Drill Pipe Dimensions, Weight and Tool Joint Specifications

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API 5DP Drill Pipe Engineering Reference

This chart helps drilling engineers, rig contractors, distributors and procurement teams compare drill pipe OD, nominal weight, pipe-body ID, fluid capacity, displacement, steel grade, upset type and tool joint connection before requesting a quotation.

Goldenman supplies API 5DP drill pipe in nominal sizes from 2-3/8 to 6-5/8 inches. Available configurations include E75, X95, G105 and S135 grades, EU and IEU upset designs, and NC26 through NC50 plus FH connection options.

Use Ctrl + F on a desktop computer, or the browser’s “Find in page” function on a mobile device, to locate a specific size, nominal weight or connection.

Engineering-use notice: The values on this page are for preliminary comparison. Pipe-body ID, capacity and displacement values are calculated from the listed nominal OD and wall thickness. Final manufacturing dimensions, tolerances, tool joint geometry, assembled weight, pressure loss and connection compatibility must be confirmed in the approved Goldenman datasheet and purchase order.

API Drill Pipe Size, Weight and Connection Chart

The nominal pipe size does not define the complete drill pipe configuration. Buyers should compare nominal weight, pipe-body wall thickness, upset type, steel grade, connection family and tool joint dimensions together. Two drill pipes with the same outside diameter and the same connection name may still have different pin IDs, tool joint ODs, tong-space lengths or torsional relationships.

Nominal Size	Nominal Weight, lb/ft	Pipe OD, mm	Wall Thickness, mm	Calculated Pipe-Body ID, mm	Upset	Available Grades	Connection Options
2-3/8 in	6.65	60.32	7.11	46.10	EU	E75, X95, G105	NC26
2-7/8 in	10.4	73.02	9.19	54.64	EU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC31
3-1/2 in	13.3	88.90	9.35	70.20	EU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC38
3-1/2 in	15.5	88.90	11.40	66.10	EU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC38 / NC40
4 in	14.0	101.60	8.38	84.84	By configuration	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC40 / NC46
4-1/2 in	16.6	114.30	8.56	97.18	IEU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC46
4-1/2 in	20.0	114.30	10.92	92.46	IEU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC46
4-1/2 in	16.6	114.30	8.56	97.18	EU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC50
4-1/2 in	20.0	114.30	10.92	92.46	EU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC50
5 in	19.5	127.00	9.19	108.62	IEU	E75, X95, G105, S135	NC50 / 5-1/2 FH
5 in	25.6	127.00	12.70	101.60	IEU	E75, X95, G105; S135 by approved datasheet	NC50 / 5-1/2 FH
5-1/2 in	21.9	139.70	9.17	121.36	By configuration	E75, X95, G105, S135	5-1/2 FH
5-1/2 in	24.7	139.70	10.54	118.62	By configuration	E75, X95, G105, S135	5-1/2 FH
6-5/8 in	25.2	168.30	8.38	151.54	By configuration	E75, X95, G105, S135	6-5/8 FH
6-5/8 in	27.7	168.30	9.19	149.92	By configuration	E75, X95, G105, S135	6-5/8 FH

Calculated pipe-body ID = nominal pipe OD − 2 × nominal wall thickness. Tool joint bore and upset-area bore may differ from the straight pipe-body ID.

Quick answer: Common API drill pipe sizes range from 2-3/8 to 6-5/8 inches. A purchase description should normally include nominal size, nominal weight, steel grade, upset type, connection, tool joint OD, pin ID, length, hardbanding, internal coating and inspection requirements.

Drill Pipe Internal Capacity and Displacement Chart

Internal capacity is the volume available inside the straight pipe body. Open-end displacement represents the volume of steel displacing fluid when the pipe is open to fluid entry. Closed-end displacement uses the full external cylindrical volume and is relevant only when the end condition causes the entire outside volume to displace fluid.

