Ring Type vs Full Gasket: Buyer’s Guide
In industrial sealing, choosing between a ring gasket and a full face gasket can make or break the reliability of your system. While both gasket types serve the same fundamental purpose — to seal flanges and prevent leaks — they’re designed for different applications and performance conditions.
This guide will walk OEMs, engineers, and purchasing professionals through the core differences between these two gasket styles, so you can confidently select the right option for your flange connections.
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Why Gasket Form Matters
In piping, plumbing, HVAC, and industrial process systems, the type of gasket used must match the flange face to ensure a proper seal. Installing the wrong gasket type can result in uneven compression, leakage, or even flange damage.
Choosing between a ring gasket and a full face gasket often depends on:
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Flange design (raised vs flat face)
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Bolt pattern and alignment
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System pressure and media type
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Installation requirements
Understanding how these gasket types differ is key to achieving a tight, lasting seal — especially in mission-critical applications.
Find out more about the different types of gaskets in this helpful guide.
What Is a Ring Gasket?
A ring gasket is a circular gasket that fits inside the bolt circle of a flange, sealing only around the pipe bore. It does not extend to cover the bolt holes.
Ideal for:
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Raised-face flanges
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High-pressure systems where sealing surface is limited to the pipe opening
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Applications where space and alignment are key factors
Pros:
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Easier to centre and install
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Cost-effective due to smaller surface area
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Suitable for higher pressure systems when matched with the correct flange type
Cons:
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Less surface area for sealing
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Not suitable for flat-face flanges
Ring gaskets are commonly used in the oil & gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries, as well as high-performance HVAC and mechanical systems.
What Is a Full Face Gasket?
A full face gasket covers the entire surface of a flange, including the area beneath the bolt holes. It typically features holes punched to accommodate each bolt in the flange pattern.
Best suited for:
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Flat-faced flanges
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Lower pressure systems or systems requiring a wider sealing area
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Applications where bolt load is evenly distributed
Pros:
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Provides a larger sealing surface
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Helps with load distribution in low-pressure systems
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Ideal for systems where gasket alignment is critical for integrity
Cons:
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Slightly more difficult to align during installation
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Larger size means higher material cost
Full face gaskets are commonly used in water systems, general plumbing, HVAC ductwork, and other lower-pressure industrial applications.
Ring Gasket vs Full Face Gasket: Head-to-Head Comparison
|
Feature |
Ring Gasket |
Full Face Gasket |
|
Flange Compatibility |
Raised-face flanges |
Flat-face flanges |
|
Sealing Area |
Around pipe bore only |
Entire flange surface |
|
Installation |
Easier to centre |
Slightly more complex |
|
Cost |
Generally lower |
Slightly higher due to size |
|
Pressure Suitability |
High-pressure capable |
Best for moderate to low pressure |
|
Material Efficiency |
Uses less material |
Uses more material |
Which One Should You Use?
When choosing between a ring gasket and a full face gasket, it’s important to consider both the flange design and the system's operational needs:
Match the Flange Type
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Use ring gaskets for raised-face flanges
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Use full face gaskets for flat-faced flanges
Consider the Pressure Rating
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For higher pressures and more compact systems, ring gaskets are usually preferred
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For wider load distribution and easier sealing across large surfaces, opt for full face gaskets
Check for Space & Bolt Requirements
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If space is tight and centring is a challenge, a ring gasket will be easier to work with
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If your application needs even bolt load distribution across the entire flange, a full face gasket is the better option
Account for Material Compatibility
No matter which form you choose, the material of the gasket — whether rubber, graphite, metal, or PTFE — must match your system’s temperature, media, and chemical exposure needs.
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Not Sure Which Gasket — Ring or Full Face — is Best? We Can Help.
Understanding the differences between a ring gasket and a full face gasket is essential when designing, maintaining, or upgrading flange sealing systems. Each has its strengths, and selecting the right one ensures you get a safe, efficient, and leak-free connection.
If you’re unsure which option is best for your system — or you need a custom gasket solution — our team is here to help. Specialty Gaskets works with OEMs and manufacturers across industries to deliver precision-cut, high-performance gasket solutions.
Get a Free Quote or call us at 905-564-0807.
Specialty Gaskets is your trusted source for high-quality ring and full face gaskets, available in a variety of materials and sizes. Whether you need standard or custom cuts, we’ll make sure you get the right fit for your application.
