Choosing the Right Stainless‑Steel Grade: 202 vs 304 vs 316

Stainless‑steel is prized for its durability, corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Among the most popular austenitic grades are 202, 304 and 316. This guide will help you quickly compare their chemistry, performance and best uses so you can select the ideal grade for your next project or product launch.

1. At a Glance: Chemical Composition

Element	Grade 202	Grade 304	Grade 316
Chromium (Cr)	17–19 %	18–20 %	16–18 %
Nickel (Ni)	3–5 %	8–10.5 %	10–14 %
Manganese (Mn)	7–10 %	≤ 2 %	≤ 2 %
Molybdenum (Mo)	—	—	2–3 %
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.12 %	≤ 0.08 %	≤ 0.08 %
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.25 %	≤ 0.10 %	≤ 0.10 %

2. Performance & Corrosion Resistance

Grade 304
- Corrosion: Very good in air, water and mild chemicals
- Formability: Excellent for bending, drawing & welding
- Applications: Kitchenware, architectural panels, food‑processing equipment
Grade 316
- Corrosion: Outstanding in saline (chloride) and harsh chemical environments
- Strength: High toughness at both low and high temperatures
- Applications: Marine hardware, chemical tanks, medical/sanitary instruments
Grade 202
- Corrosion: Fair in non‑aggressive, indoor settings
- Strength: Slightly higher tensile strength than 304, but less ductile
- Applications: Budget kitchen fittings, interior trim, inexpensive fixtures

3. Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Property	202 (Budget‑Grade)	304 (All‑Rounder)	316 (Premium‑Grade)
Corrosion Resistance	Fair (mild conditions)	Very good (general use)	Excellent (saline/chemical)
Formability & Ductility	Moderate	High	High
Strength & Toughness	↑ Slightly higher strength	Good	Very good
Cost	Lowest	Mid‑range	Highest

4. Which Grade Is Right for You?

Grade 202
- ✔ Budget‑sensitive, indoor or decorative use
- ✖ Not suitable for salty or highly acidic environments
Grade 304
- ✔ General household, food‑service and architectural applications
- ✔ Excellent balance of cost, performance and corrosion resistance
Grade 316
- ✔ Marine, chemical processing or medical/sanitary equipment
- ✔ Ideal where superior pitting and crevice‑corrosion resistance is critical

Tip: When in doubt, start with 304, the most versatile grade—and step up to 316 only if you expect prolonged exposure to chlorides or aggressive chemicals.

Ready to spec the perfect stainless‑steel for your next project? Contact our materials team for custom advice and quotes.