SS 304 vs 202 Stainless Steel — Composition, Corrosion, Magnetism & Cost

SS 202 is the cheaper cousin of SS 304 — and buyers are right to ask what they give up for the lower price. The two grades look identical but differ in chemistry, corrosion resistance, and where they can safely be used. This guide compares 304 vs 202 stainless steel so you don't pay for corrosion resistance you don't need — or buy a grade that rusts where you needed 304.

Quick Answer

The difference is nickel. SS 304 has 8–10.5% nickel; SS 202 swaps most of it for manganese and nitrogen to cut cost, dropping to ~4% nickel. That makes 202 cheaper but less corrosion-resistant — fine for dry indoor and decorative use, risky for food contact, wet, or coastal environments where 304 is the safe choice.

304 vs 202 — Side by Side

When 202 Is Fine

Choose 202 to save cost where corrosion isn't a concern: indoor decorative railings, furniture frames, appliance panels and trims, automotive interior trim, and low-stress dry-environment fabrication. In these uses 202 gives a stainless look and adequate life at a lower price.

When You Need 304

Choose 304 whenever food contact, moisture, or the outdoors is involved: kitchen equipment, utensils, sinks, cookware, food processing, coastal and outdoor architecture, and anything that must not rust or leach. Under-speccing 202 here leads to corrosion, staining, and product failure.

The Buyer's Warning

202 is sometimes sold as "304-look" to cut price — insist on a Mill Test Certificate. The two are visually identical, so unscrupulous suppliers may substitute 202 for 304. An MTC (and, if needed, a lab spectro test) is the only reliable confirmation of grade. Every TRION EXIM LLP stainless shipment ships with an MTC stating the exact grade.

For higher corrosion needs, also see SS 304 vs 316. For the full grade range and forms, see the stainless steel exporter page.