Pipe Size × Weight	Calculated Body ID, in	Internal Capacity, gal/ft	Internal Capacity, bbl/ft	Approx. Capacity per 31-ft Body, bbl	Open-End Displacement, bbl/ft	Closed-End Displacement, bbl/ft
2-3/8 × 6.65	1.815	0.134	0.00320	0.099	0.00228	0.00548
2-7/8 × 10.4	2.151	0.189	0.00450	0.139	0.00353	0.00803
3-1/2 × 13.3	2.764	0.312	0.00742	0.230	0.00448	0.01190
3-1/2 × 15.5	2.602	0.276	0.00658	0.204	0.00532	0.01190
4 × 14.0	3.340	0.455	0.01084	0.336	0.00471	0.01554
4-1/2 × 16.6	3.826	0.597	0.01422	0.441	0.00545	0.01967
4-1/2 × 20.0	3.640	0.541	0.01287	0.399	0.00680	0.01967
5 × 19.5	4.276	0.746	0.01776	0.551	0.00652	0.02429
5 × 25.6	4.000	0.653	0.01554	0.482	0.00874	0.02429
5-1/2 × 21.9	4.778	0.931	0.02218	0.687	0.00721	0.02939
5-1/2 × 24.7	4.670	0.890	0.02119	0.657	0.00820	0.02939
6-5/8 × 25.2	5.966	1.452	0.03458	1.072	0.00807	0.04265
6-5/8 × 27.7	5.902	1.421	0.03384	1.049	0.00881	0.04265

Values are calculated from nominal straight pipe-body dimensions. They exclude the reduced bore, added metal and length effects of upsets and tool joints. The 31-ft value is a convenient reference length, not a guaranteed finished-joint length.

Do not use nominal weight alone to calculate hydraulic capacity. Nominal drill pipe weight is a product designation and does not directly provide the internal diameter. Use the confirmed pipe-body ID and the minimum internal bore through the upset and tool joint when checking circulation performance or pressure loss.

How Drill Pipe Capacity and Displacement Are Calculated

The following oilfield formulas use outside diameter and inside diameter in inches. Results are theoretical cylindrical values for the straight pipe body.

Pipe-body inside diameter ID = OD − (2 × Wall Thickness) Use consistent units for OD and wall thickness.

Internal capacity Capacity, bbl/ft = ID² ÷ 1029.4 Capacity, gal/ft = 0.0408 × ID².

Open-end displacement Open-End Displacement, bbl/ft = (OD² − ID²) ÷ 1029.4 Represents the nominal steel volume of the straight pipe body.

Closed-end displacement Closed-End Displacement, bbl/ft = OD² ÷ 1029.4 Use only when the actual end condition justifies closed-end treatment.

For a full drillstring volume estimate, multiply capacity per foot by the verified length of each pipe section, then add the capacities of heavy weight drill pipe, drill collars, subs, motors and other bottom-hole assembly components separately. Tool joint and upset restrictions should also be considered when hydraulic pressure loss is important.

Drill Pipe Size Selection Notes

2-3/8 Inch Drill Pipe

The 2-3/8 × 6.65 lb/ft configuration is commonly associated with smaller drilling, workover, service and selected geothermal applications. The Goldenman matrix uses an EU upset and NC26 connection. Buyers should confirm that the smaller tool joint bore provides acceptable circulation area for the planned flow rate.

2-7/8 Inch Drill Pipe

The 2-7/8 × 10.4 lb/ft size provides a larger flow path and load capacity than 2-3/8-inch pipe while remaining suitable for compact rig and workover packages. NC31 tool joint dimensions vary by grade, so replacement pipe must be matched by more than the NC31 name.

3-1/2 Inch Drill Pipe

Goldenman lists 13.3 and 15.5 lb/ft configurations. The heavier wall reduces internal capacity but increases pipe-body metal area. NC38 is common, while selected 15.5 lb/ft S135 configurations may use NC40. Confirm the connection, pin ID and torsion ratio before mixing with an existing string.

4 Inch Drill Pipe

The 4 × 14 lb/ft configuration can be matched with NC40 or NC46 according to the selected grade and tool joint design. This is a useful example of why nominal pipe size alone is insufficient: connection OD, pin ID and external clearance can change materially between options.

4-1/2 Inch Drill Pipe

Goldenman lists 16.6 and 20 lb/ft pipe with NC46 or NC50 alternatives. The NC46 configurations are shown with IEU, while the NC50 alternatives are shown with EU. Hydraulic capacity, weld-end geometry and replacement compatibility should be checked against the complete approved datasheet.

5 Inch Drill Pipe

Five-inch drill pipe is widely specified for land and offshore drilling strings requiring a balance of hydraulic area, tensile capacity and torque capability. Goldenman lists 19.5 and 25.6 lb/ft options with NC50 or 5-1/2 FH. The heavier wall reduces internal capacity from approximately 0.746 to 0.653 gal/ft.

