201
Typical reasons to choose 201
- Household appliances
- Kitchen utensils
- Sinks
- Doors and window components
- Railroad cars
- High-strength formed sheet components in mild environments
Stainless steel grade comparison
201 vs 304 Stainless Steel
Compare 201 and 304 stainless steel by chemistry, strength, work hardening, corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, magnetism, product availability and procurement cost drivers.
Quick answer:
choose 201 when high strength, strong work-hardening response
and reduced nickel content provide a useful cost or
weight-saving advantage in a mild environment. Choose 304
when broader corrosion resistance, more predictable general-purpose
fabrication and wider product-form availability are more important.
For aggressive chlorides or chemical service, neither should
be selected only from this comparison.
The alloying difference behind the selection decision
201
EN 1.4372 · UNS S20100
- Structure Austenitic
- Typical Cr 16.1%
- Typical Ni 3.6%
- Typical Mn 6.6%
304
EN 1.4301 · UNS S30400
- Structure Austenitic
- Typical Cr 18.1%
- Typical Ni 8.1%
- Typical Mn Standard level
Typical chemistry basis: Outokumpu Core 201/4372 and Core 304/4301. 201 belongs to the low-nickel Cr-Mn austenitic stainless steel family, where manganese replaces part of the nickel used in standard Cr-Ni grades.
M03 · Decision summary
201 or 304 stainless steel: which one should you specify?
Both grades are austenitic, but they achieve their properties with different alloying strategies. 201 replaces part of the nickel used in 304 with manganese and nitrogen, producing higher strength and stronger work hardening. 304 uses more chromium and nickel and generally provides a broader corrosion-resistance envelope.
| Decision factor | 201 stainless steel | 304 stainless steel |
|---|---|---|
| General corrosion resistance | Good for many mild indoor and general applications, but normally slightly below standard Cr-Ni grades. |
Broader general-purpose corrosion resistance.
Preferred |
| Yield strength |
Substantially higher in the compared annealed
cold-rolled EN condition.
Strength advantage |
Lower annealed yield strength but excellent ductility and general-purpose performance. |
| Tensile strength | Higher specified tensile range in the compared condition. | Lower tensile range, but sufficient for a wide range of general fabrication. |
| Work hardening |
High work-hardening rate and strong strengthening
during deformation.
High work hardening |
Also work-hardens, but generally provides a more familiar general-purpose forming response. |
| Formability | Good formability combined with high strength, but forming loads and springback can be greater. | Excellent general forming capability with broad industry experience and tooling data. |
| Nickel content |
Much lower nickel content, with manganese replacing
part of the nickel.
Lower nickel |
Approximately 8% nickel in typical 18/8 chemistry. |
| Material cost | Lower nickel exposure can provide an economic advantage, depending on current alloy prices and product form. | Generally carries greater nickel-related alloy cost. |
| Availability | Common mainly in sheet, coil and strip programs. |
Available across a much broader range of sheet,
plate, strip and fabricated product forms.
Broader supply |
Selection rule: do not choose 201 solely because it contains less nickel or has higher strength. Confirm that its slightly lower corrosion resistance and stronger work-hardening response are compatible with the actual environment and fabrication process.
M04 · Technical data
201 vs 304 stainless steel properties
Compare values only when material condition and product form are the same. The tables below separate typical chemistry from EN 10088-2 mechanical properties and physical-property reference data.
Typical chemical composition
Typical composition by mass from Outokumpu Core range data. Actual purchase chemistry must be verified against the governing standard and material certificate.
| Element / indicator | 201 / S20100 | 304 / S30400 | Selection significance | Source / condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon, C | 0.05% | 0.04% | Typical values only; specification maximums should be checked separately. | Outokumpu typical chemistry |
| Chromium, Cr | 16.1% | 18.1% | 304's higher chromium level contributes to its broader general corrosion resistance. | Outokumpu typical chemistry |
| Nickel, Ni | 3.6% | 8.1% | 201 reduces nickel usage by replacing part of the austenite-stabilizing function with manganese and nitrogen. | Outokumpu typical chemistry |
| Manganese, Mn | Approx. 6.6% | Standard Cr-Ni grade level | High manganese is a defining feature of the Cr-Mn 200-series alloy system. | Outokumpu typical chemistry |
| Nitrogen, N | 0.08% | Not intentionally increased | Nitrogen contributes to the higher strength of 201. | Outokumpu typical chemistry |
| PRE | Approx. 17 | Approx. 18 | Composition-based pitting indicator only; not a complete service-life prediction. | Outokumpu Core range |
Mechanical properties at 20°C
EN 10088-2 cold-rolled coil and sheet comparison.
