304 vs 316 stainless steel: the difference and which to choose
· Updated September 24, 2026
The short answer
Choose 304 by default: it covers the majority of indoor and outdoor uses, in the widest range of thicknesses and finishes. Move to 316 as soon as the part will live around chlorides — salt air, road salt, brines, bleach wash-downs. 316 costs noticeably more than 304: pay for it when the environment justifies it, not "just in case."
Both grades are 18-8 austenitics (about 18 % chromium, 8 % nickel and up). They cut, bend and weld very similarly, are non-magnetic in the annealed state and share the same melting point (2550 °F). The whole difference comes down to one alloying element : molybdenum.
316 contains about 2 to 3 % of it, which markedly strengthens its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments. 304 contains none — it remains excellent in normal atmosphere, fresh water and everyday food service, but coastal spray and road salt will eventually pit it.
How do their properties compare?
Values drawn from our per-thickness technical sheets (annealed sheet, ASTM A240M-20a/A480M-20a standard).
| Property | 304 stainless | 316 stainless |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 85 ksi | 75 ksi |
| Yield strength | 35 ksi | 30 ksi |
| Brinell hardness | 123 | 149 |
| Elongation at break | 50 % | 40–50 % |
| Elastic modulus | 29,000 ksi | 29,000 ksi |
| Thermal conductivity | 9.4 BTU/h-ft °F | 8.4 BTU/h-ft °F |
| Melting point | 2550 °F | 2550 °F |
| Magnetic (annealed) | No | No |
| Chloride resistance | Adequate | Clearly superior (molybdenum) |
In practice, these mechanical gaps change nothing for the vast majority of sheet-metal parts: the stiffness (elastic modulus) is identical and both grades work-harden during forming. The deciding factor remains the environment.
304 or 316: the verdict by your use case
| Use case | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial kitchen (counters, backsplashes, shelving) | 304 | Everyday wash-downs without aggressive chlorides; 304 in a #4 brushed finish is the trade standard. |
| Food processing with chlorinated sanitizers | 316 | Repeated bleach or brine wash-downs pit 304 over time. |
| Marine parts, docks, coastal equipment | 316 | Salt air is the textbook case for molybdenum — it's literally "marine stainless." |
| Roadside brackets and panels (road salt) | 316 | Across Canada, salt spray from November to April is the equivalent of coastal service. |
| Indoor railings and handrails | 304 | No chlorides in play; 304 #4 brushed delivers the intended look at a better cost. |
| Farm and dairy equipment | 304, otherwise 316 | 304 is enough for milk and standard wash-downs; move to 316 if your protocols use concentrated chlorinated disinfectants. |
| Shop enclosures and machine guards | 304 | Dry indoor environment: the premium for 316 adds nothing. |
| Chemical processing, pharma, CIP zones | 316 | Better resistance to many acids and intensive cleaning regimes; verify your process's chemical compatibility. |
| Base plate or flange thicker than 1/8″ | 304 | By elimination: our 316 range stops at 1/8″, while 304 goes up to 1/2″. |
Even 316 isn't invincible: avoid hot, stagnant chloride solutions, design so water drains and dries, and rinse salt-exposed parts regularly.
Which thicknesses and finishes are offered at Laseo?
The grade you choose also determines what's available. 304 covers twelve thicknesses, from 24 gauge (0.025″) up to 1/2″; 316 covers eight, from 24 gauge to 1/8″ (0.125″). Beyond 1/8″, then, the question no longer arises : it's 304.
304 stainless
- Thicknesses : 24 gauge to 1/2″ (12 thicknesses)
- Finishes : #4 brushed (24 to 11 gauge), #2B (20 gauge to 3/16″), #1 (1/4″ to 1/2″)
- Bending : offered up to 1/4″; 3/8″ and 1/2″ are cut only
- Cutting : fiber laser, ±0.005″ tolerance, parts up to 30″ × 44″
316 stainless
- Thicknesses : 24 gauge to 1/8″ (8 thicknesses)
- Finishes : #2B (24 gauge to 1/8″), #4 brushed (18 gauge to 1/8″)
- Bending : offered from 22 gauge to 1/8″; 24 gauge is cut only
- Cutting : fiber laser, ±0.005″ tolerance, parts up to 30″ × 44″
To understand the difference between the #1, #2B and #4 brushed finishes — and to know which ones are dictated by the chosen thickness — see our guide Stainless steel finishes : #1 vs #2B vs #4.
Is there a difference in fabrication?
Very little. Both grades are cut on the fiber laser with the same tolerance (±0.005″) and bend on the same press brakes — stainless work-hardens during forming and shows more springback than mild steel, regardless of grade. The exact inside radii and K-factors per thickness are in the bending guide.
Two things in common to keep in mind when designing :
- No tapping on 304 or 316. For threads, plan holes for self-clinching nut insertion (PEM), installed before bending.
- Avoid iron contamination: carbon steel particles (tools, tables, nearby grinding) leave contact rust stains on stainless, whatever the grade.
In short, the 304 vs 316 decision is made on the service environment and the range of thicknesses, not on manufacturability. When in doubt about a particular environment, request a quote describing the expected exposure — we'll tell you honestly whether 316 is worth it.
304 vs 316: frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
Molybdenum. 316 contains about 2 to 3 % of it and 304 contains none. That single element gives 316 its clearly superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion from chlorides: salt air, road salt, brines, bleach wash-downs. Otherwise both are 18-8 austenitic grades that cut, bend and weld very similarly.
Is 316 always better than 304?
No — only around chlorides. Indoors, in fresh water or in everyday food service, 304 performs just as well and costs less. At Laseo, 304 is also offered in more thicknesses: up to 1/2″, versus 1/8″ for 316.
Is 304 or 316 stainless steel magnetic?
Neither is magnetic in the annealed state. Both can become slightly magnetic after cold working such as bending or forming, so a magnet does not tell you the grade.
How can you tell 304 and 316 apart?
Not by eye and not with a magnet: they look identical. Reliable identification needs a chemical check for molybdenum — an XRF analyzer or a molybdenum spot-test kit — or the mill test certificate supplied with the material.
Which stainless steel for parts exposed to road salt in Canada?
316. Across Canada, salt spray from November to April is the equivalent of coastal service, and 304 will eventually pit. Even with 316, design so water drains and dries, and rinse salt-exposed parts regularly.
Is 304 stainless steel food grade?
Yes. 304 in a #4 brushed finish is the standard for commercial kitchens and food service. Move to 316 when your cleaning protocol uses repeated chlorinated sanitizers or brines.
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