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Stainless steel grade comparison

301 vs 304 Stainless Steel

Compare 301 and 304 stainless steel by chemistry, corrosion resistance, work-hardening behavior, tensile strength, deep drawing, spring performance, welding, magnetism and product form.

Quick answer: choose 301 when the component needs high strength developed through cold working, spring performance or thin-section mechanical efficiency. Choose 304 when general corrosion resistance, stable forming behavior and broad welded fabrication are more important.

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Work-hardening strength vs general-purpose fabrication

301

EN 1.4310 · UNS S30100

Structure Austenitic
Typical C 0.10%
Typical Cr 17.0%
Typical Ni 7.0%
PRE ≈17
Main advantage Work hardening

304

EN 1.4301 · UNS S30400

Structure Austenitic
Typical C 0.04%
Typical Cr 18.1%
Typical Ni 8.1%
PRE ≈18
Main advantage General purpose

Typical manufacturer chemistry. 301 has lower chromium and nickel and a more pronounced work-hardening response; 304 provides a broader general-purpose corrosion and fabrication balance.

M03 · Decision summary

301 or 304 stainless steel: which one should you specify?

Both grades are Cr-Ni austenitic stainless steels, but they are optimized differently. 301 is more metastable and responds strongly to cold deformation, while 304 provides a more balanced corrosion, forming and fabrication package.

Decision first: use 301 when the manufacturing route intentionally uses cold work to create high tensile strength, spring force or thin-section structural efficiency. Use 304 where corrosion margin, deep drawing, dimensional stability and broad fabrication flexibility matter more.

Choose 301

Cold-worked strength controls the design

Best for Springs, precision strip, press plates, conveyor components and mechanically loaded thin formed parts.

Not recommended for Severe deep drawing without evaluating delayed cracking, or projects requiring maximum general corrosion margin.

Key trade-off Higher work hardening provides greater final strength but also increases forming load, springback and magnetic response.

Alternative 301LN where a low-carbon, nitrogen-strengthened route is more appropriate.

Choose 304

General corrosion and fabrication control the design

Best for Kitchen equipment, appliances, cladding, food equipment, tanks, flanges and general fabrication.

Not recommended for Designs that depend on very high spring-temper strength from aggressive cold reduction.

Key trade-off Better general-purpose balance and more stable forming, but lower work-hardening response than 301.

Alternative 304L where substantial welding and resistance to sensitization are important.

Reconsider both

The environment or process requires another grade family

Review when Warm chlorides, seawater, severe chemical service, critical SCC conditions or elevated-temperature creep apply.

Why Neither 301 nor 304 is a molybdenum-alloyed chloride-resistant grade.

Alternative 316L, duplex or a higher-alloy stainless depending on the actual environment.

Engineering reversal condition: if the component undergoes severe deep drawing, multiple forming stages or tight dimensional-control requirements, 301's stronger martensite formation and springback can make 304 the more practical choice even when high strength initially appears attractive.

M04 · Technical data

301 vs 304 stainless steel properties

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The strongest difference appears in mechanical response to cold deformation. 301 starts with higher cold-rolled strength and develops martensite more readily, while 304 offers slightly greater corrosion margin and more stable general-purpose forming behavior.

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Typical chemical composition

Typical manufacturer values by mass. Final acceptance must follow the governing specification and MTC.

Element / feature	301 / S30100	304 / S30400	Selection significance	Basis
Carbon, C	0.10%	0.04%	301's chemistry supports its stronger work-hardening and metastable behavior.	Typical manufacturer values
Chromium, Cr	17.0%	18.1%	304 has a modestly higher corrosion-resistance alloy margin.	Typical manufacturer values
Nickel, Ni	7.0%	8.1%	304's higher nickel produces a more stable austenitic structure.	Typical manufacturer values
Molybdenum, Mo	No intentional addition	No intentional addition	Neither is a Mo-bearing chloride grade.	Grade design
PRE	≈17	≈18	304 has a small alloy-index advantage.	Manufacturer PRE reference
Microstructure	Metastable austenitic	Austenitic	301 more readily forms strain-induced martensite during deformation.	Grade behavior

Cold-rolled mechanical properties at 20°C

EN 10088-2 reference values for cold-rolled sheet / coil condition.

