Short answer: 304 has more nickel and better corrosion resistance (premium, food-grade, outdoor-safe). 202 replaces most nickel with manganese, so it's about 20–25% cheaper but less corrosion-resistant (best indoors/decorative). Choose 304 for durability, 202 for budget indoor work.
Composition — the core difference
| Property | SS 304 | SS 202 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | 300 series (Cr-Ni) | 200 series (Cr-Mn) |
| Chromium (Cr) | ~18–20% | ~16–18% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ~8–10.5% | ~0.5–4% (low) |
| Manganese (Mn) | up to 2% | ~7.5–10% (high) |
| Corrosion resistance | High — best all-round | Moderate |
| Magnetic | Essentially non-magnetic | Slight magnetic tendency |
| Relative cost | Higher | ~20–25% cheaper |
| Typical use | Kitchen, food/medical, architecture, outdoor | Indoor railings, decor, furniture, budget work |
Corrosion resistance & durability
The nickel in 304 builds a stronger, self-healing protective layer, so it handles moisture, food acids and outdoor weather much better. 202's lower nickel means it can develop tea-staining or rust spots in humid, coastal or wet conditions. For anything outdoor, near water, or food-related — go 304.
Price — why 202 is cheaper
Nickel is expensive and its price swings daily on the LME. Because 202 uses cheaper manganese instead of most of the nickel, it costs roughly 20–25% less than 304. That saving is real — but only worth it if your application doesn't need 304's corrosion resistance.
Which grade should you buy?
- Choose 304 for: kitchen/utensils, water tanks, dairy/food, hospitals, outdoor railings & gates, coastal/humid areas, anything that must stay rust-free for years.
- Choose 202 for: indoor railings, decorative panels, furniture, low-budget projects in dry conditions.
Still unsure? Just ask us
Tell us your use and we'll honestly advise whether to buy 304 or 202 — plus today's rate.
Ask on WhatsAppBuy genuine 304 & 202 in Kanpur
Prasad Stainless Steel is an authorised JSL Jindal dealer in Kanpur stocking both genuine JSL Jindal 304 and SS 202 — correctly graded, Saathi-Seal verified, at wholesale rates. Visit 83/15 BM Market, Juhi Param Purva, Kanpur - 208014.