Direct comparison
316 vs 316L: Carbon Limit and Strength Compared
316 vs 316L stainless steel: only the carbon limit differs (0.08 vs 0.030 wt%), plus listed yield and tensile values, in a sourced side-by-side table.
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How do 316 (UNS S31600), 316L (UNS S31603) compare side by side?
The table below compares 316 (UNS S31600), 316L (UNS S31603) across 12 procurement-relevant dimensions, from uns designation through source.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | 316 (UNS S31600) | 316L (UNS S31603) |
|---|---|---|
| UNS designation | S31600 | S31603 |
| Carbon (C), maximum | 0.08 wt% | 0.030 wt% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 to 18.00 wt% | 16.00 to 18.00 wt% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 to 14.00 wt% | 10.00 to 14.00 wt% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 to 3.00 wt% | 2.00 to 3.00 wt% |
| Other limits (Mn, Si, P, S, N) | Mn 2.00, Si 0.75, P 0.045, S 0.030, N 0.10 wt% max | Same limits as 316 |
| Yield strength, 0.2% offset (listed value) | 30,000 psi (205 MPa) | 25,000 psi (170 MPa) |
| Ultimate tensile strength (listed value) | 75,000 psi (515 MPa) | 70,000 psi (485 MPa) |
| Hardness, maximum | 217 Brinell / 95 HRB | 217 Brinell / 95 HRB |
| Physical properties shown on the datasheet | Density 8.027 g/cm3, modulus of elasticity 200 GPa, melting range 1390 to 1440 C (shown for 316/316L together) | Same values (shown for 316/316L together) |
| When to pick each | Pick 316 when the specification, drawing or equipment manufacturer calls for S31600 or relies on the higher listed strength values (205 MPa yield, 515 MPa tensile). | Pick 316L when the specification, drawing or equipment manufacturer calls for S31603 or the low-carbon limit (0.030 wt% max). If neither states a grade, follow the manufacturer or specification. |
| Source | UPMet 316/316L datasheet and ATI 316 product page, both read 2026-10-30 | UPMet 316/316L datasheet, read 2026-10-30 |
Common questions
Common questions about 316 (UNS S31600) vs 316L (UNS S31603)
What is the difference between 316 and 316L stainless steel?
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The datasheet limits differ in carbon only: 316 (UNS S31600) allows up to 0.08 wt% carbon, 316L (UNS S31603) up to 0.030 wt%. Chromium (16.00 to 18.00), nickel (10.00 to 14.00), molybdenum (2.00 to 3.00) and the other element limits are the same. The listed minimum strength values are also a little lower for 316L.
Is 316L stronger than 316?
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No. On the UPMet datasheet 316L lists 25,000 psi (170 MPa) yield and 70,000 psi (485 MPa) tensile, against 30,000 psi (205 MPa) and 75,000 psi (515 MPa) for 316. These are listed specification values, and the datasheet states it is for information only and not for design purposes.
Is 316L the same as 316 except for the carbon content?
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In composition, yes: every element limit on the datasheet is identical apart from the 0.08 versus 0.030 wt% carbon maximum. The listed yield and tensile values differ slightly, and the two grades carry different UNS numbers, S31600 and S31603.
How can I tell which grade a part is made from?
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Because the carbon limit is the only chemistry difference, the UNS number or the carbon result on the material certificate is what separates them. A combined 316/316L datasheet lists both grades side by side, so confirm which column of limits the certificate reports.
Do 316 and 316L have the same corrosion resistance?
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The datasheet describes Type 316 as a molybdenum-bearing grade more resistant to general corrosion and pitting/crevice corrosion than conventional chromium-nickel grades such as Type 304, and both grades share the same molybdenum range (2.00 to 3.00 wt%). It does not publish a separate corrosion ranking for 316L.
Going deeper
