Views: 47 Author: Shirley Publish Time: 2025-06-18 Origin: Site
"Gauge" is an important unit of measurement for the thickness of stainless steel plate. Choosing the right steel plate thickness can affect your purchase price, strength, and durability. It's important to understand how we measure thickness when working with steel plates – whether it's thick like half-inch (1/2") or thinner like 18-gauge. This guide will show you stainless steel plate thicknesses, explain the charts we use, and cover measurements in inches, millimeters, and common sizes.
Stainless steel plate thickness is commonly specified in three ways: gauges, inches, and millimeters. This is often a primary source of confusion, making gauge vs mm and inch to gauge conversion frequent search queries.
The Gauge: The gauge system ('ga' or 'g') uses numbers to denote thickness, historically for sheet metal and plate.
Crucially, higher gauge is thinner. So, is higher gauge thicker or thinner? Definitely thinner. For example:
18 gauge steel plate is thinner than 16 gauge steel plate.
14 gauge steel plate is thicker than 20 gauge steel plate.
Millimters (mm) and Inches (in): They provide a precise dimension without the confusion of the gauge system. Millimeter gauge chart lists and gauge conversion chart tools are essential for translating between systems.
Gauge to thickness conversion requires a material-specific chart because gauge values differ by material (steel, aluminum, etc.). A gauge chart for 080 aluminum thickness or 80 gauge to inches will show different values than steel. For critical applications, use absolute measurements (inches or millimeters) rather than gauge numbers to avoid errors.
This millimeter gauge chart provides approximate equivalents for stainless steel plate based on common standards (like S30400). Remember that gauge equivalents can vary slightly depending on the specific alloy and standard. Use this for gauge conversion, mm to gauge, and inch to gauge conversion.
Gauge | Thickness (Inches) | Thickness (Millimeters - mm) | Same Name |
7ga | 0.1875" | 4.76 mm | 7 gauge steel thickness |
10ga | 0.1406" | 3.57 mm | 10 gauge steel thickness how thick is 10 gauge steel how many mm is 10 gauge |
11ga | 0.1250" | 3.18 mm | 11ga steel thickness how thick is 11 gauge metal 11 gauge thickness |
12ga | 0.1094" | 2.78 mm | 12 gauge steel thickness how thick is 12 gauge steel how thick is 12 gauge metal how thick is 12 gauge |
13ga | 0.0938" | 2.38 mm | 13 gauge to mm |
14ga | 0.0781" | 1.98 mm | 14 gauge steel thickness 14 ga steel thickness how thick is 14 gauge steel 14 gauge in millimeters 14 ga steel sheet |
16ga | 0.0625" | 1.59 mm | how thick is 16 gauge steel 16 gauge thickness how thick is 16ga steel how thick is 16ga how many mm in 16 gauge how thick is 16 ga metal 16g to inches |
18ga | 0.0500" | 1.27 mm | how thick is 18 gauge steel 18 gauge steel plate how many millimeters is 18 gauge 18 gauge to mm 18g to mm 18 gauge metal thickness |
20ga | 0.0375" | 0.95 mm | 20 gauge steel thickness how thick is 20ga |
22ga | 0.0313" | 0.79 mm | how thick is 22 gauge steel 22 gauge steel sheet |
N/A | 0.2500" (1/4") | 6.35 mm | 1 4 inch steel plate 1 4 metal plate 1 4 plate steel 1 4 steel plate 4x8 quarter inch steel plate 1 4 thick steel plate steel plate 1 4 inch thick |
N/A | 0.1250" (1/8") | 3.18 mm | 1 8 steel plate 1 8 inch steel plate 1 8th inch steel plate 1 8 thick steel plate 1 8th steel plate (Note: Same as 11ga) |
N/A | 0.1875" (3/16") | 4.76 mm | 3 16 steel plate 3 16 metal plate 3 16 inch steel plate (Note: Same as 7ga) |
N/A | 0.3750" (3/8") | 9.53 mm | 3 8 steel 3 8 inch steel plate 3 8 metal plate |
25ga | ~0.0209" | ~0.53 mm | 25mm is very thick, approx. 1" - use plate standards) |
How to measure gauge of steel or how to measure metal thickness is a practical problem:
Calipers or Micrometer: The most accurate way. Measure the thickness directly in inches or millimeters. Check the gauge conversion chart (like the one above) to find the corresponding gauge number if needed.
Sheet Metal Gauge: Specialized sheet metal gauge tools have slots corresponding to standard gauge numbers. Slip the tool onto the plate's edge – the tightest fit indicates the gauge. Ensure the tool is calibrated for steel.
Manufacturer Specifications: Always the best source. Check the plate's material cert/MTR for exact thickness and grade.
Steel plate thicknesses vary widely, and standard steel sheet sizes often include common dimensions like 4x8 steel plate. Let's explore popular thicknesses and where they are typically used.
Thin Gauges (20ga, 18ga, 16ga - 0.0375" to 0.0625" / 0.95mm to 1.59mm):
20 gauge steel thickness (0.95mm): It is very thin, used for light decorative panels, enclosures where weight is critical, or specific stainless steel gauge chart for sinks.
How thick is 16 gauge steel? (1.59mm): Offers more rigidity than 18ga. This steel is used for tough, everyday items like heavy sinks, restaurant kitchen gear, truck beds, and strong tables. It's a good choice when you need something strong but not too heavy.
