Steel Grades: What Are the Different Types?

With many steel grades available on the market, knowing which classification is best for your project can be challenging. Whether you need precise aerospace parts or strong construction components, not all steels are created equal.  

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of steel grades with industry-use applications so you can decide which is the best option for your needs. 

A Complete Guide to Steel Grades

There are many types of steel, so understanding their different types of steel grades is vital to picking the right materials for your application. First, we’ll answer, “What are steel grades?” to determine their classification.  

How Grades of Steel Are Classified: ASTM, SAE, and AISI Grading Systems 

Steel grades are measured on a letter-numeric rating system according to ASTM and SAE standards. It evaluates steel properties and classifies all variants to ensure safer use for manufacturers and consumers.  

Some factors that impact ASTM and SAE standards for steel grading are: 

• Physical properties – material, chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical composition 
• Applications and production – mechanical components, industrial parts, construction elements, etc.  
• Minimum ordinary strength – 34 ksi yield strength 
• Minimum higher strength – 46 ksi yield strength 
• Heat treatment/forming process – cold working (CDS), hot working (HR), quenching and tempering (Q&T), etc. 

Below, we’ll compare the differences between steel grading systems and their classification.

ASTM Steel Grading 

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) steel grading is based on a letter and numeric grading system. The letter classifies the general steel type category, and the number represents the variations based on physical properties.  

Common types of ordinary steel grade types in ASTM are Grade A and Grade B. They both categorize mild carbon steel and are subtle variations of each other. Grade A and Grade B steels share similar qualities in chemical composition and mechanical properties. The differences depend on your project’s rules or society’s specifications, as they have distinct applications.  

SAE-AISI Steel Grading

SAE International is another organization that sets standards for steel grades. The difference between SAE and ASTM grading is that SAE only classifies alloy steel grades through a four-digit numeric system.   

It’s important to note that SAE steel grading is often referred to as AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) since they jointly designed their standards. So, you may encounter both classifications when referencing steel grades, such as “SAE 4140 or AISI 4140”.  

Here’s how SAE steel grades are classified: 

• First digit – main alloying elements 
• Second digit – top grade elements (tg) 
• Last two digits – carbon amount by weight basis points (wt%)  

There are instances where letter suffixes are added to SAE steel grading, like “H” for hardenability. Additionally, there are instances where letter prefixes are added, like “E” for electric arc furnace steel, to notate the steelmaking process.  

Now that you know all steel grading systems, the next step is understanding the different types of steel grades. The four main classifications of steel grades are alloy, carbon, stainless, and tool steel. Grades of steel can also be classified by heat treatment and physical strength, as mentioned above. Although there are other steel grading variables, these four steel types are primary categories.  

Below, we’ll break down the four different groups of steel grades with their grading variations.  

Alloy Steel Grades

Alloy steel grades are measured on both ASTM and SAE-AISI grading systems. They have a diverse range of alloy steel types with various steel grades. Their composition includes but is not limited to chromium, nickel, and carbon.  

SAE-AISI Four-Digit Index Classification	Alloy Steel Type
1xxx	Carbon Alloy Steel
2xxx	Nickel Alloy Steel
3xxx	Nickel-Chromium Steel
4xxx	Molybdenum Steel
5xxx	Chromium Steel
6xxx	Chromium-Vanadium Steel
7xxx	Tungsten Steel
8xxx	Nickel-Chromium-Vanadium Steel
9xxx	Silicon-Manganese Steel

A list of steel grade types used for alloy steel include: 

• AISI 316L – designed for corrosion-resistance 
• AISI 4140 – formulated for strength and toughness 
• AISI 4340 – manufactured for high tensile strength and wear resistance 

Grades of alloy steel have a flexible range of mechanical and physical properties, making them suitable for many industry applications. Common industry uses for alloy steel grades include automotive components, aerospace structures, oil and gas equipment, machine parts, and more. Alloy steel grades offer consumers the ability to meet diverse performance requirements.  

Carbon Steel Grades

Carbon steels are also a type of steel grade measured on ASTM and SAE-AISI grading systems because they contain alloys. They’re mainly manufactured with carbon but are combined with alloying elements to enhance their properties.   

Some common types of carbon steel grades are: 

• ASTM A36 — low-carbon steel grade, easy weldability and ductility 
• AISI 1045 — medium-carbon steel grade, high strength and hardness 
• AISI 1095 — high-carbon steel grades known for superior hardness and wear-resistance  

Carbon steel grades are commonly used for construction, automotive, and machinery applications due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of fabrication, and versatility. Selecting a suitable carbon steel grade is crucial to ensure that its specific properties meet industry application performance requirements. 

Stainless Steel Grades

Stainless steel is another main classification containing varying grades within its category. Since there are over 3,500 different steel grade types, it can be difficult to pinpoint each stainless steel grade.  

For this reason, it’s crucial to refer to the relevant material specs and standards from their unique classification society for precise information on the properties and best usage. This ensures that the chosen stainless-steel grade meets the specific project requirements and complies with standard safety regulations. 

A list of teh different types of steel grades usually referenced in stainless steel includes: 

• Austenitic stainless steel – 304 (most common), 316, 321 
• Ferritic stainless steel – 430 (often household appliances) 
• Martensitic stainless steel – 410 (typically surgical instruments)  

Each stainless-steel grade has a framework for specific applications based on factors such as corrosion resistance, strength, and temperature resistance. When selecting a stainless-steel grade, it’s crucial to consider the requirements and environmental conditions to ensure optimal performance and longevity. 

Tool Steel Grades

Tool steels are high-alloy steels with various types of grades due to their varying alloy elements. Common alloys in tool steel grades include chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum.  

A list of steel grades typically used in tool steels are: 

• AISI D2 – high-chromium tool, exceptional wear resistance and edge retention (ideal for cutting tools and cold work treatments) 
• AISI M2 – high-speed tool, great heat resistance and cutting performance (best for machining and drilling) 
• AISI A2 – a combination of toughness and wear-resistance (suitable for forming and punching tools) 

Tool steel grades provide the durability and precision required for various shaping and machining operations. Their ability to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and mechanical stresses makes them practical for metalworking, woodworking, and plastic molding tools. 

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