| Property | 201 / 1.4372 | 304 / 1.4301 | Procurement interpretation | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2% proof strength | 350 MPa | 230 MPa | 201 provides substantially higher annealed yield strength in this comparison. | EN 10088-2 cold-rolled coil/sheet |
| 1.0% proof strength | 380 MPa | 260 MPa | The higher proof strength reflects the stronger Cr-Mn-N alloy system. | EN 10088-2 cold-rolled coil/sheet |
| Tensile strength | 680–880 MPa | 540–750 MPa | 201 has the higher specified tensile range. | EN 10088-2 cold-rolled coil/sheet |
| Elongation | 45% | 45% | Both retain high ductility in the compared annealed cold-rolled condition. | EN 10088-2 |
Typical physical properties
Reference values according to the Outokumpu Core range physical-property table.
| Property | 201 | 304 | Why it matters | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.8 kg/dm³ | 7.9 kg/dm³ | 201 is slightly less dense. | Typical physical property |
| Elastic modulus | 200 GPa | 200 GPa | Elastic stiffness is essentially the same in the cited reference data. | 20°C |
| Thermal conductivity | 15 W/m·K | 15 W/m·K | No meaningful difference in the cited value. | 20°C |
| Electrical resistivity | 0.70 Ω·mm²/m | 0.73 Ω·mm²/m | The electrical difference is relatively small. | 20°C |
| Magnetizable | Normally no | Normally no | Both are austenitic in the annealed condition, but cold working can form martensite and increase magnetic response. | Annealed reference condition |
Important:
201's higher strength does not automatically make it a better
replacement for 304. The additional strength comes with a stronger
work-hardening response and slightly lower corrosion resistance,
which can change tooling loads, springback and service suitability.
M05 · Product form matrix
Product forms and finishes for 201 and 304
201 is principally a flat-product grade used in coil, sheet and strip applications. 304 has one of the broadest product-form supply bases in the stainless steel market.
Availability note:
this table describes common commercial product forms,
not live inventory. Confirm grade, dimensions, finish,
quantity and governing specification before purchase.
| Product form / finish | 201 | 304 | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-rolled coil & sheet | Common | Common | Major commercial product form for both grades. |
| Hot-rolled coil & sheet | Common | Common | Verify thickness and mill program. |
| Precision strip | Available | Available | Specify temper, edge condition and tolerance. |
| Quarto plate | Verify source | Common | 304 has a substantially broader plate supply base. |
| Pipe & tube | Application-specific | Widely available | Confirm product-form standard and 201 mill availability. |
| Bar & structural forms | Verify source | Widely available | 304 normally provides a broader procurement route. |
| 2B / 2D | Available | Common | Confirm visual and roughness requirements. |
| Decorative / polished finish | Available | Common | Appearance acceptance should consider the actual service environment and maintenance requirements. |
M06 · Grade selector
Use the application requirements to choose 201 or 304
Check the conditions that matter for your component. The result provides a preliminary material direction before the exact dimensions, finish, fabrication process and service environment are reviewed.
Preliminary result
Start with 304
When the service environment and fabrication route are not yet clearly defined, 304 is normally the broader general-purpose starting point because of its corrosion resistance and wide product availability.
Send Conditions to an Engineer
STEP 01
Define corrosion exposure
Moisture, atmosphere, salts, chemicals and cleaning conditions.
STEP 02
Define strength needs
Yield strength, tensile strength, weight and deformation requirements.
STEP 03
Check forming behavior
Tooling load, springback, deep drawing and work-hardening response.
STEP 04
Confirm the purchase specification
Grade, product form, dimensions, finish, MTC and inspection.
