How is PVC pipe measured? The basic sizes of PVC pipe are in inches and schedule - but those sizes don't tell you the exact measurement of a piece of pipe. For that you will need to consult the seller or manufacturer for a few bits of information. There are three common measurements used to describe PVC pipe. They are: Inner Diameter (I.D.), Outer Diameter (O.D.). and Wall Thickness. From these measurements you should be able to tell if a piece of pipe will fit into or over anything you need. View the diagram above for details on what exactly each of these measurements covers. You will see them demonstrated in both a side view and a straight on view of a piece of pipe.