Sheet Metal Gauge Chart: A Comprehensive Guide

Metal sheets are of utmost importance in various industries. What makes them stand out is their durability despite being lightweight. When using metal sheets, the first thing manufacturers consider is their thickness. They typically use a sheet metal gauge chart, which helps them choose the right thickness for specific use cases or applications.

 

This gauge chart is a reference when selecting metal sheets. Without this chart, it would be challenging to choose the right sheets, especially when thickness precision matters. In this article, I will explain everything about the sheet metal gauge chart. After reading this, you’ll be able to use this chart and benefit from it.

 

What Is a Sheet Metal Gauge Chart?

The sheet metal gauge chart is a reference that lists gauge numbers and the corresponding exact thicknesses. This thickness is generally in both millimeters and inches. The gauge number should not be confused with measurements; it is just a reference number. Each gauge number corresponds to different thickness levels for various metal types. 

 

This means that each metal sheet has a unique gauge chart. You cannot use one gauge chart for all the metal sheets used in manufacturing processes. For example, Gauge 10 in both steel and aluminum sheets indicates different thicknesses. Interestingly, a metal sheet with a higher gauge is thinner than one with a lower gauge number.

 

For example, if you have two aluminum sheets with gauges of 18 and 22. In this case, the sheet with gauge 22 is thinner. On the other hand, the aluminum sheet with gauge 18 will be thicker. Simply put, the higher the gauge number, the lower the thickness, and this is common for gauge charts of all metal sheets.

 

Understanding the metal gauge chart helps both engineers and manufacturers, especially when choosing Sheet Metal Fabrication Services. They can use metal sheets of precise thickness. Additionally, it also helps estimate the strength and cost of metal sheets. For example, sheets with higher gauge numbers will be thinner, less strong, and less expensive. If the metal sheet is thick, it will be more costly.

 

How to Read a Sheet Metal Gauge Chart?

As I said earlier, sheet metal gauges generally consist of three columns and multiple rows. The columns indicate the gauge number, and thickness in millimeters, and then in inches. Reading the gauge chart is very easy. First, you’ll need to know the metal sheet you have. This is critical because each metal sheet has its own unique metal gauge chart. 

 

Once you’ve identified the metal type, the next step is to find the gauge chart for that specific metal sheet. The first column in this chart shows the gauge number, which serves as the reference. Next to the gauge number, you’ll see a column with the thickness of sheets in millimeters. First, pick the gauge number, then go across the row to find the exact thickness of the metal sheets.

 

Here is the gauge chart of the aluminum sheet:

 

Gauge Number	Thickness (mm)	Thickness (inches)
10 Gauge	2.59 mm	0.1019 in
12 Gauge	2.05 mm	0.0808 in
14 Gauge	1.63 mm	0.0641 in
16 Gauge	1.29 mm	0.0508 in
18 Gauge	1.02 mm	0.0403 in
20 Gauge	0.81 mm	0.0320 in
22 Gauge	0.64 mm	0.0253 in
24 Gauge	0.51 mm	0.0201 in

 

In this aluminum gauge chart, gauge 10 corresponds to a thickness of 2.59 mm (0.1019 inches). Similarly, gauge 24 indicates a reduced thickness of 0.51 mm (0.0201 inches). In this way, you can consider the gauge number and check its exact thickness in both inches and millimeters. The same reading method applies to gauge charts for any metal.

 

History of Sheet Metal Gauge Chart

 

The use of the gauge chart system has a long history. This system was used even when there were no precise measuring tools. At that time, manufacturers used to pass a metal piece through rollers. The number of times a sheet passes through a roller is its gauge number. For example, if the sheet went through the roller 10 times, it means its gauge number was 10.

 

It was passed through a roller 20 times, and its gauge number was 20. A higher roller pass count indicates a thinner sheet. The sheet with a 10-gauge number was thicker than the one with a 20-gauge number. However, this system soon became outdated due to the growth of metalworking sectors. Later in the 19th century, the number of metal workshops increased, and each used different measuring standards.

 

The use of unofficial measuring standards in different regions was very confusing. This led to the development of sheet metal gauge charts, which were further refined over time. Now, international organizations such as ASTM and SAE set and maintain these sheet metal gauge charts. These charts are now used worldwide, removing the confusion about different measuring units.

 

Importance of Sheet Metal Gauge Chart

The sheet metal gauge chart is very beneficial for both buyers and sellers. Engineers use this chart to find the right thickness of metal sheets for their projects. Here is the list of some key benefits of a gauge chart:

 

1- Mistakes in Communication

 

There are different units of measurement available worldwide. For example, some regions use millimeters to refer to thickness, while others use inches. However, using various units can be confusing, especially at a global scale. That’s where the metal sheet gauge charts are helpful. 

