Rubber Hose Size Chart and Common Applications

So, you need a rubber hose but not sure about the size. In the market, you find hoses in different sizes but if you choose the wrong size it can affect the overall performance of your equipment.

We have prepared this guide for you. In this article, you will learn about rubber hose sizes for various applications. Furthermore, you get a dash size chart and tape measurement method of the rubber hose.

Rubber Hose Standard Sizes (Factors To Consider)

If you want to buy a rubber hose, you must know about these four basic measurements. Actually, these measurements determine which hose will be best for your specific industry.

Inside Diameter

The inside diameter (ID) is the space where fluid or air circulate from one place to another. This is the most important measurement when you need to match a hose with fittings, pumps, fluid pressure & connectors.

In simple words, it directly determines flow capacity of the inner liquid. Common ID sizes range from 1/4 inch for small air tools / fuel lines to more than 6 inches for heavy industrial applications.

Outside Diameter

This is the measurement which is taken from the outer surface of the hose. It includes the thickness of the wall & any reinforcement layers. You will need to know about the OD of the hose if you install it through a tight space or a clamp.

If we search deeply, two hoses with the same inside diameter can have different outer diameters. It totally relies on the thickness of the wall. In this table, you can understand this thing in a better way.

Note: These are approximate values. The actual outside diameter of your hose can change with its material, wall thickness, number of reinforcement layers and the manufacturer's design.

Length of the Rubber Hose

Well, the length of the hose is based on the distance between the fluid source and the destination point. However, longer hoses can reduce pressure of your fluid especially in high pressure systems. If you have a longer hose, then you must select a hose of larger diameter. Because it will maintain pressure and stream of the liquid. This table shows general examples of rubber hose length:

Nominal Hose Size

Basically, this is the size which is given to the hose by the company. Like a labeled size ½ inches on the hose. But the fact is, it is not the exact diameter you will get from the hose. This mentioned size can be a little bit bigger or smaller than the original size. Because the authorities allow manufacturers to do this.

Therefore you should remember, two hoses which represent ½ inch might not be exactly the same in size. You often see hose size labeled in nominal diameter, because it is an international system. Here is the table which shows how DN sizes converted to approximate inches.

Common Rubber Hose Sizes By Inner Diameter

Now, you do not need to guess which rubber hose you should buy for your project. Simply, you have to match your task with this closest size range and place your order.

Application of Different Rubber Hose Sizes

These are some common industries where you often see rubber hoses. But they all use different size & material of hoses.

Automotive Hoses: Generally, the hoses of your vehicle are sized according to OEM specifications. In this case, you can choose hose between ⅜ inches & ½ inches.

Hydraulic Hose: If you work with hydraulic machinery then you notice hoses are sized with a dash number system. Commonly, this system ranges from -6 to -16, or ⅜ inches to 1 inch in real terms. But in the market you find bigger sizes as well.

Air Hose: For your air tools and compressors, you should purchase a smaller hose, like from ¼ and ⅜ inches. As you know, these hoses face constant bending and repeated pressure cycles. Therefore, you must choose a durable hose.

Water/Irrigation Hoses: In case of agriculture & municipal supply you need to move a large amount of water. So, the best size can be ¾ to more than 2 inches. Because here the main goal is to transport a large amount of fluid, not to tolerate very high pressure.

Oil & Fuel Transfer Hoses: In this industry, your hose size will look similar to hydraulic hoses ⅜ inches to 1 inch. But the real difference is present in its material. You require a hose which has an oil resistant inner tube which is made from nitrile rubber (NBR).

Chemical Transfer Hose: If your work involves movement of industrial chemicals, your hose can range from ½ to 4 inches+. You have to check for how much liquid you need to move and what kind of chemical it is.

Industrial Duct/Fume Hose: In this industry the hose size jumps up toward a bigger ID from 2 to 24 inches. Because you want to move a large amount of air or light materials.

Hose Dash Size Chart

A dash size is a standardized number which is based on the SAE J517 protocols. Basically, it represents the inside diameter of a hose with an increment of 1/16 inches. It is specifically used in the hydraulic hose industry. This dash size chart will help you to select the best one.

Hose Sizing According to ISO 1307 Standard

BS EN ISO 1307 is the international standard which covers the sizes of rubber and plastic hoses. Specifically, their minimum and maximum inside diameters & tolerances on cut-to-length hoses.

Basically, these standards classify a hose in 4 categories on the basis of hose ID and sizes.

You should also consider hose length tolerance if you are a hose seller. Actually, if a customer orders a 2 meter hose, you have the edge of some length when you cut it. This is called cut-to-length. This allowed length tolerance is:

What Size Rubber Hose to Bleed Brakes?

The most common size for bleeding brakes is a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) hose. This size works well for most older and domestic cars. It fits securely over the bleeder screw. Some vehicles, like bigger trucks or some European and Asian cars, have larger bleeder screws. This is why you will need a slightly bigger hose of approximately 5/16 inch (about 8mm). This main goal is to fix it tightly with a bleeder screw.

How to Measure Hose Diameter With Tape Measure?

You can measure a rubber hose with the help of tape in a few simple steps:

• Outside Diameter: You should wrap a tape measure around the hose, calculate the circumference, then divide it by 3.14 (π).

• Length: Now, you can stretch the tape measure from one end of the hose to the other.

• Inside Diameter: In this case, you have to roll a piece of paper into a tube, insert it into the hose until it fits tight. After that mark the width, then remove it & measure the mark with a tape measure.

Wrapping It Up

So, at the end of the article I hope you understood the importance of rubber hose sizes. Because each type of machine & industry needs a different length, ID, material & OD of the hose. Therefore, if you get a hose of a slightly different size, it will not work for you.

If you select RONTEIX to buy a hose, you will get all sizes of rubber & silicone hoses. Actually, we manufacture rubber hoses for a wide range of industries. Furthermore, our silicone and rubber hoses go through a quality control test. For example, tensile, radial expansion, vacuum, hardness & tear test. Hence you can trust us and place order.