall Thickness Chart.

Inside diameter matters for internal flow area, capacity and dimensional comparison.

Here t is the minimum wall. Using a measured wall would give a measured-based ID instead.

Quick reference for each common size. Fixture sizing and capacity are decided by the plumbing code, not by this chart.

Two ABS DWV pipes with the same nominal size can be built differently. Compare construction, specification and product listing, not just size.

Solid-wall construction

A single homogeneous ABS wall, covered by the relevant ASTM D2661 requirements.

Cellular-core construction

A coextruded wall with solid inner and outer ABS skins around a closed-cell cellular ABS core, covered by ASTM F628.

ABS/PVC composite core

Composite cellular-core pipe, such as ABS Plus, is a separate product family under ASTM F1488 and should not be treated as ordinary F628 ABS.

Weights differ by construction. These figures are one manufacturer’s published product data, not a universal comparison.

For more weight references, see the Pipe Weight Chart and the Pipe Weight Calculator.

📌

What can change

Construction, product weight, marking, listing, application limits and manufacturer instructions. Do not assume equal performance because nominal dimensions match.

ASTM D2661-24 covers ABS Schedule 40 plastic drain, waste and vent pipe and fittings made to iron pipe sizes. It includes single-layer and coextruded pipe.

• IPS dimensional system for pipe and fittings.
• Material, dimension and tolerance requirements.
• Pipe stiffness, flattening resistance and impact requirements.
• Marking requirements.

It is not a general pressure-pipe standard. The full dimension tables are in the licensed standard, so this page cites a named manufacturer listing instead of reproducing them.

ASTM F628-24 covers coextruded ABS Schedule 40 DWV pipe made to IPS sizes, with concentric solid ABS inner and outer layers and a closed-cell cellular ABS core.

• Coextrusion of the three layers.
• Dimensional requirements, including outside diameter and wall thickness.
• Pipe stiffness, flattening, impact and bond strength.
• Compatible fittings listed in an annex; fittings meeting D2661 are also acceptable.

The represented manufacturer products are for non-pressure use only. Cellular-core pipe is not simply a thinner version of solid-wall ABS.

Schedule 40 appears in ABS DWV specifications because the pipe is made to Schedule 40 IPS dimensions. That gives familiar ODs and walls that match iron-pipe-size fittings.

• Schedule 40 IPS: a dimensional geometry.
• ABS DWV: a product designation for drain, waste and vent use.
• Pressure-pipe specifications: separate standards with their own ratings.

For the general series, see the Pipe Schedule Chart and the Schedule 40 Pipe Chart.

Schedule 40 ABS and PVC DWV pipe share IPS outside diameters and the minimum wall values in the manufacturer data reviewed. Other PVC systems do not always match, so use the PVC Pipe Size Chart for PVC-specific sizing.

Do not assume every PVC pipe system has the same dimensions as ABS DWV. Color alone does not identify the standard.

Choose by compatibility and approval, not by a general claim that one material is better.

• Dimensional compatibility: matching IPS sizes do not make ABS and PVC components interchangeable.
• Product listing: confirm each pipe and fitting is listed for DWV.
• Construction: solid-wall and cellular-core options exist for both materials.
• Joining: use the cement made for the material.
• Local code and the manufacturer’s instructions decide acceptance.

Fittings include hubs, spigots, couplings, elbows, sanitary tees, wyes, cleanouts, reducers and transitions. A fitting’s outside dimensions are not the pipe’s OD.

Hub columns follow the standard socket geometry for ABS DWV fittings: entrance and bottom diameters, socket depth and minimum wall. The last two columns are calculated differences; a negative value means the socket bottom is narrower than the pipe OD, which creates the interference fit.

These are one manufacturer’s catalog values, not a universal table. Confirm socket and insertion dimensions in the current catalog for the exact fitting you buy.

Figure 4. Plain-end ABS pipe inserted into a socket fitting. Schematic only.

ABS Pipe Solvent Cement and Joining

A short joining overview, not an installation manual.

ASTM D2235 covers solvent cement for ABS pipe and fittings. Use ABS cement on ABS joints and match the cement to the pipe and fitting products.