M08 · Applications & limitations
Where 201 works, where 304 earns its premium, and where neither grade is enough
201 is not simply a cheaper 304. Its higher manganese and nitrogen content create a different strength and work-hardening profile, while 304 provides more corrosion margin and a broader general-purpose supply base.
304
Typical reasons to choose 304
- Food and beverage equipment
- Kitchen and catering equipment
- Storage tanks
- Indoor and mild outdoor cladding
- Handrails and architectural components
- General fabricated stainless equipment
!
Conditions requiring further review
- Marine or seawater exposure
- Persistent chloride contamination
- Aggressive chemical process environments
- Applications already known to pit 304
- High-temperature chloride environments
- Pressure or safety-critical service requiring a specific code approval
Fabrication and design comparison
Both grades are austenitic, but 201's greater work-hardening response changes how it behaves during forming and structural design.
| Requirement | 201 | 304 | Selection effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| High strength | Higher annealed proof and tensile strength. | Lower annealed strength but broad design familiarity. | 201 can enable thinner or higher-strength designs when permitted by the application and code. |
| Work hardening | Strong work-hardening response. | Also work-hardens but generally less aggressively. | 201 can require higher forming loads and closer springback control. |
| Deep drawing | Good ductility, but alloy stability and work hardening must be considered during demanding forming. | Well-established general-purpose deep-drawing behavior. | Tooling trials can be important before substituting 201 for 304. |
| Welding | Can be welded using appropriate austenitic stainless procedures and filler selection. | Widely welded with extensive industry procedure experience. | Review carbon level, filler metal and corrosion requirements in critical welded fabrication. |
| Magnetic response after forming | Cold forming can produce deformation-induced martensite and measurable magnetic response. | Cold forming can also increase magnetic response. | Do not identify either grade using only a magnet test. |
| Corrosion margin | Normally somewhat lower than standard Cr-Ni 304. | Broader general corrosion resistance. | Environment should be the first check before making a cost-driven substitution. |
Important:
the higher strength of 201 can be useful, but substituting it for
304 changes more than price. Forming load, springback, corrosion
resistance, material identification, certification and product
availability should all be reviewed.
Material image comparison
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Use an approved product-form or surface-detail image.
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M10 · Standards & equivalence
201 and 304 grade designations
201 and 304 are both austenitic stainless steels, but they are not equivalent grades. Procurement documents should state the exact grade and governing product standard rather than accepting a generic “stainless steel” designation.
| System | 201 | 304 | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM / AISI type | 201 | 304 | Common North American grade designations. |
| UNS | S20100 | S30400 | Use the UNS number where exact grade identity matters. |
| EN material number | 1.4372 | 1.4301 | Outokumpu grade mapping used in this comparison. |
| Alloy family | Cr-Mn-N low-nickel austenitic | Cr-Ni austenitic | The different alloy system creates different strength, work-hardening and corrosion behavior. |
| Microstructure | Austenitic | Austenitic | Both are normally non-magnetizable when fully annealed, but cold work can create martensitic magnetic response. |
| Related variants | 201LN / S20153 | 304L / S30403, 304LN / S30453 | Do not substitute variants without reviewing chemistry, strength and fabrication requirements. |
ASTM A240/A240M
Common specification family for stainless steel sheet,
strip and plate.
EN 10088-2
Technical delivery conditions for corrosion-resisting
stainless steel flat products.
Product-form specification
Pipe, tube, bar and other forms may require different
standards and may not offer the same grade availability.
MTC / certificate
Verify heat chemistry, grade identity, reported mechanical
properties and requested test results.
A similar appearance does not establish equivalence. 201 and 304 should be distinguished by documented grade identity, not by visual inspection or a simple magnet test.
M11 · Direct answers
201 vs 304 stainless steel FAQ
Direct answers to the most common purchasing and material-selection questions about 201 and 304 stainless steel.
What is the main difference between 201 and 304 stainless steel?
201 is a low-nickel Cr-Mn austenitic stainless steel that uses manganese and nitrogen to replace part of the nickel. 304 is a conventional Cr-Ni austenitic stainless steel with more chromium and nickel. As a result, 201 generally has higher strength and stronger work hardening, while 304 provides broader corrosion resistance.