Property	301 / 1.4310	304 / 1.4301	Unit	Engineering meaning
Rp0.2	250	230	MPa	301 begins with the higher cited proof strength.
Rp1.0	280	260	MPa	301 remains slightly higher.
Rm	600–950	540–750	MPa	301 has a substantially higher tensile-strength range.
Minimum elongation	40	45	%	304 has the higher cited ductility value.
Work-hardening response	Very high	High	—	301 is especially useful where forming is intended to create final strength.

Forming and fabrication comparison

The same austenitic label does not mean the two grades behave identically in severe forming operations.

Factor	301	304	Engineering impact	Buyer action
Cold-work strengthening	Very high	High	301 can reach higher strength classes through cold reduction.	Specify final tensile or temper condition.
Springback	Higher tendency	More moderate	301 may require more tooling compensation.	Provide bend geometry and final dimensional tolerance.
Severe deep drawing	Delayed-cracking risk must be reviewed	More stable starting choice	301 can develop more deformation martensite.	State draw ratio, steps and geometry.
Weldability	Weldable with grade-specific procedure	Widely used welded grade	304 is usually the simpler general fabrication choice.	Specify joint, heat input and filler.
Magnetic response after cold work	Can become significant	Can increase	301's less stable austenite makes this effect more important.	State magnetic limits if relevant.
General corrosion	Good	Generally higher margin	304 has more chromium and nickel in the cited chemistry.	Define environment before substitution.

Typical physical properties

EN 10088-1 reference values. The principal selection difference is not basic thermal or physical behavior.

Property	301	304	Condition	Selection significance
Density	7.9 kg/dm³	7.9 kg/dm³	Reference	No meaningful difference.
Elastic modulus	200 GPa	200 GPa	20°C	Same cited stiffness.
Thermal expansion	16.0 ×10⁻⁶/K	16.0 ×10⁻⁶/K	20–100°C	Same cited movement.
Thermal conductivity	15 W/m·K	15 W/m·K	20°C	No selection difference.
Specific heat	500 J/kg·K	500 J/kg·K	20°C	Same cited value.
Electrical resistivity	0.73 Ω·mm²/m	0.73 Ω·mm²/m	20°C	Same cited value.
Magnetizable	No*	No*	Annealed reference	Cold work can introduce magnetic martensite, especially in 301.

Key point: 301 and 304 have essentially the same published basic physical properties. The practical purchasing difference is 301's stronger work-hardening response versus 304's more general corrosion and fabrication balance.

M05 · Product form matrix

Product forms and supply routes for 301 and 304

Both are available as stainless flat products, but 301 is especially important in precision strip and strength-controlled cold-rolled applications, while 304 has a broader general-purpose fabrication supply route.

Availability note: this is a technical product-form guide, not a live stock statement. Confirm actual thickness, width, temper, finish, product standard and quantity on the supplier quotation.

Product / route	301	304	Status	Procurement note
Cold-rolled coil / sheet	Typical product form	Typical product form	Typical product form	For 301, define final mechanical condition as well as gauge and finish.
Hot-rolled coil / sheet	Published product route	Typical product route	Confirm availability	Dimensions and mill program remain supplier-dependent.
Precision strip	Key product route	Available by program	Confirm availability	301 is particularly relevant where strip strength or spring behavior matters.
Temper-rolled spring strip	Key 301 application	Possible by product program	Strength-class dependent	Specify tensile-strength or proof-strength class.
Quarto plate	Supplier-dependent	Established 304 product form	Confirm availability	304 has a broader general plate-fabrication route.
Springs / clips	Core application family	Possible	Property-specific	Define spring force, cycle life and final temper.
Deep-drawn components	Review severe forming	Strong general-purpose route	Application-specific	304 is normally more stable for demanding deep drawing.
Welded tanks / equipment	Possible after review	Established application family	Project-specific	For extensive welding, also consider whether 304L is the more appropriate grade.