• Cut the pipe square, deburr the end and clean the surfaces.
• Check the dry fit; the pipe should enter the socket partway before cementing.
• Insert the pipe fully to the socket bottom and hold as the manufacturer directs.
• Follow the cement label for handling and cure time, which depend on size and temperature.

There is no universal cure time. Use the manufacturer’s instructions and the local code.

Can ABS and PVC Pipe Be Connected?

Dimensional match versus approved transition.

Matching nominal size does not make an ABS-to-PVC joint approved. The joint needs an approved method.

ASTM D3138-21 covers solvent cements for ABS-to-PVC transition joints in non-pressure applications only, at 25 psi or less. It was not written as an all-purpose cement for mixing the two materials.

• Approved transition cement where permitted.
• Listed mechanical transition couplings.
• Local plumbing-code requirements.
• Manufacturer instructions.

⚠️

Do not use ordinary cement on a transition

Ordinary ABS or PVC cement is made for its own material. Use a transition cement or listed coupling where the code allows ABS to PVC connections.

ABS Pipe Flow Area and Internal Capacity

How inside diameter sets the full-bore area.

Cross-sectional flow area

A = π × ID² / 4

• A = full-bore flow area (in²)
• ID = calculated inside diameter (in)

2

2-Inch ABS Full-Bore Area

Given: 2-in ABS, calculated ID = 2.067 in.

1

Square the ID: 2.067 x 2.067 = 4.273.

2

Multiply by π/4 (0.7854): A = 0.7854 x 4.273.

3

Calculate: A = 3.36 in².

Result: A = 3.36 in²

What it means: This is an illustrative full-bore geometric area, not an allowable gravity-drainage flow rate.

Real DWV capacity depends on slope, flow depth, roughness, venting, fittings, fixture-unit loading and the applicable code.

For general hydraulic references see the Pipe Flow Rate Chart, and for water held per foot see the Pipe Volume Chart.

ABS Pipe Slope and Drainage Sizing

Why pipe size alone does not set drainage performance.

Pipe diameter alone does not decide whether a drain works. Plumbing codes size drains from fixture units, slope and the type of pipe segment.

• Gravity drainage depends on pipe slope and flow depth.
• Drainage fixture units (DFU) set the load on each branch and drain.
• Trap arms, building drains and vents each have their own limits.
• Minimum slopes and sizes vary by pipe size, code edition and jurisdiction.

This page does not publish a universal slope or fixture-unit table. Use the plumbing code adopted where you build, and name its edition when you cite a number.

ABS Pipe Support Spacing

Why supports matter, with two code examples.

Supports reduce sagging, joint loading and misalignment, and they work with thermal movement provisions.

Support spacing examples for ABS DWV (verify the adopted code edition)

Code reference	Horizontal spacing	Vertical support
2024 International Plumbing Code, Table 308.5	4 ft maximum	10 ft maximum; a guide midway for sizes 2 in and smaller
Uniform Plumbing Code, Table 313.3 (Schedule 40 PVC and ABS DWV)	4 ft, all sizes; allow for expansion every 30 ft	Base and each floor; provide mid-story guides

🔗 Embed This Table

Examples only. The adopted code edition and the manufacturer’s instructions set the actual requirements in your jurisdiction.

For the general reference, see the Pipe Support Spacing Chart.

ABS Pipe Temperature and Application Limits

Service temperature, product limits and thermal movement.

ABS DWV is for drain, waste and vent service. Check the temperature and application limits of the specific product.

• Sanitary wastewater temperatures of 60 to 140°F are commonly considered for DWV systems.
• One manufacturer states its ABS Plus composite DWV pipe is for non-pressure systems not exceeding 140°F. That limit is product specific.
• Check the manufacturer’s limits for exposure and storage conditions.

Thermal expansion

ABS moves more than metal pipe. Plan offsets, hangers that let the pipe slide, and expansion joints on long runs.

3

Thermal Expansion of an ABS Run

Given: 40 ft run, temperature change 50°F, ABS coefficient 5.5 x 10^-5 in/in/°F (published for ABS, cell class 42222).

