SS 202 vs SS 304: Difference, Composition, Price & Which to Choose (India)
SS 304 carries 8–10.5% nickel, which makes it the go-to for anything wet, outdoor, or food-related, since it resists corrosion so well. SS 202 gets by on just 4–6% nickel, with manganese and nitrogen filling the gap. That makes it cheaper and, in some respects, stronger, but it rusts sooner. Sinks, utensils, tanks, coastal installations: all of these call for 304. Save 202 for dry, indoor work where cost matters more than longevity, things like decorative panels and low-exposure trim. That nickel gap alone is what settles the ss 202 vs 304 question.
This comparison covers Jindal Stainless (JSL) flat products only. "Jindal" here refers to Jindal Stainless Limited, not Jindal SAW, JSW Steel or JSPL. Both grades below are genuine JSL-melted 202 vs 304 stainless steel, sold as sheet, patta or patti, coil and circle. The hinglish question ss 202 aur 304 me antar (the difference between 202 and 304 stainless steel) gets answered the same way every time: match the grade to the environment, not to the lowest rate.
By the Relinox Technical Team, Jindal Stainless MoU Partner, headquartered at Ajmeri Gate, one of Delhi's biggest stainless steel markets.
SS 202 vs 304 at a glance: the decision table
The ss 202 vs 304 difference in one glance. This is the direct answer to 202 vs 304 which is better and the hinglish 202 ya 304 konsa better hai, 304 takes the win on corrosion resistance and food safety, while 202 pulls ahead on price and raw strength.
| Grade | Nickel (Ni) | Corrosion resistance | Relative cost | Best-fit use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 202 | 4.0–6.0% | Moderate, rusts/tea-stains sooner in damp or coastal air | Lower (less nickel) | Dry indoor: decorative panels, trim, low-exposure fabrication |
| SS 304 | 8.0–10.5% | Higher, the benchmark austenitic for general and food use | Higher (nickel-linked) | Wet, outdoor, food-contact: sinks, utensils, tanks, cladding |
For the full owned specs, see the SS 202 grade & full composition page and the SS 304 grade specification.
What are SS 202 and SS 304?
SS 202 belongs to the 200-series of austenitic stainless steels (AISI 202 / UNS S20200). Engineers developed this series to save on nickel, swapping out part of that expensive metal for manganese and nitrogen instead. That combination still holds the steel in its austenitic form and even boosts strength, all while cutting the alloy's cost. In effect, 202 sits at the budget end of "true" stainless. It's genuinely stainless steel, no question, but it can't match 304 when it comes to corrosion resistance.
SS 304 is the reference 300-series grade (AISI 304 / UNS S30400 / EN 1.4301, IS equivalent X04Cr18Ni10), the "18/8" stainless most people actually mean when they say "stainless steel." It carries 18% chromium and 8%-plus nickel, and that combination gives it broad corrosion resistance, strong formability and a solid track record in food contact. That's why it ends up as the default choice for kitchens, architecture and general fabrication across India.
Composition: the nickel-vs-manganese trade-off: 202 vs 304 composition
ASTM A240 (mirrored by IS 6911) lays out standard published ranges for both grades, and that's what shapes the 202 vs 304 composition and 202 vs 304 chemical picture at the element level. The real story is the 202 vs 304 nickel content gap: 304 carries roughly double what 202 does, and 202 closes that gap by leaning on manganese and nitrogen instead.
| Element | SS 202 (%) | SS 304 (%) | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0–19.0 | 18.0–20.0 | Similar Cr, both are genuinely stainless |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.0–6.0 | 8.0–10.5 | The key gap, 304 is far richer in nickel |
| Manganese (Mn) | 7.5–10.0 | 2.0 max | 202 substitutes Mn (with N) for nickel |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.25 max | 0.10 max | 202 uses nitrogen for extra strength |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 max | 0.08 max | 202 runs higher carbon |
| Structure | Austenitic (200-series) | Austenitic (300-series) | Both non-hardenable by heat treatment |
Nickel costs money and tracks the LME, so 202 swaps most of it out for cheaper manganese and nitrogen. That's the whole chemistry story, really. It's also why the alloy gives up some corrosion resistance, since nickel does a lot of the work stabilizing the passive film. Whatever heat analysis actually applies to a given coil gets confirmed on its mill test certificate (MTC).
