Walk into any stainless steel market in India and you will hear three numbers again and again: 201, 202 and 304. They look identical when polished, yet they behave very differently over time. Explaining SS 201 vs 202 vs 304 honestly protects your buyers — and your reputation when the first rust spots appear.
What makes them different: nickel and manganese
All three are austenitic stainless steels. The big difference is how they achieve that structure.
- 304 uses about 8% nickel.
- 201 and 202 replace much of the nickel with manganese and nitrogen, which is cheaper.
Because nickel is the most expensive alloying element, the 200 series costs significantly less than 304 — the reason it dominates utensils, furniture and decorative tubes.
Chemical composition (typical ASTM limits)
| Element | SS 201 | SS 202 | SS 304 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium | 16.0–18.0% | 17.0–19.0% | 18.0–20.0% |
| Nickel | 3.5–5.5% | 4.0–6.0% | 8.0–10.5% |
| Manganese | 5.5–7.5% | 7.5–10.0% | 2.0% max |
| Nitrogen | 0.25% max | 0.25% max | 0.10% max |
| Carbon | 0.15% max | 0.15% max | 0.08% max |
In India you will also see mill brand names for low-nickel grades such as J4, J3 and JT. These are proprietary 200-series variants, often with even lower nickel or added copper. They are not equivalent to 304.
Corrosion resistance
Corrosion resistance comes mainly from chromium, supported by nickel and molybdenum.
- 304: good resistance in indoor, urban, food and mild industrial environments. The default choice for kitchens, dairies, water and most process equipment.
- 202: moderate — fine indoors and in dry climates, but may stain in humid or coastal air.
- 201: lowest of the three — can show tea staining and pitting in coastal areas, with chlorides, or if cleaned with harsh chemicals.
For seawater, coastal and chemical exposure, even 304 is not always enough. See our SS 304 vs SS 316 guide for when to step up to molybdenum grades.
Strength and formability
Thanks to nitrogen, 201 and 202 actually have higher strength than 304 in the annealed condition and work-harden faster. That is useful for some structural and spring applications, but it makes deep drawing and severe forming harder. 304 has excellent ductility, which is why it is the standard for deep-drawn sinks and complex parts.
Typical applications
| Grade | Common uses |
|---|---|
| 201 | Utensils, decorative tubes, furniture, railings (indoor), low-cost appliances |
| 202 | Railings, kitchen equipment, automotive trim, decorative pipes |
| 304 | Food processing, dairy, pharma, kitchens, water pipes, tanks, process piping, architecture |
For industrial pipes, fittings and flanges sold to overseas buyers, 304/304L and 316/316L are the norm. Buyers in the USA, Europe and the Gulf rarely accept 200 series for pressure piping.
How to identify the grade
Polished 201 and 304 look the same. Common methods:
- Magnet test: not reliable. Annealed 304 is non-magnetic, but cold-worked 304 and some 200-series grades can be slightly magnetic.
- Spot test kits: chemical drops that react with nickel or molybdenum; quick but indicative only.
- PMI with an XRF analyser: the most practical accurate method. It reads chromium, nickel and manganese in seconds.
- Mill certificate: check heat number and chemistry. See EN 10204 3.1 vs 3.2 for certificate types.
A detailed guide to PMI is in our post on PMI testing.
Pricing and honesty
Because 200 series is cheaper, some sellers pass it off as 304. When the customer finds out — usually after a few months of rust — the supplier loses the account. Exporters selling to quality-conscious markets should:
- state the grade and standard clearly in every quotation,
- provide mill certificates with heat numbers,
- offer PMI on request,
- never quote "SS" without a grade.
Want consistent, professional quotation lines? QuoteMitra keeps grades, standards and terms standardised across every quote. For weight-based pricing, use our pipe weight calculator and plate weight calculator.
Welding and fabrication
All three grades can be welded, but the 200 series needs more care. Higher manganese and nitrogen affect weld pool behaviour, and the lower nickel content means weld zones are more prone to discolouration and corrosion if not cleaned properly. Fabricators should use matching or over-alloyed fillers, keep heat input moderate and pickle or passivate after welding. 304 is far more forgiving, which is another reason it is the standard for food, dairy and pharma fabrication. Our pickling and passivation guide explains post-weld cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Is SS 202 food grade?
202 is used in some kitchen equipment, but 304 is the widely accepted food-grade stainless steel. For food contact and export markets, specify 304 or 316.
Does SS 201 rust?
It can, especially in humid, coastal or chloride environments, or when cleaned with bleach. It is best for indoor, dry use.
Is 304 more expensive than 202?
Yes. 304 contains roughly twice the nickel of 202, so it usually costs noticeably more per kilogram.
Which is better for railings, 202 or 304?
For indoor railings, 202 can be acceptable. For outdoor, coastal or premium projects, 304 (or 316 near the sea) is the safer choice.
Key takeaways
- 201 and 202 replace nickel with manganese and nitrogen; 304 uses about 8% nickel.
- 304 has better corrosion resistance and formability; 200 series is cheaper and stronger.
- Industrial and export buyers expect 304/304L or 316/316L.
- Verify grades with PMI and mill certificates, not magnets.
Clear grade information builds trust — and trust is what turns a one-time buyer into a long-term customer.
