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API 5L Line Pipe Grade Yield and Tensile Strength Reference

API 5L is the line pipe specification behind most oil and gas gathering and transmission pipe. The grade number after the X is the specified minimum yield strength in thousands of psi, so X52 is about 52,000 psi. This table lists the minimum yield and tensile strength for each grade, together with the ISO 3183 L grade name used outside the US.

Download:
API 5L gradeISO 3183 gradeMin yield (psi)Min yield (MPa)Min tensile (psi)Min tensile (MPa)
A25
L175
25,400
175
45,300
310
A
L210
30,500
210
48,600
335
B
L245
35,500
245
60,200
415
X42
L290
42,100
290
60,200
415
X46
L320
46,400
320
63,100
435
X52
L360
52,200
360
66,700
460
X56
L390
56,600
390
71,100
490
X60
L415
60,200
415
75,400
520
X65
L450
65,300
450
77,500
535
X70
L485
70,300
485
82,700
570
X80
L555
80,500
555
90,600
625

Values are specified minimums. PSL 2 also sets maximum yield and tensile limits and requires toughness testing. Confirm values for your edition of API 5L / ISO 3183 and the purchase specification. For design stress, many pipeline codes use the specified minimum yield strength (SMYS).

Approved pipe grade list in your ERP

Optional review of how grade, PSL and heat data are controlled on purchase orders and receipts.

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How to use the table

Search for a grade or a strength to filter the rows. Use the ISO column when a drawing from a European or Asian customer says L360 and your supplier quotes X52. Export the table to Excel to build a materials lookup for purchasing or an approved grade list in your ERP. The yield column is the value most design calculations use, for example the SMYS in a Barlow hoop stress check.

Reading the grade name

In the X grades, the digits are the minimum yield strength in ksi, rounded: X42 is 42 ksi, X65 is 65 ksi. The ISO L grades use the minimum yield in MPa, rounded: L360 is 360 MPa. Grades A and B do not follow the X pattern. PSL 1 and PSL 2 are product specification levels, with PSL 2 adding chemistry limits, toughness testing and tighter strength windows.

  • X42 to X80 minimum yield is about the number times 1,000 psi.
  • L number is minimum yield in MPa.
  • PSL 2 requires Charpy toughness testing in most cases.
  • Higher grade does not mean easier to weld.

Worked example

A drawing calls for 12.75 inch OD pipe in L450. In the table, L450 is X65 with a minimum yield of 65,300 psi and a minimum tensile of 77,500 psi. A purchasing note that only says 'X65' leaves the PSL open, so the purchase order should state PSL 1 or PSL 2, the delivery condition and whether sour service or offshore supplementary requirements apply.

Common mistakes

The usual mistakes are specifying a grade without a PSL, ordering a higher grade to 'be safe' and then struggling with welding procedures, and mixing the minimum yield with the actual mill test result when checking design margin. Also remember that a mill test report shows actual values, which are always above the minimums in this table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the number in X52 mean?

It is the specified minimum yield strength in thousands of psi, so X52 means about 52,000 psi. In the ISO 3183 naming, the equivalent grade is L360, where 360 is the minimum yield in megapascals.

What is the difference between PSL 1 and PSL 2?

PSL 2 has stricter requirements than PSL 1, including chemical composition limits, maximum strength limits and mandatory toughness testing. Many buyers specify PSL 2 for pipelines and critical service. The purchase order should always state the PSL.

Can I use these values for design?

They are the specified minimums and are commonly used as SMYS in pipeline design. The design code, such as ASME B31.4 or B31.8, sets the design factors and rules. Confirm the values against your edition of API 5L.

Why is the tensile of X42 the same as grade B?

In the specification, the minimum tensile strength is the same for grade B and X42, while the minimum yield differs. Always read both columns because the yield to tensile relationship matters for weld procedure qualification.

If approved pipe grades live in spreadsheets, we can help bring them into item master validation and receiving inspection in your ERP.

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