Tubing Pressure Rating Chart by Material & Wall
A tube's working pressure depends on three things: the material, the OD and wall thickness, and the temperature. There is no single "pressure rating" for a material — a thick-wall small-OD tube holds far more than a thin-wall large-OD one. Use this guide to compare materials, then confirm the exact rating for your size on the datasheet.
The two rules that govern tubing pressure
1. Thinner wall and larger OD = lower pressure. For the same material, working pressure rises with wall thickness and falls as OD grows. 2. Heat derates everything. Plastic tubing loses a large share of its rated pressure as temperature climbs — always apply the manufacturer's temperature derating factor.
Material comparison
General, room-temperature guidance for common small-OD tubing. Approximate — confirm exact ratings by size and wall.
| Material | Relative working pressure | Approx. temp limit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | Low–moderate | ~150°F | Flexible pneumatic lines, robotics, low abrasion |
| Nylon (11/12) | Moderate–high | ~200°F | Pneumatics, air brake (J844), higher-pressure air |
| Polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE) | Low–moderate | ~140°F | Water, chemical feed, instrumentation |
| PVC | Low–moderate | ~140°F | Low-pressure fluid transfer, drainage |
| Copper / Aluminum | High | High | Refrigeration, fuel, high-temp/high-pressure |
How to read a tubing datasheet
Find your exact OD and wall, read the working pressure at room temperature, then multiply by the temperature derating factor for your service temperature. Keep a safety margin between working pressure and burst pressure (burst is typically 3–4× working).
Related
For regulated air brake lines, see the air brake tubing DOT compliance guide. Browse tubing or contact us with your pressure, temperature, and size for help selecting.