Corrosion resistance & rust: which lasts longer? 202 vs 304 rust
If you're weighing 202 vs 304 rust or 202 vs 304 corrosion, 304 lasts longer in almost every real environment. No stainless is fully rust-proof. But 304's higher nickel content keeps its passive film stable against humidity, condensation and mild chlorides, so it stays clean in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor architecture for years.
SS 202, thanks to its lower nickel content, tends to develop tea-staining (that light brown surface discolouration) more readily, and it can eventually pit in damp, humid or coastal air, especially where water, salt or acidic cleaning show up often. Put it somewhere dry and indoors, though, with low humidity, decorative wall panels, signage backing, furniture trim kept away from moisture, and 202 holds up just fine while costing less. But once the application turns wet, gets washed down regularly, or sits outdoors or near the coast, 304 is the safer choice.
Is SS 202 magnetic vs 304?
On is 202 stainless steel magnetic vs 304, both grades are austenitic, so both stay non-magnetic when annealed. Cold work changes that. Rolling, deep drawing, hard bending, any of it can nudge a piece toward mild magnetism, and 202 tends to pick up a bit more of that effect than 304 does. A fridge magnet won't split the two grades apart with any confidence, and it definitely won't catch a cheaper substitute posing as genuine 304. If you actually need to tell 202 from 304, the how to identify 202 vs 304 question, skip the magnet. Pull the mill test certificate or run a spot/PMI test instead. For the full method, see the magnet & acid test to identify real 304.
Strength, formability & welding
The mechanical trade-off runs the other way. Thanks to its manganese-plus-nitrogen chemistry, SS 202 comes out stronger than annealed 304, higher yield and tensile strength, and it work-hardens faster. That can pay off where you want thin-gauge stiffness without spending a lot to get it.
SS 304 is the better former. Its ductility and deep-draw behavior are excellent, and that's exactly why manufacturers reach for it when making deep-drawn utensils, sinks and pressed components. 202, by contrast, work-hardens faster and gives you less room for error in severe draws. Both grades take to standard TIG/MIG welding without trouble. 202's higher carbon content does call for a bit more caution against sensitisation on welded, wet-service parts, though 304 (and its low-carbon cousin, 304L) welds cleanly with little fuss. Here are the property deltas:
| Attribute | SS 202 | SS 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | Moderate, less resistant to chlorides/humidity; tea-stains sooner | Higher, benchmark austenitic for general and food use |
| Magnetic response (annealed) | Essentially non-magnetic; slight rise after cold work | Essentially non-magnetic; mild magnetism after heavy cold work |
| Mechanical strength | Higher yield/tensile; work-hardens faster | Lower yield than 202; excellent ductility |
| Density | ~8.0 g/cm³ | ~8.0 g/cm³ |
| Formability / deep-draw | Good, but work-hardens faster | Excellent, preferred for deep-drawn utensils/sinks |
| Weldability | Weldable; watch higher carbon on wet-service welds | Excellent (use 304L for critical welds) |
| Food contact | Usable for dry/low-corrosion contact only | Established food-grade choice |
On 202 vs 304 weight and 202 vs 304 density, 202 and 304 stainless both come in around 8.0 g/cm³. That means a 202 sheet and a 304 sheet, same size and thickness, weigh nearly the same amount. You can check either grade on the sheet weight calculator. What separates them in cost isn't the kilograms; it's the rate charged per kilogram.
