Stainless Steel Equivalent Grades

Stainless Steel Grades Chart: A2, A4 & A5 Equivalents Explained

Selecting the correct stainless steel grade is essential for any application where durability, corrosion resistance, and compliance matter. But with so many codes and standards in use—A2, A4, A5, 304, 316, and more—it’s easy to get confused about what each one means and which is best for your project.

This guide breaks down the most important stainless steel grades for fasteners and components, explains their differences and international equivalents, and gives practical advice for selecting the right grade. You’ll also find a detailed stainless steel equivalent grades chart below for instant reference across UK, EU, ISO, DIN, and US standards.

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Understanding Stainless Steel Grades

Stainless steel grades are codes that define the chemical makeup and mechanical performance of each alloy. Every grade delivers a unique combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and suitability for certain conditions. In the UK and Europe, you’ll most commonly see A2, A4, and A5 for fasteners. You’ll also encounter 304, 316, 316Ti, and other EN/ISO/DIN codes—especially if you work on international projects.

Knowing the equivalents between these grades helps ensure you get the right fastener or component for safety, long-term durability, and regulatory compliance. Refer to our chart below whenever you need to match UK, European, or international standards.

Here is a handy table showing how the same grades of stainless steel are classified by different regions, countries and institutions. 

This includes the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the European Union (EN), Germany (DIN), the United Kingdom (BS), Italy (UNI) and Japan (JIS).

EN (10088)

Common Names

BS (Wrought)

AISI

UNS

En

German

SS

EN (10283)

BS (Cast)

Composition Guide

C

Cr

Ni

Mo

Others

1.4301

A2

304S31

304

S30400

58E

X5CrNi18-10

2333

1.4308

304C15

0.07x

18

8

–

–

1.4303

–

305S19

305

S30500

–

X5CrNi18-12

–

–

–

0.06x

18

11

–

–

1.4305

A1

303S31

303

S30300

58M

X10CrNiS18-9

2346

–

–

0.10x

18

8

–

0.35xS

1.4306

A2

–

304L

–

–

X2CrNi19-11

2352

–

–

0.030x

18

10

–

–

1.4307

A2

304S11

304L

S30403

–

–

2352

–

304C12

0.030x

18

8

–

–

1.431

–

301S21

301

S30100

–

X12CrNi17-7

2331

–

–

.05/.15

17

6

–

–

1.4311

A2

304S61

304LN

S30453

–

X2CrNiN18-10

2371

1.4309

–

0.030x

18

9

–

0.22xN

1.4372

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