F4 vs F5 Gate Valves: Dimensions, Differences & How to Choose

September 24, 2026
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F4 and F5 are two common face-to-face dimension series used for flanged gate valves. The main difference between them is the valve’s face-to-face dimension. In simple terms, F4 is the shorter pattern, while F5 has a longer face-to-face length.

This article explains the key differences between F4 and F5 gate valves, including their standard dimensions, replacement considerations, and how to choose the right option for new installations and replacement projects.

What Does F4 Mean on a Gate Valve?

F4 is a common short-pattern face-to-face dimension used for gate valves. It originally comes from the DIN 3202 standard. In the current European standard system, DIN F4 generally corresponds to EN 558 Series 14.

Because F4 gate valves have a shorter face-to-face length, they offer a more compact installation and require less space in the piping system. This design is commonly used for ductile iron resilient seated gate valves, especially in water supply, water treatment, irrigation, and HVAC systems.

F4 Gate Valve

What Does F5 Mean on a Gate Valve?

F5 is a common long-pattern face-to-face dimension used for gate valves. In the current European standard system, DIN F5 generally corresponds to EN 558 Series 15.

Compared with F4, an F5 gate valve has a longer face-to-face length and therefore requires more installation space. F5 is also widely used for flanged gate valves, especially in projects where the existing piping system has already been designed for F5 / EN 558 Series 15 dimensions.

F5 gate valve

F5 Gate Valve

It is important to note that F4 and F5 only indicate the valve’s face-to-face dimension series. When purchasing a gate valve, you should also confirm other key specifications, including DN, PN, flange standard, body material, sealing type, and operating method.

F4 vs F5 Standard Face-to-Face Dimensions

The most obvious difference between F4 and F5 gate valves is the face-to-face dimension. For the same DN size, F4 has a shorter face-to-face length, while F5 has a longer one.

The table below shows the standard nominal face-to-face dimensions for F4 and F5 gate valves and can be used as a reference for valve selection and dimensional checks:

DN	F4 / EN 558 Series 14	F5 / EN 558 Series 15
DN40	140 mm	240 mm
DN50	150 mm	250 mm
DN65	170 mm	270 mm
DN80	180 mm	280 mm
DN100	190 mm	300 mm
DN125	200 mm	325 mm
DN150	210 mm	350 mm
DN200	230 mm	400 mm
DN250	250 mm	450 mm
DN300	270 mm	500 mm
DN350	290 mm	550 mm
DN400	310 mm	600 mm
DN450	330 mm	650 mm
DN500	350 mm	700 mm
DN600	390 mm	800 mm

For actual projects, the final dimensions should still be checked against the project specification and the supplier’s approved technical drawings, especially for replacement valves or non-standard designs.

Can an F4 Gate Valve Replace an F5 Gate Valve?

In most cases, an F4 gate valve cannot directly replace an F5 gate valve because their face-to-face dimensions are different.

For example:

DN100 F4: approximately 190 mm
DN100 F5: approximately 300 mm

Even if both valves have the same DN, pressure rating, and flange standard, replacing an F5 valve with an F4 valve would leave a significant gap in the pipeline.

If piping modifications are allowed, this difference can be accommodated by adjusting the pipe length or adding suitable connecting components. However, this means additional on-site installation work.

For replacement projects, always confirm the existing valve’s face-to-face dimension before ordering.

How to Choose Between F4 and F5 Gate Valves

There is no absolute “better” choice between F4 and F5. The selection mainly depends on the piping design, installation dimensions, and project specifications.

For new projects:

Follow the project specification and piping layout.
Check the available installation space.
If EN 558 Series 14 or Series 15 is specified, follow the required face-to-face dimension.

For replacement projects:

Measure the existing valve’s face-to-face dimension.
Check the original drawings or technical specifications.
Confirm DN, PN, and flange standard.
Do not assume the valve will fit simply because DN and PN are the same.

gate valve

Common Applications of F4 and F5 Gate Valves

Both F4 and F5 gate valves are widely used in flanged water and general industrial piping systems. Their application ranges are not strictly separated. In practice, the choice usually depends on the required face-to-face dimension, piping layout, and available installation space.

F4 gate valves have a shorter face-to-face length and are therefore commonly used where installation space is more limited, such as:

Municipal water supply
Water treatment plants
Irrigation systems
HVAC systems
Building water systems
Pump stations

F5 gate valves can also be used in water supply, water treatment, and general industrial piping systems, but they are more commonly found in projects where the existing pipeline has already been designed for a longer face-to-face dimension, such as:

Existing water distribution pipelines
Water treatment systems
Industrial utility pipelines
Pumping systems
Pipeline renovation and replacement projects

For gate valve purchasing, the face-to-face dimension is only one of the specifications that needs to be confirmed. A complete technical requirement should also include the valve size, pressure rating, flange standard, body material, sealing material, operating method, and actual service conditions.

Union Valve can help confirm the appropriate gate valve configuration based on project specifications, existing valve drawings, or on-site dimensions. We can also provide relevant technical drawings and dimensional information for new purchases or replacement projects.

If you are looking for ductile iron resilient seated gate valves with F4, F5, or other face-to-face dimensions, feel free to send us your RFQ, drawings, or project requirements. We can recommend a suitable valve configuration based on your actual application.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

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