Price difference: how much cheaper is 202?: 202 vs 304 price
Indicative Delhi market ranges (CR 2B sheet): SS 202 runs ₹135–180/kg against SS 304 at ₹185–250/kg depending on thickness, a gap of roughly ₹50–70/kg that is the whole reason 202 exists. Full band tables: 202 price · 304 price. Indicative Delhi market ranges, reviewed October 2026, rates move daily with nickel; confirm today's exact rate on RFQ.
Stainless steel 202 vs 304 price gap is real, and it mostly comes down to one thing: nickel. SS 304 carries roughly double the nickel of 202, and nickel gets priced on the LME and moves daily. That's why 304 sits above 202 on a 202 vs 304 per kg basis, and it's why the 202 vs 304 price difference widens or narrows as the nickel market shifts. This is the honest reason 202 costs less. Not a "lower quality" discount. Just a genuinely leaner alloy.
Because the rate moves every day, we do not print a fixed figure here. For 202 vs 304 price today and the current 202 vs 304 rate, see our dated indicative lists, SS 202 sheet price per kg and today's SS 304 sheet rate, or send your size and quantity via the RFQ form to confirm the day's rate. If you need a 202 vs 304 price list for a running order, request it on the RFQ form and we will share current indicative levels for both grades.
Which is better for kitchen, utensils & food?: ss 202 vs ss 304 which is better for kitchen
For anything that touches food or gets wet, 304 wins, hands down. That settles the ss 202 vs ss 304 which is better for kitchen question for most buyers. Looking at 202 vs 304 for kitchen, 202 vs 304 for utensils, 202 vs 304 food grade and 202 vs 304 for food as a group:
| Application | Recommended grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen sink | SS 304 | Constant water/detergent contact; 304 resists staining and deep-draws cleanly |
| Utensils & cookware (wet/acidic) | SS 304 | Food-contact safety and corrosion resistance with acidic food |
| Dry decorative items / dry storage | SS 202 | Low corrosion load; 202's cost saving is safe here |
| Indoor railing / trim (dry) | SS 202 (or 304) | 202 works if dry and indoor; 304 if wiped down or humid |
| Outdoor / coastal fabrication | SS 304 (min.) | Humidity and salt attack 202's leaner passive film |
| Food processing / dairy | SS 304 / 316 | Hygienic, wash-down service; step up to 316 with chlorides |
SS 304 is the standard food-grade choice, the one most kitchens default to. SS 202 will handle dry, low-corrosion food contact fine, but it's not right for sinks, wet conditions, or anything acidic. For the full definition, see what counts as food-grade stainless. Building equipment? Check stainless steel for kitchen equipment.
Where does 316 fit?: ss 202 vs 304 vs 316
SS 316 pulls ahead here, that's the heart of the ss 202 vs 304 vs 316 question. Neither grade handles salt water or harsh chemicals well. What sets 316 apart is 2–3% molybdenum, which gives it a real edge against chloride attack and pitting that 202 and 304 simply don't have. Coastal work, marine gear, pool equipment, pharma lines, chemical service: all of it calls for the step up to 316. Check how 316 compares if you need the full breakdown. Looking at the cheaper grades instead? SS 201 vs 304 (and 204Cu) covers that ground.
Why buy 202 & 304 from Relinox
Relinox Stainless is a Jindal Stainless MoU partner, an authorized channel for genuine JSL-melted material, not re-rolled bazaar stock. On the common jindal 202 vs 304 sheet enquiry, we hold both grades as verified Jindal flat product and supply them honestly. We'll tell you when 202 is enough and when 304 is the right call, rather than push one grade over the other. As a working 202 vs 304 dealer, stockist, distributor, trader and supplier, we stock both grades in:
- 202 vs 304 sheet, patta or patti, see SS sheets (202 & 304) and SS patta / patti strips.
- Coil and stainless steel circles work for utensil and cookware makers. We also cut to size on genuine Jindal base.