M08 · Applications & limitations

Where 301 works, where 304 is preferred, and where another grade is required

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301 is strongest when cold deformation is deliberately used to create final strength. 304 is strongest as a general-purpose corrosion-resistant fabrication grade with more stable forming behavior.

301

Typical reasons to choose 301

Springs
Precision strip
Press plates
Conveyor chains
Mixer blades
Automotive components
High-strength cold-formed parts

304

Typical reasons to choose 304

Kitchen equipment
Household appliances
Consumer goods
Cladding and handrails
Food and beverage equipment
Storage tanks
Flanges and valves

Review

Conditions that may require another alloy

Warm seawater
High chloride concentration
Severe crevice corrosion
Critical chloride SCC conditions
Heavy welded service requiring low carbon
Very high-temperature service
Aggressive reducing acids

Failure modes that can reverse the recommendation

301 delayed cracking after severe deep drawing

301 is one of the less stable austenitic grades. Severe deformation can create a high amount of martensite, and delayed cracking can occur after demanding deep-drawing operations.

Excessive springback in 301

High work hardening raises the strength of the material during forming. This can also increase springback and make final geometry more sensitive to tooling and process control.

Magnetic response after cold forming

Both grades are austenitic in the annealed condition, but cold deformation can create martensite and increase magnetism. The effect is generally stronger in 301.

304 chloride pitting

304 offers slightly stronger general corrosion resistance than 301, but it does not contain intentional molybdenum. Severe chloride conditions may require 316L or duplex stainless steel.

301 corrosion after heavy cold work

The final formed condition matters. High deformation, residual stress, surface damage and martensite formation can affect real component performance. Qualification should represent the finished part rather than annealed sheet only.

Welding a high-strength 301 component

If a design depends on cold-worked 301 strength, welding can locally change the microstructure and mechanical condition. The joint should therefore be evaluated separately from base-strip data.

Using 304 where spring-temper strength is required

304 also work hardens, but 301 is normally the more efficient starting point when very high cold-rolled spring strength is the primary requirement.

Assuming lower nickel always means lower cost

301 contains less nickel than 304, but finished material cost also depends on market surcharges, temper rolling, dimensions, quantity, yield and supplier availability. Use an actual quotation instead of a fixed percentage assumption.

Inspection guidance: for cold-worked 301, verify final hardness / tensile condition, cracking at formed edges and dimensional stability. For 304, inspect welds, crevices, deposits and localized corrosion where the service environment is more aggressive.

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301 stainless steel

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304 stainless steel

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M10 · Standards & equivalence

301 and 304 stainless steel grade designations

301 and 304 are both austenitic Cr-Ni grades, but they are not interchangeable designations. The final temper and mechanical condition are particularly important for 301.

Designation / standard	301	304	Procurement caveat
ASTM / AISI type	301	304	Related austenitic grades, but not equivalent.
UNS	S30100	S30400	Use exact UNS for grade identification.
EN material number	1.4310	1.4301	Distinct European material designations.
EN name	X10CrNi18-8	X5CrNi18-10	Names reflect the chemistry difference.
JIS family	SUS301 family	SUS304	Verify exact chemistry and product-standard mapping before treating as equivalent.
GB reference	Verify against project standard	Verify against project standard	Do not use an informal cross-reference as the purchase specification.
ASTM A240/A240M	Flat-product grade	Flat-product grade	Check chemistry, mechanical condition and current revision.
EN 10088-2	Flat-product reference	Flat-product reference	Use same-condition properties for comparison.
EN 10151	Important for spring strip	Product-specific use	301 temper / spring strength class must be defined.
PRE reference	≈17	≈18	PRE alone does not define service corrosion resistance.

301 · S30100 High-work-hardening austenitic stainless steel.