5-1/2 Inch Drill Pipe

The 21.9 and 24.7 lb/ft configurations use 5-1/2 FH options in the current range. Grade-specific tool joint ODs and pin IDs should be checked because high-strength configurations can require more metal in the tool joint and a smaller flow bore.

6-5/8 Inch Drill Pipe

The 25.2 and 27.7 lb/ft configurations provide the largest pipe-body capacities in this chart and use 6-5/8 FH connection options. These large sizes require careful confirmation of rig handling equipment, elevators, slips, tongs, rotary clearance and transportation arrangements.

E75 vs X95 vs G105 vs S135 Drill Pipe Grades

Grade selection should be based on the expected tension, torque, fatigue loading, dogleg severity, well depth, inspection category and service environment. Higher minimum yield strength does not remove the need to evaluate fatigue, wear, connection capacity or handling damage.

E75

Minimum yield: 75 ksi / approximately 517 MPa

Standard-strength grade for applications where the load envelope does not require a higher-strength pipe body.

X95

Minimum yield: 95 ksi / approximately 655 MPa

High-strength option offering an intermediate balance between E75 and higher G105 or S135 grades.

G105

Minimum yield: 105 ksi / approximately 724 MPa

Common high-strength grade for deeper or more demanding drilling programs requiring increased body capacity.

S135

Minimum yield: 135 ksi / approximately 931 MPa

High-strength grade for demanding load envelopes. Fatigue management, inspection and controlled gripping remain critical.

S135 is not automatically a sour-service grade. H₂S exposure must be stated separately. The buyer should define the required sour-service material grade, hardness limits, environmental conditions, inspection scope and supporting documentation.

High-strength drill pipe can also be damaged by unsuitable rig-floor gripping. When selecting a drill pipe power tong, confirm the pipe body OD, tool joint OD, grade, required torque, jaw radius and die tooth profile. Excessive local gripping pressure or incorrect dies can mark, deform or crush the tubular even when the pipe has a high yield-strength designation.

EU, IU and IEU Drill Pipe Upset Types

EU — External Upset

An external upset increases material mainly on the outside of the pipe end. The transition geometry affects the weld-end OD, external clearance, tool joint dimensions and tong-space arrangement.

IU — Internal Upset

An internal upset increases material mainly toward the bore. It may reduce internal flow area through the upset region. The minimum drift and hydraulic restriction should therefore be confirmed from the approved drawing.

IEU — Internal-External Upset

An internal-external upset increases the section in both directions. IEU can provide a different balance of weld-area strength, external geometry and internal flow area. EU and IEU products with the same nominal pipe size, weight and connection should not be treated as automatically interchangeable.

API Drill Pipe Connection Chart

The connection designation identifies a rotary-shouldered thread family, but it does not define the complete tool joint. The table below shows the connection families represented in Goldenman’s current drill pipe range and their typical nominal-pipe associations.

Connection	Common Legacy Association	Typical Goldenman Pipe-Size Association	Important Matching Check
NC26	Commonly associated with 2-3/8 IF	2-3/8 in	Confirm TJ OD, pin ID, bevel and tong space.
NC31	Commonly associated with 2-7/8 IF	2-7/8 in	Pin ID can vary by grade.
NC38	Commonly associated with 3-1/2 IF	3-1/2 in	Confirm grade-specific tool joint dimensions.
NC40	Commonly associated with 4 FH	3-1/2 × 15.5 and 4 in options	Do not substitute based only on pipe OD.
NC46	Commonly associated with 4 IF	4 and 4-1/2 in options	Compare upset type and pin ID.
NC50	Commonly associated with 4-1/2 IF	4-1/2 and 5 in options	Check TJ OD, pin ID, tong space and torsion ratio.
5-1/2 FH	Full-hole connection family	5 and 5-1/2 in options	Check grade-specific OD and bore.
6-5/8 FH	Full-hole connection family	6-5/8 in options	Confirm rig handling range and complete geometry.

Is NC50 enough to confirm interchangeability? No. NC50 identifies the connection family, but replacement compatibility also requires the tool joint OD, pin ID, bevel diameter, pin and box tong-space lengths, upset-neck OD, total length, hardbanding position and current wear condition.

