Three grades cover the vast majority of stainless steel sold in India — 202, 304 and 316. Picking the wrong one is expensive twice: once when you overpay for a grade you didn't need, and again when an under-specced grade rusts and you replace it. Here's how to choose, in plain terms.
The one thing that drives the difference: nickel
Stainless steel resists corrosion because of chromium, but it's the nickel that gives the common austenitic grades their toughness and rust resistance — and nickel is the expensive ingredient. The more nickel, the better the corrosion resistance and the higher the ₹/kg price.
- 202 — low nickel (~4–6%), with manganese making up the difference. Cheapest.
- 304 — 8–10.5% nickel. The general-purpose default.
- 316 — 8–10.5% nickel plus 2–3% molybdenum for chloride resistance. Dearest.
Grade 202 — cost-driven, indoor and decorative
202 is roughly 25% cheaper than 304 and is extremely common in India for cost-sensitive work: utensils, indoor railings, furniture, decorative panels and gates. The trade-off is corrosion resistance — 202 stains and rusts faster, so it is not suitable for food contact, wet areas, or anything near the coast. If a vendor offers you '304 at a 202 price', be suspicious and ask for the mill test certificate.
Grade 304 — the workhorse
304 is the grade most fabricators reach for: good corrosion resistance, easy to form and weld, and widely stocked in every form and finish. Use it for kitchen equipment, general fabrication, indoor architecture, and most dry or mild environments. For welded work, 304L (low carbon) avoids weld-zone corrosion.
Grade 316 / 316L — chlorides, coast, food and pharma
The molybdenum in 316 dramatically improves resistance to chlorides and salt air. In a coastal city like Chennai, anything exposed to sea air — railings, façades, fixtures — lasts far longer in 316 than 304. It's also the standard for food, dairy, pharmaceutical and chemical service. Expect to pay 30–60% more than 304.
Indicative ₹/kg (and why it moves)
As a rough June-2026 guide: 202 ≈ ₹140–170/kg, 304 ≈ ₹180–220/kg, 316 ≈ ₹280–350/kg — plus GST. These move daily with the global nickel price, so always take a firm quote for your exact grade, form and quantity rather than relying on a fixed number.
How to choose, in one line
- Indoor, dry, cost matters most → 202 (or 304 if it'll be touched/cleaned often).
- General-purpose, the safe default → 304 (304L if welded).
- Coastal, food, chemical, must not corrode → 316 / 316L.
Still unsure? Tell us the environment and we'll specify the grade — and supply it cut-to-size with a mill test certificate so you can verify exactly what you paid for.
Quick answers
Is 202 stainless steel magnetic?
202 is austenitic so it is largely non-magnetic in the annealed state, though cold working can make it slightly magnetic. A magnet test alone cannot reliably tell 202 from 304 — use a mill test certificate or a PMI/spot test.
Can I use 304 near the sea in Chennai?
For mild exposure yes, but for anything regularly hit by salt air, 316/316L will last much longer and is worth the extra cost. 304 can develop tea-staining and pitting in coastal conditions.