2025 Sheet Metal Gauge Chart: Master 5 Metal Types Now!
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This guide provides a full and updated resource for sheet metal gauge information in 2025. It's made to be a quick reference tool through detailed tables that are essential for picking the right material for any project. Gauge numbers and their matching thicknesses vary a lot between different types of materials. This guide offers specific charts for each type. As professionals who work with sheet metal often, we know how important it is to have fast, accurate gauge information.
How to Quickly Use This Sheet Metal Gauge Chart
Sheet metal gauge is a standard that shows thickness. The relationship is inverse: a lower gauge number means thicker metal. It's important to state what material you're using, because 16 gauge steel has a different thickness than 16 gauge aluminum. Our charts show thickness in both Inches (in) and Millimeters (mm). For more information about measurement systems and conversions, check out established resources.
Standard Steel (Carbon Steel) Sheet Metal Gauge Chart & Applications
Standard steel is widely used because of its strength and versatility. The Manufacturer's Standard Gage (MSG) is typically used for carbon steel sheets that aren't coated. For exact thickness data, look at resources like Engineers Edge comprehensive gauge data.
| Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0.2391 | 6.07 | Heavy structural members, thick framing, wear plates, base plates |
| 7 | 0.1793 | 4.55 | Strong structural components, heavy equipment parts, support brackets |
| 10 | 0.1345 | 3.42 | Chassis parts, heavy brackets, machine guards, robust structural components |
| 11 | 0.1196 | 3.04 | Automotive components, frames, industrial shelving units |
| 12 | 0.1046 | 2.66 | Automotive panels, robust enclosures, shelving, medium-duty frames, tanks |
| 13 | 0.0897 | 2.28 | General fabrication, trailer bodies, agricultural equipment |
| 14 | 0.0747 | 1.90 | Enclosures, cabinets, hoppers, machinery parts, vehicle body panels |
| 16 | 0.0598 | 1.52 | Appliance bodies, light fixtures, ductwork supports, lighter brackets, tool boxes |
| 18 | 0.0478 | 1.21 | Computer cases, signage, panels, some automotive body parts, electrical enclosures |
| 20 | 0.0359 | 0.91 | Electrical boxes, light-duty shelving, some ductwork, display fixtures |
| 22 | 0.0299 | 0.76 | Very light enclosures, flashing, small brackets, drip pans |
| 24 | 0.0239 | 0.61 | Non-structural paneling, ductwork components, light backings |
| 26 | 0.0179 | 0.45 | Thin applications, shims, some types of flashing, craftwork, can bodies |
| 28 | 0.0149 | 0.38 | Extremely thin applications, light ducting, protective covers |
| 30 | 0.0120 | 0.30 | Specialized thin shims, very light-duty non-structural elements |
Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Gauge Chart & Applications
Stainless steel is valued for its resistance to rust and its good looks. This makes it perfect for harsh settings and food-grade uses. Stainless steel gauges can be slightly different in thickness than carbon steel for the same gauge number. Common types include 304 for general use and 316 for marine or chemical resistance.
| Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) | Common Applications (e.g., Food Grade, Marine, Architectural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 0.1875 (3/16") | 4.76 | Heavy-duty kitchen equipment (304), chemical tanks (316), structural supports in corrosive env. |
| 10 | 0.1406 (9/64") | 3.57 | Brewery tanks (304/316), robust food processing equipment, heavy architectural elements |
| 12 | 0.1094 (7/64") | 2.78 | Commercial kitchen surfaces (304), marine components (316), custom sinks |
| 14 | 0.0781 (5/64") | 1.98 | Food processing surfaces, architectural panels (304/316), exhaust components, hoppers |
| 16 | 0.0625 (1/16") | 1.59 | Sinks, countertops (304), appliance facings, laboratory equipment, light-duty tanks |
| 18 | 0.0500 (1/20") | 1.27 | Wall panels, backsplashes (304), light-duty kitchenware, decorative trim |
| 20 | 0.0375 (3/80") | 0.95 | Lighter appliance panels, column covers (304), small vessels, chutes |
| 22 | 0.0313 (1/32") | 0.79 | Protective coverings, light-duty decorative elements, signage (304) |
| 24 | 0.0250 (1/40") | 0.64 | Flashing, light paneling, non-structural applications |
| 26 | 0.0188 (3/160") | 0.48 | Very thin architectural details, shims, craftwork |
| 28 | 0.0156 (1/64") | 0.40 | Highly specialized thin applications, delicate trim |
Aluminum Sheet Metal Gauge Chart & Applications
Aluminum is known for its great strength-to-weight ratio and natural rust resistance. Aluminum gauges typically follow the Brown & Sharpe (B&S) system, also known as American Wire Gauge (AWG), which is different from steel gauges. Popular alloys include 5052 for good forming ability and marine use, and 6061 for structure and good strength.
