Lap Joint Flange Dimensions
A loose backing flange used with a stub end. The flange never contacts the fluid — it only carries bolt load — so it can be carbon steel behind a stainless or alloy stub end, and it swivels freely for bolt-hole alignment.
- Standard
- ASME B16.5
- Abbreviation
- LJ
- Pressure classes
- 7
- Size range
- NPS 1/2 – NPS 24
- Typical service
- Systems dismantled often, or alloy lines where flange cost matters.
Dimensions by pressure class
Strengths
- Spins freely, so bolt holes always line up — ideal for large or awkward spools
- Cheap carbon steel flange behind an expensive alloy stub end
- Easy to dismantle for cleaning or inspection
Limitations
- Weakest of the six in fatigue
- Requires a matching stub end, adding a component
Class 150 dimensions
Dimensions are given in inches, with the millimetre equivalent beneath in grey.
| Size | Flange OD | Thickness | Bolt circle | Bolts | Bolt dia. | Raised face OD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPS 1/2 | 3.5088.90 mm | 0.4411.18 mm | 2.3860.45 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 1.3835.05 mm |
| NPS 3/4 | 3.8898.55 mm | 0.5012.70 mm | 2.7569.85 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 1.6942.93 mm |
| NPS 1 | 4.25107.95 mm | 0.5614.22 mm | 3.1279.25 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 2.0050.80 mm |
| NPS 1 1/4 | 4.62117.35 mm | 0.6215.75 mm | 3.5088.90 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 2.5063.50 mm |
| NPS 1 1/2 | 5.00127.00 mm | 0.6917.53 mm | 3.8898.55 mm | 4 | 1/2 in | 2.8873.15 mm |
| NPS 2 | 6.00152.40 mm | 0.7519.05 mm | 4.75120.65 mm | 4 | 5/8 in | 3.6291.95 mm |
| NPS 2 1/2 | 7.00177.80 mm | 0.8822.35 mm | 5.50139.70 mm | 4 | 5/8 in | 4.12104.65 mm |
| NPS 3 | 7.50190.50 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 6.00152.40 mm | 4 | 5/8 in | 5.00127.00 mm |
| NPS 3 1/2 | 8.50215.90 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 7.00177.80 mm | 8 | 5/8 in | 5.50139.70 mm |
| NPS 4 | 9.00228.60 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 7.50190.50 mm | 8 | 5/8 in | 6.19157.23 mm |
| NPS 5 | 10.00254.00 mm | 0.9423.88 mm | 8.50215.90 mm | 8 | 3/4 in | 7.31185.67 mm |
| NPS 6 | 11.00279.40 mm | 1.0025.40 mm | 9.50241.30 mm | 8 | 3/4 in | 8.50215.90 mm |
| NPS 8 | 13.50342.90 mm | 1.1228.45 mm | 11.75298.45 mm | 8 | 3/4 in | 10.62269.75 mm |
| NPS 10 | 16.00406.40 mm | 1.1930.23 mm | 14.25361.95 mm | 12 | 7/8 in | 12.75323.85 mm |
| NPS 12 | 19.00482.60 mm | 1.2531.75 mm | 17.00431.80 mm | 12 | 7/8 in | 15.00381.00 mm |
| NPS 14 | 21.00533.40 mm | 1.3835.05 mm | 18.75476.25 mm | 12 | 1 in | 16.25412.75 mm |
| NPS 16 | 23.50596.90 mm | 1.4436.58 mm | 21.25539.75 mm | 16 | 1 in | 18.50469.90 mm |
| NPS 18 | 25.00635.00 mm | 1.5639.62 mm | 22.75577.85 mm | 16 | 1 1/8 in | 21.00533.40 mm |
| NPS 20 | 27.50698.50 mm | 1.6942.93 mm | 25.00635.00 mm | 20 | 1 1/8 in | 23.00584.20 mm |
| NPS 24 | 32.00812.80 mm | 1.8847.75 mm | 29.50749.30 mm | 20 | 1 1/4 in | 27.25692.15 mm |
Higher classes are on the Class 300 page and above.
Common questions
When should I use a lap joint flange?
Systems dismantled often, or alloy lines where flange cost matters.
What pressure classes does a lap joint flange come in?
ASME B16.5 publishes the lap joint flange in Class 150, Class 300, Class 400, Class 600, Class 900, Class 1500 and Class 2500, in sizes NPS 1/2 through NPS 24. Above NPS 24 large-diameter flanges are covered by ASME B16.47 instead.
Does the flange face type change these dimensions?
The flange outside diameter, bolt circle and bolting are the same whatever the face. What changes is the facing itself and the flange thickness measurement: B16.5 thickness excludes the raised face, so a Class 300 raised-face flange is 0.06 in thicker overall than the tabulated figure. Ring-type joint flanges are grooved instead and are dimensioned separately.