API 5L Line Pipe Physical Properties

Line pipe grade designations come from API Spec 5L Specification for Line Pipe.
Standard Line Pipe has grade designation A and B. Stronger grades have the
designation X followed by the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe steel,
measured in kilopounds per square inch (abbreviated ksi), e.g. X60 for pipe having a
minimum yield strength of 60 ksi. See the table below for the standard available grades.
Line Pipe Physical Properties

API 5L Grade

Yield Strength
min.
(ksi)

Tensile Strength
min.
(ksi)

Yield to Tensile
Ratio
(max.)

Elongation
min.
1
%

30

48

0.93

28

35

60

0.93

23

X42

42

60

0.93

23

X46

46

63

0.93

22

X52

52

66

0.93

21

X56

56

71

0.93

19

X60

60

75

0.93

19

X65

65

77

0.93

18

X70

70

82

0.93

17

X80

80

90

0.93

16

API 5L elongation figures vary with specimen dimensions. Values shown for 0.2 sq. in. specimen.

Line pipe mechanical testing usually omits Reduction of Area (RA) measurement
reporting, and Charpy V-Notch (CVN) testing. This prevents use of this pipe as body
material above 36 ksi yield strength for API Spec 6A equipment without retesting for
Reduction of Area, and in the case of low temperature service, Charpy V-Notch testing
as well.
CAUTION: Do not confuse pipe manufactured to meet ASTM A106 Grade A or B as
interchangeable with API 5L Grade A or B without close observation of the mill test
reports. The two pipe specifications overlap, but vary. Pipe may or may not meet both
specs.