For detailed grade-specific tool joint dimensions, see Goldenman’s API 5DP drill pipe specification matrix. Final connection dimensions and tolerances must be confirmed in the approved manufacturing datasheet.

How to Match Replacement Drill Pipe

Replacement drill pipe should integrate with the existing string hydraulically, mechanically and operationally. Matching only the outside diameter and connection name can result in a smaller internal bore, different tong engagement, reduced clearance, an unbalanced torsion ratio or handling-tool incompatibility.

Provide the following information for replacement matching:

Nominal pipe size
Nominal weight
Steel grade
Upset type
Connection designation
Tool joint OD
Pin ID
Bevel diameter
Pin tong-space length
Box tong-space length
Upset-neck OD
Overall length or range
Hardbanding type and position
Internal coating
Existing pipe markings
Latest inspection report

Photographs of the pipe marking, pin, box, shoulder, hardbanding and worn tool joint are particularly useful. For used strings, include the measured remaining wall thickness and tool joint OD rather than relying only on original nominal dimensions.

Nominal Weight vs Complete Assembled Weight

The nominal lb/ft designation is primarily used to identify the pipe-body configuration. It should not be treated as the exact average weight of a finished drill pipe assembly. Weld-on tool joints, upsets, hardbanding, internal coating and finished length affect the actual joint weight. Use the approved unit-weight data when calculating transportation weight, rack load or total string air weight.

Hydraulic Compatibility

For circulation performance, check the smallest internal bore through the entire assembly—not only the calculated straight-body ID. A smaller pin ID or upset bore can increase local velocity and pressure loss. When combining drill pipe with heavy weight drill pipe, drill collars, subs or a mud motor, evaluate each component as part of the complete hydraulic path.

Rig-Floor Handling Compatibility

Confirm the gripping and lifting ranges of the rig-floor equipment. The pipe body OD, tool joint OD and upset geometry can require different jaws, dies, slips or elevator inserts. Goldenman can support matching with API 7K manual tongs, elevators, slips and replacement power tong jaws and dies.

Manufacturing, Inspection and Documentation

Goldenman drill pipe can be supplied with project-specific inspection and documentation requirements. The agreed scope should be defined before production because the required product specification level, NDE methods, acceptance criteria and third-party witness points can affect manufacturing planning, cost and delivery.

Material and Traceability

Raw-material certificate review
Heat-number traceability
Chemical composition verification
Mechanical property testing
Product marking verification

Dimensional Control

Pipe body OD and wall thickness
Internal drift
Straightness
Tool joint OD and pin ID
Tong space, bevel and upset dimensions

Weld and Thread Inspection

Weld alignment and weld-zone inspection
Heat-treatment verification
Hardness testing
Nondestructive examination
Thread gauging and shoulder inspection

Optional Project Controls

Hardbanding inspection
Internal coating inspection
Customer or third-party witness
Inspection release note
Project-specific document package

The available document package may include an API certificate within the applicable licensed scope, Certificate of Conformity, approved datasheet, material test certificates, mechanical test reports, NDE reports, dimensional records, thread-gauging records, drift records, hardbanding or coating reports and third-party inspection documents when ordered.

How to Select the Right Drill Pipe Configuration

Define the drilling load envelope. Provide expected hook load, drilling torque, dogleg severity, well trajectory, hole section and planned operating margin.
Select nominal size and weight. Compare hydraulic area, tensile requirement, external clearance, handling range and compatibility with the existing string.
Select the grade. Evaluate yield strength together with fatigue exposure, inspection program and service environment.
Confirm upset and connection. Check EU or IEU geometry, connection family, tool joint OD, pin ID and tong-space lengths.
Define surface options. State hardbanding material, casing-friendly requirement, band position, internal coating and thread protection.
Define inspection and documentation. Include API certification, NDE category, third-party inspection, material records and marking requirements.
Confirm logistics. State length range, quantity, bundle requirements, destination port and required delivery schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard drill pipe sizes shown in this chart?

The Goldenman range shown here covers nominal sizes from 2-3/8 to 6-5/8 inches, with nominal weights from 6.65 to 27.7 lb/ft. The available grade, upset and connection combinations depend on the selected size and weight.

How is drill pipe internal capacity calculated?

For a straight cylindrical pipe body, capacity in barrels per foot is calculated as ID squared divided by 1029.4, with ID in inches. The final assembly capacity can be lower because the upset or tool joint pin bore may be smaller than the straight pipe-body ID.