 

It offers a single, worldwide standard indicating the precise thickness of metal sheets. For example, a gauge 10 aluminum sheet will have the same thickness worldwide. This gauge will be understood by everyone, leading to uniformity and fewer communication mistakes. Buyers who mention this aluminum gauge will receive the precise thickness regardless of their region or country.

 

2- Cost Estimation of Projects

 

The gauge chart is handy for manufacturers in estimating project costs. First, they check the exact gauge number they require for their specific project. If this gauge number is lower, the sheet they will need will be thicker. Thicker metal sheets are generally more expensive than the thinner ones. Additionally, this gauge chart helps determine the thickness of metal sheets.

 

3- Versatility in Use 

 

As mentioned above, the sheet metal gauge chart consists of three different parameters. Those include gauge number, thickness in millimeters, and thickness in inches. This gives readers more information about the materials. If you don’t know the thickness, you can measure it in millimeters. 

 

In fact, you can only use a gauge number of a specific metal sheet, and that’s more than enough. Suppose you’re buying an aluminum sheet. In that case, you don’t need to tell sellers about the exact thickness. Instead, you can mention the gauge number, and the seller will understand the precise thickness you need.

 

Sheet Metal Gauge Chart for Different Metal Types

 

In the section below, you’ll find a chart of the most popular metal sheets:

Sheet Gauge Chart for Stainless Steel

 

Gauge Number	Thickness (mm)	Thickness (inches)
10 Gauge	3.42 mm	0.1345 in
12 Gauge	2.66 mm	0.1046 in
14 Gauge	1.90 mm	0.0747 in
16 Gauge	1.52 mm	0.0598 in
18 Gauge	1.21 mm	0.0478 in
20 Gauge	0.91 mm	0.0359 in
22 Gauge	0.76 mm	0.0299 in
24 Gauge	0.61 mm	0.0239 in

 

Sheet Gauge Chart for Brass

 

Gauge Number	Thickness (mm)	Thickness (inches)
8 Gauge	4.06 mm	0.1600 in
10 Gauge	3.26 mm	0.1285 in
12 Gauge	2.59 mm	0.1019 in
14 Gauge	2.03 mm	0.0800 in
16 Gauge	1.63 mm	0.0640 in
18 Gauge	1.22 mm	0.0480 in
20 Gauge	0.91 mm	0.0360 in
22 Gauge	0.71 mm	0.0280 in
24 Gauge	0.56 mm	0.0220 in

 

Sheet Gauge Chart for Copper 

 

Gauge Number	Thickness (mm)	Thickness (inches)
8 Gauge	4.06 mm	0.1600 in
10 Gauge	3.26 mm	0.1285 in
12 Gauge	2.59 mm	0.1019 in
14 Gauge	2.03 mm	0.0800 in
16 Gauge	1.63 mm	0.0640 in
18 Gauge	1.22 mm	0.0480 in
20 Gauge	0.91 mm	0.0360 in
22 Gauge	0.71 mm	0.0280 in
24 Gauge	0.56 mm	0.0220 in

 

Sheet Gauge Chart for Titanium

 

Gauge Number	Thickness (mm)	Thickness (inches)
10 Gauge	3.42 mm	0.1345 in
12 Gauge	2.66 mm	0.1046 in
14 Gauge	1.90 mm	0.0747 in
16 Gauge	1.52 mm	0.0598 in
18 Gauge	1.21 mm	0.0478 in
20 Gauge	0.91 mm	0.0359 in
22 Gauge	0.76 mm	0.0299 in
24 Gauge	0.61 mm	0.0239 in

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Which is thicker, 14-gauge or 16-gauge sheet metal?

14-gauge metal sheets are always thicker than 16-gauge sheets. This is common across all the metal sheets regardless of their properties.

 

Which is thicker, 22 or 24 gauge?

22-gauge metal sheets are thicker than 24-gauge. Remember, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal sheet, and vice versa. You should always choose lower-gauge sheets when greater thickness and strength are required.

 

Conclusion

 

The sheet metal gauge chart is handy for both buyers and sellers. In fact, many fabricators consider it a must-have when they make parts from metal sheets. It helps you choose a sheet with the correct thickness. What I like about this gauge chart is that it standardizes the measurement of metal sheets globally. There’s no more confusion over millimeters and inches, which has caused divisions across regions. In this article, I’ve discussed everything about the metal gauge chart.