Every dispatch comes with a mill test certificate (MTC) confirming conformance to ASTM A240 / IS 6911, as produced by Jindal Stainless. We're a distributor and stockist based at Ajmeri Gate, one of Delhi's main stainless steel markets, and we dispatch pan-India. If you're searching for a 202 vs 304 sheet dealer in delhi, or a 202 vs 304 supplier near me, you can order both grades from a single verified source. Send your requirement via the RFQ form for a quote with MTC included. Resellers can instead open a dealer pricing enquiry. For more on the partnership, see the Jindal Stainless MoU partnership page and our quality & mill test certificates page.
Related comparisons & resources
- SS 201 vs 304 (and 204Cu), the other budget-vs-304 comparison.
- SS 304 vs 316, how 316 compares, when chlorides enter the picture.
- Magnet & acid test to identify real 304 and what counts as food-grade stainless.
- Grade pages: SS 202 · SS 304 · SS 204Cu · Grades hub: all stainless grades.
- Standards: ASTM A240 · IS 6911 · Guides hub: all guides.
- Tools: calculate sheet weight in kg.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between SS 202 and SS 304?
SS 304 carries roughly 8–10.5% nickel, compared with 4–6% in SS 202, and that gap is why 304 stands up to corrosion and tea-staining so much better. It's the go-to grade for food applications. SS 202 swaps that nickel for manganese and nitrogen instead. The result costs less and holds up structurally, but corrosion resistance suffers.
Which is better, SS 202 or 304?
It depends on the environment you're working in. SS 304 holds up better in wet or outdoor settings, wherever food contact matters, and anywhere durability is the priority. SS 202 only makes sense for dry, indoor jobs where cost matters more than resilience, decorative panels, low-exposure trim, that sort of thing.
Is SS 202 rust-free?
Stainless steel isn't fully rust-proof, and none of it ever is. SS 202 corrodes more easily than 304, and it can tea-stain or pit when conditions are humid, coastal or often wet. Stick to dry indoor use for it.
Can I use SS 202 for kitchen utensils?
SS 202 works fine for dry or decorative pieces, but sinks and anything wet or acidic really call for SS 304, it's the established, safer food-grade option. Check our kitchen-equipment page for build guidance.
Is SS 202 magnetic and 304 not?
Both grades come out essentially non-magnetic after annealing, and cold work can nudge either one toward slightly magnetic. So a magnet test alone won't reliably tell 202 apart from 304. A mill test certificate or a spot/PMI test does the job instead.
Why is SS 202 cheaper than 304?
SS 202 swaps out most of 304's pricey nickel for cheaper manganese and nitrogen. That's why it costs less per kg. Nickel prices on the LME drive SS 304's cost, and that's the reason the gap between the two shifts with the alloy market.
Is SS 202 food-grade?
SS 202 can handle contact with dry, low-corrosion food, but SS 304 remains the established food-grade default for wet, acidic and wash-down service. Check our food-grade stainless steel guide for the full definition.
Do you supply genuine Jindal 202 and 304?
Relinox holds Jindal Stainless MoU partner status and is an authorized channel. Both grades come to you as genuine JSL flat product, backed by mill test certificates. We're a distributor and stockist. We don't re-roll.
What sizes and forms do 202 and 304 come in?
Both grades ship as sheet, patta/patti strip, coil and circle in standard Indian sizes such as 1250×2500 (4×8), 1250×3050 (4×10) and 1500×3000 (5×10) mm. Send your exact thickness and size through the RFQ form, and we'll confirm current availability.
What are today's 202 and 304 rates?
Rates track nickel and shift daily, so we post dated indicative price lists instead of one fixed number. Check our SS 202 and SS 304 sheet price pages, or send your size and quantity through the RFQ form and we'll get you the day's rate.
Which grade for coastal or chemical exposure?
Neither 202 nor 304 holds up well near salt water or chemicals. SS 316 is worth a look instead, since it adds molybdenum for chloride resistance. Check our SS 304 vs 316 guide for help with that decision.
Do you deliver outside Delhi?
Yes, we dispatch pan-India from our Ajmeri Gate, Delhi stock point. Send your delivery location on the RFQ form and we'll give you a dispatch timeline along with freight terms.