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Views: 21 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. Whether you're specifying half inch steel plate, steel plate 1 2, or a thinner 18 gauge steel plate, understanding the thickness options and measurements is key. This guide will introduce you to stainless steel plate thickness and specification tables, millimeter measurements, 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: Historically used for sheet metal and plate, the gauge system (often called as "ga" or "g") uses a number to represent thickness. 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.
In conclusion, you need to understand that gauge to thickness conversion requires a chart specific to the material type (steel, aluminum, etc.) because the values in the gauge size chart will be different. 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) | People Also Ask |
7ga | 0.1875" | 4.76 mm | 7 gauge steel thickness 7 ga 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 material certification or mill test report (MTR) provided with the plate, which lists the 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): Very thin, used for light decorative panels, enclosures where weight is critical, or specific stainless steel gauge chart for sinks (budget options, less durable).
How thick is 16 gauge steel? (1.59mm): Offers more rigidity than 18ga. Used for heavier-duty sinks, commercial kitchen equipment, truck/trailer liners, industrial work surfaces, and structural components needing moderate strength without excessive weight.
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 architectural 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 standards are based on weight, be sure to confirm the actual thickness in inches or millimeters before purchasing (e.g. 16 ga stainless steel ≈ 0.0598 inches or 1.52 mm). 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.
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!