Is 201 stainless steel stronger than 304?
In the compared EN cold-rolled condition, yes. 201 has a 0.2% proof strength of about 350 MPa versus 230 MPa for 304, and a tensile range of approximately 680–880 MPa versus 540–750 MPa.
Which has better corrosion resistance, 201 or 304?
304 generally has the advantage. Published technical guidance describes the corrosion resistance of Cr-Mn austenitic grades such as 201 as normally slightly below standard Cr-Ni grades such as 304.
Why does 201 contain less nickel?
201 uses increased manganese and nitrogen to replace part of the austenite-stabilizing function normally provided by nickel. This creates a lower-nickel alloy while maintaining an austenitic structure.
Is 201 stainless steel cheaper than 304?
It can have a lower alloy-cost position because it contains substantially less nickel. However, actual price depends on raw-material markets, mill source, thickness, finish, processing, quantity and product availability.
Is 201 stainless steel magnetic?
201 is an austenitic stainless steel and is normally regarded as non-magnetizable in the annealed condition. Strong cold working can transform part of the austenite into martensite and create a measurable magnetic response. The same principle can apply to 304.
Which is better for forming, 201 or 304?
Both have high ductility, but 201 work-hardens more rapidly. This can provide useful finished strength but can also increase forming loads, springback and tooling demands. 304 is generally the more familiar choice for broad general-purpose forming.
Can 201 and 304 both be welded?
Both are austenitic stainless steels and can be welded using appropriate stainless-steel welding procedures. Filler selection, heat input, section thickness and corrosion requirements should be checked against the exact grade and product specification.
Can I replace 304 with 201 to reduce cost?
Only after checking corrosion environment, design strength, forming process, product availability and certification. 201 can be an effective material in the correct mild-service application, but it is not a universal low-cost substitute for 304.
M13 · Sources & technical review
Technical basis for this 201 vs 304 comparison
Numeric values are separated by source, standard and condition. Typical mill chemistry is not presented as a guaranteed purchase requirement, and current commercial pricing or inventory is not presented as fixed.
Primary technical references
- Outokumpu Core Range Datasheet Core 201/4372 and Core 304/4301 chemistry, mechanical properties, physical properties, applications and product-form information.
- Outokumpu Core 201/4372 Product Information Low-nickel Cr-Mn alloy description, work-hardening behavior, typical applications and product forms.
- EN 10088-2 Mechanical-property basis for the cold-rolled 201 and 304 comparison.
- EN 10088-1 Reference basis for physical-property data.
- ASTM A240/A240M North American specification reference for stainless steel sheet, strip and plate.
- Outokumpu Forming Guidance Reference for austenitic work hardening, cold forming and deformation-induced martensite.
Page accountability
Author
Stainless Steel Market Technical Editorial Team
Comparison structured around purchasing decisions, grade standards and published manufacturer technical data.
Technical review
Stainless Steel Market Materials Review
Review scope includes grade identity, chemistry, mechanical properties, work hardening, corrosion, forming behavior and product availability.
Reviewed
23 September 2026
Technical comparison prepared from published manufacturer and standard-reference information.
Update log
2026-09-23 — Initial T09 201 vs 304 comparison created with data tables, interactive selector, application matrix, FAQ and procurement CTA routing.
M14 · Ask an engineer
Still deciding between 201 and 304?
Send the actual service conditions, fabrication process and purchasing requirements. The grade can then be reviewed against corrosion exposure, required strength, work hardening, product availability and total cost.
- 201, 304 or alternative grade currently under consideration
- Sheet, coil, strip, plate, tube or other product form
- Thickness, width, diameter, length and dimensional tolerance
- Required yield and tensile strength
- Indoor, outdoor, wet or chemical service environment
- Chloride or cleaning-chemical exposure where applicable
- Deep drawing, stamping, bending, welding or machining requirements
- Applicable ASTM, EN or customer specification
- Quantity, destination, delivery date, MTC and inspection requirements
Send your material requirement
For faster technical review, include the application, required strength, environment, forming process, product form, dimensions, standard, finish and quantity.