1

Write the formula: ΔL = α x L x ΔT.

2

Convert length: L = 40 ft x 12 = 480 in.

3

Calculate: ΔL = 0.000055 x 480 x 50 = 1.32 in.

Result: ΔL = 1.32 in

What it means: The coefficient varies by compound; the published value for ABS/PVC composite is lower (4.2 x 10^-5). Use the manufacturer’s value for design.

How to Measure and Identify ABS Pipe

A practical workflow, from print line to application check.

Follow this order to identify an ABS pipe before you buy fittings.

1. Read the pipe print line.
2. Identify the nominal size.
3. Identify the ASTM standard.
4. Check whether the pipe is solid-wall or cellular-core.
5. Measure the actual OD.
6. Compare it with the correct IPS table.
7. Check the fittings and product listing.
8. Confirm the application is permitted.

Black color alone does not prove the material is ABS.

Common ABS Pipe Sizing Mistakes

Errors that cost time at the fitting counter.

📏

Assuming OD equals nominal size

2-in ABS measures about 2.375 in outside.

🔀

Confusing pipe OD with fitting hub OD

The fitting’s outside dimensions are not the pipe’s OD.

🏗️

Treating all ABS as solid-wall

Cellular-core ABS exists and is a different construction.

🔍

Ignoring cellular-core identification

Read the print line and look at the cut end.

📐

Using calculated ID as exact bore

It is based on minimum wall, not a measured bore.

💧

Assuming Schedule 40 means pressure-rated

ABS DWV is non-pressure pipe.

🧪

Using generic PVC cement on ABS

Use cement made for the pipe material.

🔄

Assuming every ABS/PVC transition is allowed

Use approved transition methods only.

📊

Sizing drains from pipe size alone

Fixture units, slope and code edition decide capacity.

🔩

Ignoring supports and expansion

Long runs need hangers that allow movement.

⚫

Assuming all black plastic pipe is the same

Different standards and materials share black color.

⚠️

Using pressure-pipe specs as D2661 DWV

Industrial ABS pressure pipe follows different standards.

ABS Pipe Size FAQs

Short answers to common ABS sizing questions.

What sizes does ABS pipe come in?

What is the actual OD of 1-1/2-inch ABS?

What is the actual OD of 2-inch ABS?

What is the actual OD of 3-inch ABS?

What is the actual OD of 4-inch ABS?

What is the actual OD of 6-inch ABS?

Is ABS pipe measured by ID or OD?

Is ABS pipe Schedule 40?

Is Schedule 40 ABS pressure-rated?

What is the difference between solid-wall and foam-core ABS?

Is ABS the same size as PVC?

Can ABS and PVC fittings be connected?

How do I calculate ABS inside diameter?

What does ASTM D2661 mean?

What does ASTM F628 mean?

Can ABS pipe be used for hot water?

How do I identify ABS pipe without a label?

Related Charts and Calculators

Continue with these ConcreteCalculate references.

📋PVC Pipe Size Chart📋Pipe Outside Diameter Chart📋Pipe Inside Diameter Chart📋Pipe Wall Thickness Chart📋Pipe Schedule Chart📋Schedule 40 Pipe Chart📋Pipe Weight Chart📋Pipe Flow Rate Chart📋Pipe Volume Chart📋Pipe Support Spacing Chart📋Pipe Size Chart📋All Construction Charts🧮Pipe Weight Calculator

Print This ABS Pipe Size Chart

Use your browser to save this page as a PDF for a job-site binder or estimating folder. Interactive sections are hidden when printing.

ABS Schedule 40 DWV tableInch and millimeter valuesFormulas and examplesStandards overview

🖨️ Save / Print as PDF

Cite or Embed This Chart

Reference this ABS pipe size chart on your own site. Copy the code below and keep the link to this page.

<p>ABS Pipe Size Chart via <a href=”https://concretecalculate.com/abs-pipe-size-chart/”>ConcreteCalculate.com</a></p>

📋 Copy Embed Code