301 · 1.4310 EN X10CrNi18-8; important for spring and cold-worked strip applications.

304 · S30400 Classic general-purpose 18Cr-8Ni austenitic grade.

304 · 1.4301 EN X5CrNi18-10 general-purpose designation.

For 301, grade alone may not be enough to define the product. The purchase specification should also state the required temper, tensile-strength class, proof strength or final mechanical condition.

M11 · Direct answers

301 vs 304 stainless steel FAQ

Direct answers to common engineering and procurement questions about 301 versus 304 stainless steel.

What is the main difference between 301 and 304 stainless steel?

301 contains somewhat less chromium and nickel and has a more unstable austenitic structure. It therefore work hardens more strongly. 304 is a more general-purpose austenitic grade with a slightly higher corrosion-resistance alloy balance.

Which is stronger, 301 or 304?

In the cited EN 10088-2 cold-rolled condition, 301 has Rp0.2 of 250 MPa and Rm of 600–950 MPa, compared with 230 MPa and 540–750 MPa for 304. 301 can also develop much higher strength through temper rolling.

Which has better corrosion resistance?

304 generally has the stronger corrosion-resistance margin. Its cited typical composition contains more chromium and nickel, and its PRE reference is about 18 compared with about 17 for 301.

Which is better for springs?

301 is normally the stronger starting choice. Its high work-hardening capacity makes it widely used for springs and high-strength precision strip.

Which is better for deep drawing?

For severe or multi-step deep drawing, 304 is generally the more stable choice. 301 develops more deformation martensite and can be susceptible to delayed cracking after severe drawing.

Is 301 stainless steel magnetic?

Annealed 301 is austenitic, but cold working can create strain-induced martensite and substantially increase magnetic response. This effect can also occur in 304, but it is usually more pronounced in 301.

Can 301 replace 304 to reduce nickel content?

Only after checking corrosion, forming, weld and final-property requirements. 301 contains less nickel, but its stronger work hardening, springback and martensite formation can change manufacturing behavior.

Which is cheaper, 301 or 304?

301 contains less nickel, which can affect alloy surcharge, but there is no fixed price advantage. Final cost depends on nickel market, temper condition, dimensions, processing, quantity and supplier availability.

M13 · Sources & technical review

Technical basis for this 301 vs 304 comparison

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This comparison separates annealed properties, work-hardening response, deformation martensite, corrosion resistance and final temper so 301 is not treated simply as a “stronger 304.”

Primary technical references

Outokumpu Core Range Datasheet 301/4310 and 304/4301 chemistry, EN mechanical properties, physical properties, forming behavior and corrosion guidance.
Outokumpu Core 301/4310 High work-hardening capacity, mechanical-loading applications, product forms and chemistry.
Outokumpu Core 304/4301 General-purpose 18Cr-8Ni austenitic grade, corrosion resistance, formability and weldability.
Outokumpu Forta Range Temper-rolled strength classes and high-strength positioning of 301/4310.
EN 10088-1 Grade designations and physical-property reference.
EN 10088-2 Flat-product mechanical-property reference for comparable conditions.
EN 10151 Relevant to stainless spring strip and strength classes.
ASTM A240/A240M Plate, sheet and strip specification framework.

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M14 · Ask an engineer

Still deciding between 301 and 304?

Send the actual strength, forming, corrosion and manufacturing requirements so the grade can be reviewed against the finished component.

301, 304 or alternative grade under consideration
UNS / EN / ASTM or customer specification
Sheet, coil, strip, plate or fabricated component
Thickness, width and dimensional tolerance
Required yield and tensile strength
Final temper / strength class
Required spring force or stiffness
Cold reduction percentage if known
Bending, stamping or drawing process
Draw depth and number of forming stages
Springback tolerance
Magnetic-property requirement
Welding process and joint details
Water, chemical or chloride exposure
Normal and peak operating temperature
Surface finish
Quantity, destination and due date
MTC and inspection requirement

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