If you're in metal fabrication, manufacturing, or even custom automotive work, understanding a sheet metal gauge chart is critical. At Tri-State Metals, we believe in equipping our customers with not only the highest quality materials — but the knowledge to use them right.
Whether you're selecting material for precision plasma cutting or need a specific thickness for structural integrity, this guide gets you started.
What Is a Sheet Metal Gauge?
A gauge is a unit of measurement used to specify the thickness of sheet metal. But unlike most measurements, gauge numbers work in reverse — the higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal.
For example:
10 gauge steel = thicker
22 gauge steel = thinner
SHEET METAL GAUGE CHART: QUICK REFERENCE
STEEL (CARBON) GAUGE CHART
Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|
10 | 0.1345 | 3.416 |
12 | 0.1046 | 2.657 |
14 | 0.0747 | 1.897 |
16 | 0.0598 | 1.519 |
18 | 0.0478 | 1.214 |
20 | 0.0359 | 0.911 |
22 | 0.0299 | 0.759 |
SHEET METAL GAUGE CHART: QUICK REFERENCE
STAINLESS STEEL GAUGE CHART
Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|
10 | 0.1350 | 3.429 |
12 | 0.1046 | 2.779 |
14 | 0.0781 | 1.984 |
16 | 0.0625 | 1.588 |
18 | 0.0500 | 1.270 |
20 | 0.0375 | 0.953 |
22 | 0.0313 | 0.794 |
PRO TIP: Always confirm with actual thickness.
SHEET METAL GAUGE CHART: QUICK REFERENCE
ALUMINUM GAUGE CHART
Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|---|
10 | 0.1019 | 2.588 |
12 | 0.0808 | 2.052 |
14 | 0.0641 | 1.628 |
16 | 0.0505 | 1.290 |
18 | 0.0403 | 1.024 |
20 | 0.0320 | 0.813 |
22 | 0.0253 | 0.643 |
While gauge charts are a solid guideline, real-world applications require precision. We always recommend verifying thickness using calipers, especially when tolerances are tight.
At Tri-State Metals, all our sheet and plate products are labeled and traceable to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
Choosing the Right Gauge for Your Project
Here’s a quick breakdown of what different gauges are commonly used for:
Application | Typical Gauge |
|---|---|
Ductwork | 26-20 |
Roofing | 24-18 |
Automotive Panels | 20-16 |
Structural Panels | 14-10 |
Custom Fabrication | Varies |
Need Sheet Metal?
We’ve Got It in Stock.
Tri State Metals stocks a wide range of steel, stainless, and aluminum sheet in common gauges — ready for:
- CNC laser cutting
- High-definition plasma cutting
- CNC Router
- Saw Cutting and Bundling
- Same-day pickup or delivery options
If you're unsure what gauge is right for your job, our team is here to help. With decades of experience serving fabricators, welders, contractors, and manufacturers across the tri-state area, we’ll get you the right material — the first time.
Let Tri-State Metals be your go-to source for sheet metal done right.
Call us at 256-760-0006
or email us at info@tristatemetals.com
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Metal Gauge Tool
Mention CODE: GAUGEITRIGHT when placing your next metal order, and we’ll include one with your shipment — totally free.