What is the capacity of 5-inch drill pipe?

Using the nominal dimensions in this chart, 5-inch × 19.5 lb/ft pipe has a calculated straight-body capacity of approximately 0.746 gal/ft, while 5-inch × 25.6 lb/ft pipe has approximately 0.653 gal/ft. Confirm the minimum upset and pin bore before performing a detailed hydraulic analysis.

What is the difference between open-end and closed-end displacement?

Open-end displacement represents the nominal steel volume because fluid can enter the pipe. Closed-end displacement uses the complete outside cylindrical volume because fluid cannot enter. The correct method depends on the actual end condition and operation.

Does drill pipe nominal weight include the tool joints?

The nominal lb/ft designation identifies the pipe-body configuration and should not be assumed to equal the precise average weight of the finished assembly. Use the approved finished-joint weight for transportation, rack-load and drillstring-weight calculations.

What is the difference between NC50 and 4-1/2 IF?

NC50 is commonly associated with the legacy 4-1/2 IF thread form, but the name alone does not prove complete drill pipe interchangeability. Tool joint OD, pin ID, bevel diameter, tong spaces, upset geometry, hardbanding and overall length must also match.

Which drill pipe grade is stronger, G105 or S135?

S135 has a higher specified minimum yield strength than G105. However, the correct choice also depends on fatigue loading, connection capacity, inspection category, wear and the risk of handling damage. Higher grade does not automatically mean longer field life in every application.

Can S135 drill pipe be used in H₂S service?

S135 is a high-strength grade and is not automatically a sour-service grade. The purchaser must specify the H₂S conditions, required sour-service material, hardness restrictions, inspection requirements and documentation.

Can different grades of drill pipe be used in one string?

Mixed-grade strings may be used only when the drilling program and operating procedures account for the different tensile, torsional, fatigue and handling limits. Connections, tool joint dimensions and inspection categories must remain compatible.

What information is required for a drill pipe quotation?

Provide nominal size, nominal weight, grade, upset, connection, tool joint OD, pin ID, length range, quantity, hardbanding, internal coating, service environment, API certification, inspection scope, third-party requirements, destination and delivery schedule.

Request API 5DP Drill Pipe Selection Support

Send Goldenman your required pipe size, nominal weight, steel grade, upset type, connection, tool joint dimensions, quantity, hardbanding, internal coating and inspection requirements. For replacement drill pipe, include existing markings, photographs and the latest dimensional or inspection records.

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman

Petroleum Equipment Supplier for more than twenty years.

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Drill Pipe Dimensions, Weight and Tool Joint Specifications

Table of Contents

API Drill Pipe Size, Weight and Connection Chart

Drill Pipe Internal Capacity and Displacement Chart

How Drill Pipe Capacity and Displacement Are Calculated

Drill Pipe Size Selection Notes

2-3/8 Inch Drill Pipe

2-7/8 Inch Drill Pipe

3-1/2 Inch Drill Pipe

4 Inch Drill Pipe

4-1/2 Inch Drill Pipe

5 Inch Drill Pipe

5-1/2 Inch Drill Pipe

6-5/8 Inch Drill Pipe

E75 vs X95 vs G105 vs S135 Drill Pipe Grades

EU, IU and IEU Drill Pipe Upset Types

EU — External Upset

IU — Internal Upset

IEU — Internal-External Upset

API Drill Pipe Connection Chart

How to Match Replacement Drill Pipe

Nominal Weight vs Complete Assembled Weight

Hydraulic Compatibility

Rig-Floor Handling Compatibility

Manufacturing, Inspection and Documentation

Material and Traceability

Dimensional Control

Weld and Thread Inspection

Optional Project Controls

How to Select the Right Drill Pipe Configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard drill pipe sizes shown in this chart?

How is drill pipe internal capacity calculated?

What is the capacity of 5-inch drill pipe?

What is the difference between open-end and closed-end displacement?

Does drill pipe nominal weight include the tool joints?

What is the difference between NC50 and 4-1/2 IF?

Which drill pipe grade is stronger, G105 or S135?

Can S135 drill pipe be used in H₂S service?

Can different grades of drill pipe be used in one string?

What information is required for a drill pipe quotation?

Request API 5DP Drill Pipe Selection Support

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