Medium Gauges (14ga, 12ga, 11ga, 10ga - 0.0781" to 0.1406" / 1.98mm to 3.57mm):
14 ga steel thickness (1.98mm): A versatile thickness for robust equipment housings, platforms, chutes, tanks, and structural parts.
12 gauge steel thickness (2.78mm): Provides significant strength. Used in industrial machinery, heavy-duty fabrication, pressure vessels (thinner walls), trailer floors, and beautiful features needing stiffness.
11 gauge steel thickness / 1 8 steel plate (3.18mm): Excellent balance of strength and formability. Common for 1 8 inch steel plate in platforms, ramps, industrial stairs, truck beds, and structural brackets. Also used for 14 gauge pipe thickness in some schedules.
10 gauge steel thickness (3.57mm): Heavy sheet/light plate. Used for demanding applications like industrial workbenches, heavy machinery guards, agricultural equipment, and structural bases.
Choosing the right stainless steel gauge involves several key factors specific to your application.
Learn the basics of gauges:
Lower gauge number = thicker, e.g. 10 gauge material is much thicker than 22 gauge material. Most US thickness numbers (like "16 gauge") are based on weight. Always check the actual thickness in inches or millimeters before you buy.
For example, 16 gauge stainless steel is about 0.0598 inches or 1.52 mm thick. Steel plates have their own thickness tolerances, and you need to think ahead of time about acceptable thickness deviations (±).
2. Application requirements:
Structural integrity and loads: What weight, pressure, impact must be supported. The greater the load, the thicker the gauge (the smaller the gauge number).
Corrosion resistance required: The thicker the gauge, the longer it will last in harsh conditions.
Stiffness and hardness: Does it need to resist bending or vibration? The thicker the gauge, the stiffer it is.
Formability: Will it bend, deep draw, or punch? Thinner gauges are easier to form. Thicker gauges may crack.
Weldability: Thinner gauges (<18ga) require precise welding techniques to avoid warping/burn-through. Thicker gauges are generally easier to weld securely.
Appearance and Surface Finish: Thinner gauges are more likely to show imperfections (dents, waves), especially on reflective finishes. Thicker gauges feel stronger.
3. Consider Processing:
Cutting: Lasers, waterjets, and plasma cut thicker gauges slower than thinner gauges. Shear capacity limits maximum gauge.
Bending: Minimum bend radius depends on gauge/thickness. Thicker material requires a larger bend radius.
Joining: Welding, riveting, bolting—each connection method has gauge limits and optimal ranges.
Weight: Thicker gauges add significant weight, which affects handling, shipping, and supporting structures.
4. Cost and Availability:
Thicker stainless steel sheets of varying thicknesses cost more per square foot and also take longer to cut, form, and weld.
5. Industry Standards:
Confirm the relevant specifications ASME, ASTM, AWS before purchasing. Reputable stainless steel suppliers often provide application guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact us directly. Our company has more than 20 years of experience in the stainless steel industry and can provide you with more professional stainless steel knowledge.
How much does 1 inch thick steel plate cost?
The price of 1 inch thick steel plate can change. It depends on today's metal prices, where you buy it, the type of steel, the size you need, and how much you order.
As of late 2023, you might pay roughly 600 to 1,200 or more per 1,000 pounds. A 4x8 sheet of 1-inch steel is very heavy—it can weigh about 1,600 pounds. Because it's so heavy, that one sheet alone could cost between 960 and 1,920 dollars. And remember, this price doesn't include extra costs like cutting or delivery.
How thick is 7 ga steel?
"Ga" stands for gauge, which is an old system to measure metal thickness. For steel plate, a 7 gauge sheet thickness is about 0.1793 inches, which is just a tiny bit over 3/16 inch (0.1875 inches). If you use millimeters, it's close to 4.55 mm thick. Remember: the higher the gauge number (like 20 ga), the thinner the steel.
How thick is 10 gauge steel plate?
Using the same gauge system, 10 gauge steel plate is 0.1345 inches thick. That's a little more than 1/8 inch (0.125 inches) but less than 9 gauge. In millimeters, 10 gauge steel is about 3.42 mm thick.
How heavy is 1/8 inch thick steel plate?
Steel weighs about 490 pounds per cubic foot. A 1/8 inch (0.125 inch) thick plate weighs 5.10 pounds per square foot. For example, a standard 4 ft x 8 ft sheet (32 square feet) would weigh 32 sq ft x 5.10 lbs/sq ft = about 163 pounds.
How much does 1/2 inch thick steel plate weigh?
Half inch (1/2 inch) steel plate is significantly heavier. It weighs 20.41 pounds per square foot. So a full 4 ft x 8 ft sheet (32 sq ft) would weigh 32 sq ft x 20.41 lbs/sq ft = approximately 653 pounds.
How much does 3/8 inch thick plate steel weigh?
For 3/8 inch steel plate, the weight is 15.31 pounds per square foot. A 4 ft x 8 ft sheet would therefore weigh 32 sq ft x 15.31 lbs/sq ft = roughly 490 pounds. Thinner pieces like a 1 ft x 1 ft square weigh about 15.3 pounds and are easier to carry.
As a professional stainless steel manufacturer, JN provides stainless steel sheets and coils in various specifications and thicknesses. We support customized specifications according to customer needs and provide you with fast delivery and professional technical support. Welcome to contact us for stainless steel prices and product information!
