If I use a 4lb breaking strain leader on my fly line, what would the breaking strain of the tippet be?

Question

I'm guessing that it would be a bit less so that you only lose the very end of your leader if you are snagged or snapped. Would that be right?

Answer 1

Yes about 2-3 pound test.  

Answer 2

This really depends on what you are fishing for you could attach the fly straight to the 4lb test or you could use 2.5lb test.

Answer 3

Yes that would be right but when you get into that light of line or tippet,  it changes to an "x" value (ex...4x tippet) The lower the "x" value, the thicker the line..2-3 lb test would be about a 5x tippet depending on the manufacturer. (I'm not sure why they don't use a universal value for this.)  

Answer 4

And if it's Scientific Anglers' tippet material, be sure to divide the number in half!