Got Your Gauge? – How Metal Thickness Works

After determining what type and shape of metal you need for your project, you will need to figure out its gauge. The gauge refers to the thickness of the material, which greatly affects its resistance. Understanding how to measure the gauge of steel or sheet metal is an important step to ensure the material meets the structural and functional requirements of your project.

When figuring out how to measure metal gauge, keep the following facts in mind:

• Sheet gauges start at .010” and go up to .188” (or 7 gauge/0.179”)
• The thickness for plate sizes can be from .25” and up
• All sheet gauges are sold by the gauge or decimal equivalent and normally require a caliper or feeler gauge to determine the thickness

In addition to using calipers or feeler gauges, you can refer to a sheet metal gauge chart, which provides a conversion between gauge numbers and their equivalent thicknesses in inches or millimeters. This simplifies the process of determining how to measure sheet metal thickness accurately.

Select a Shape

One key distinction between flat sheets and plate metal is how their thickness is measured. Flat sheet metal is typically thinner and measured using a gauge system, where a smaller gauge number corresponds to a thicker sheet, and a larger gauge number indicates a thinner sheet. Plate metal is thicker than typically covered by the gauge system and is therefore not measured in gauges but in direct thickness values, such as inches or millimeters.

What Metal Gauge Do I Need?

Not sure what gauge of metal you need? No need to worry; there are several ways to solve the puzzle. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Use a Caliper

The most precise way to measure the thickness of sheet metal or plate metal is to use a caliper. Calipers are hand tools designed to precisely measure the distance between two points, and when learning how to measure sheet metal thickness, they are one of the most reliable tools due to their accuracy and ease of use. All you have to do is fit the two tips of the caliper around the metal you need to measure to determine its thickness.

Using a caliper is most useful when replacing an existing piece of metal since the thickness of the new piece has to match this measurement. Ensuring the correct thickness is crucial, as even minor deviations can affect the structural integrity and performance of the material in its intended application. Additionally, calipers can be fairly inexpensive; a simple caliper can be bought for as little as $8.

Digital calipers can offer even greater precision and convenience. They provide a digital readout that eliminates the potential for human error in reading measurements, making them a valuable tool for anyone needing to know how to measure metal gauge.

2. Use our Metal Reference Guide

A gauge chart is an essential tool for understanding how to measure the thickness of sheet metal, as it provides a direct conversion between gauge numbers and their corresponding thicknesses in inches or millimeters. You can find a gauge chart at the back of our easy-to-navigate Metal Reference Guide (PDF). The Metal Reference Guide provides information on available grades, shapes, sizes, and mechanical properties. Whether you’re working with structural steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, knowing how to measure sheet metal thickness using a gauge chart simplifies the process and helps ensure precision in your work.

3. Visit or Contact Us

As the “convenience stores” of the metal industry, we are here for all your small-quantity metal needs. If you don’t know the type, grade, or size of metal you need for a project, we will gladly help you determine the perfect gauge for your specific application, ensuring your project is efficient and successful.

How to Measure Gauge of Steel

The gauge system can seem counterintuitive at first, as a higher gauge number indicates thinner metal, while a lower gauge number represents thicker steel. To measure the gauge of steel correctly, use a caliper for the most accurate results. Position the metal between the appropriate notches. Remember that gauge measurements are standardized based on the weight of the sheet, and different metal types have different gauge standards. The following table compares the gauge numbers of different types of steel:

As you can see, the thickness decreases as the gauge number increases. For professional fabricators, understanding these measurements ensures that material selections meet project specifications and structural requirements. Always refer to an accurate gauge chart when ordering steel materials, as even slight variations can impact the overall integrity and performance of the project.

Is 14 Gauge Steel Strong?

14-gauge steel is considered strong and durable. It is thicker than 18 or 16-gauge steel, providing better structural strength for load-bearing applications while maintaining reasonable workability.

How Thick is 18 Gauge Steel?

The thickness of 18-gauge steel varies slightly depending on the type of steel being used but is between 1.214 mm and 1.310 mm. It is thinner than 14 or 16-gauge steel but still suitable for many applications.

16 Gauge Steel Thickness

16-gauge steel is a middle ground between heavier 14-gauge and lighter 18-gauge options. 16-gauge steel thickness offers a balance between strength and workability, making it ideal for many commercial and residential applications.

Ready to get started? Contact Metal Supermarkets to learn more about how to measure metal gauge, and let us help you choose the right gauge and material for your project.