Check out the chart below for guidance on measuring National Pipe Threads (NPT). For additional guidance on other pipe threads, please view this reference guide from Eaton Weatherhead.

Npt threadchart

Tapered threaded pipes, often used in plumbing installations for the delivery of fluids or steam have a threaded section that is shaped like a cone. This design forms a seal when torqued, as the flanks of the threads compress against each other

NPT threadangle

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NPT threadfull form

Perhaps even easier than this is to purchase a measuring tool called a caliper that will measure OD and inside diameter (ID). Eaton Weatherhead offers an angle gauge caliper and thread pitch gauge to help.

Straight thread fittings connect piping, but do not provide the seal alone. Straight threads can be sealed into a female pipe with Teflon tape or pipe compound. Read below for measuring advice specific to NPT.

For non-NPT measuring, many people measure a pipe by the outside diameter. For example, you draw a measuring tape along the pipe’s diameter and see a 1-inch measurement. It stands to reason you would then order a 1-inch pipe. However, you will be surprised when the fittings don’t match up. What you, in fact, need to order is a ¾-inch pipe because the chosen diameter should refer to the inside of the pipe where the potential flow happens, not the outside that was measured. Why? This accounts for the thickness of the pipe wall. So, just remember to focus on the interior diameter.

Npt threadsizes

The most common threads used in general applications, follow the American National Standard Pipe Thread standards, or national pipe thread (NPT).

Have you ever ordered the wrong pipe size and wondered what happened? You measured the pipe threads. In fact, you measured it a few times before placing your order, but once your order arrives and you go to use pipe, it doesn’t fit. Well, measuring pipe threads seems simple enough, but it can be deceivingly complicated. A few tweaks in how you measure pipe threads could make all the difference- and save time and frustration.

The rule of thumb when measuring National Pipe Thread is to subtract ¼-inch from your initial measurement. The thickness of the pipe wall will vary depending on the pipe, so always take that into account.

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Here’s an example: To measure the threads on a ¼ inch male pipe thread (MPT), measure the very outsides of the thread, then subtract ¼ inch of the outside diameter (OD) measurement to account for the thickness of the pipe wall on either side. When measuring a female pipe thread (FPT), measure the OD of the pipe itself and subtract ¼ inch to find the correct pipe thread size.