The various types are each named with a symbol and a full name, as follows:[2]

Symbol[2] Shorthand expansion Full name[2] Comment[2]

Tapered for sealing, often without any thread
American National Standard
NPT national pipe taper sealant; for connections in nearly every type of
Taper Pipe Thread
service
Dryseal USA (American)
Similar to NPSF but slightly larger; internal only,
NPSI national pipe straightintermediate Standard Intermediate Internal
straight
Straight Pipe Thread
Dryseal SAE Short Taper Pipe Named after SAE International; similar to NPTF
PTF-SAE SHORT pipe taper, fuel, SAE, short
Thread but one turn shorter
Dryseal USA (American)
NPSF national pipe straightfuel Standard Fuel Internal Straight Internal only, straight
Pipe Thread
American National Standard
NPSM national pipe straightmechanical Straight Pipe Thread for Free- For various rigid mechanical uses
fitting Mechanical Joints
American National Standard
Straight Pipe Thread for Loose-
NPSL national pipe straightlocknut For use with locknuts
fitting Mechanical Joints with
Locknuts
For rigidity; sealable only with sealant;
American National Standard
NPS national pipe straight sometimes male straight enclosed by female
Straight Pipe Thread
tapered for low-pressure sealing
American National Standard
NPTR national pipe taperrailing Taper Pipe Thread for Railing For railings
Joints
 Symbol[2] Shorthand expansion Full name[2] Comment[2]
American National Standard
NPSH national pipe straighthose Straight Pipe Thread for Hose For hose couplings
Couplings
American National Standard
NPSC national pipe straightcoupling Straight Pipe Thread for For general couplings
Couplings
Dryseal USA (American) For dryseal connections in nearly every type of
NPTF national pipe taperfuel
Standard Taper Pipe Thread service, especially fuel connections