| Gauge (B&S/AWG) | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) | Common Applications (e.g., Aerospace, Marine, Automotive, Signage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0.1285 | 3.26 | Boat hulls (5052), heavy-duty signage, structural components in lightweight designs |
| 10 | 0.1019 | 2.59 | Vehicle bodies, trailer panels (5052/6061), robust enclosures |
| 12 | 0.0808 | 2.05 | Aircraft components, road signs, marine fixtures (5052), chassis parts |
| 14 | 0.0641 | 1.63 | Automotive panels, architectural flashing, fuel tanks (5052) |
| 16 | 0.0508 | 1.29 | General sheet metal work, lightweight enclosures, fan blades, heat exchangers |
| 18 | 0.0403 | 1.02 | Gutters, roofing (requires appropriate alloy), electronic chassis, light reflectors |
| 20 | 0.0320 | 0.81 | Signage, light ductwork, protective covers, computer cases |
| 22 | 0.0253 | 0.64 | Very light-duty paneling, decorative elements, shims |
| 24 | 0.0201 | 0.51 | Craftwork, thin flashing, model making |
Galvanized Steel Sheet Metal Gauge Chart & Applications
Galvanized steel is carbon steel coated with zinc for better rust resistance. It works well for outdoor or humid environments. Its gauge system generally follows standard steel, but the zinc adds a bit of thickness and weight.
| Gauge | Thickness (inches)† | Thickness (mm)† | Common Applications (e.g., Roofing, Fencing, HVAC, Outdoor Enclosures) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.1382 | 3.51 | Culverts, strong ductwork, agricultural equipment parts, heavy-duty roofing |
| 12 | 0.1084 | 2.75 | Silo construction, robust HVAC components, security fencing |
| 14 | 0.0785 | 1.99 | Roofing panels, gutters, downspouts, siding, general outdoor fabrication |
| 16 | 0.0635 | 1.61 | HVAC ducting, flashing, shed walls, light-duty agricultural uses |
| 18 | 0.0516 | 1.31 | Lighter ductwork, animal enclosures, some roofing accessories |
| 20 | 0.0396 | 1.01 | Flashing, utility sheds, non-structural outdoor elements |
| 22 | 0.0336 | 0.85 | Very light ductwork, small outdoor enclosures, protective coverings |
| 24 | 0.0276 | 0.70 | Gutter guards, light flashing, some types of siding |
| 26 | 0.0217 | 0.55 | Thin flashing, soffits, non-load bearing covers |
| 28 | 0.0187 | 0.47 | Lightest flashing, some duct fittings, temporary coverings |
| †Thickness values are nominal for galvanized steel and may include coating. |
Copper Sheet Metal Gauge Chart & Applications
Copper is valued for how well it conducts electricity and heat, how easily it can be shaped, and its special color change over time. It often uses the B&S/AWG system, and thickness can also be shown by weight in ounces per square foot (oz./sq.ft.).
| Gauge (B&S/AWG) | oz./sq.ft. (approx) | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) | Common Applications (e.g., Roofing, Electrical, Decorative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 48 oz | 0.1019 | 2.59 | Heavy busbars, large conductive plates, substantial architectural elements |
| 12 | 32 oz (2 lb) | 0.0808 | 2.05 | Busbars, electrical contacts, robust roofing/flashing |
| 14 | 24 oz (1.5 lb) | 0.0641 | 1.63 | Standard roofing, gutters, downspouts, decorative panels |
| 16 (B&S/AWG is 16 oz) | 16 oz (1 lb) | 0.0508 | 1.29 | Common roofing, flashing, general decorative work, some electrical components |
| 18 | 16 oz (also common) | 0.0403 | 1.02 | Lighter roofing, detailed flashing, range hoods, craftwork, busbars |
| 20 | 12 oz | 0.0320 | 0.81 | Decorative elements, light-duty weather stripping, some electrical shielding |
| 22 | 10 oz | 0.0253 | 0.64 | Craft applications, intricate decorative work, nameplates |
| 24 | 8 oz | 0.0201 | 0.51 | Very light decorative work, shims, some types of gaskets |
Brass Sheet Metal Gauge Chart & Applications
Brass, a mix of copper and zinc, is known for its sound qualities, good looks, workability, and rust resistance. It typically uses the Brown & Sharpe (B&S) or AWG gauge system.
| Gauge (B&S/AWG) | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) | Common Applications (e.g., Musical Instruments, Decorative, Fittings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 0.0641 | 1.63 | Sturdy instrument components, base plates, robust decorative items |
| 16 | 0.0508 | 1.29 | Musical instrument bodies (e.g., trumpets, trombones), kick plates, heavy nameplates |
| 18 | 0.0403 | 1.02 | Decorative hardware, bezels, medium-weight craftwork, ammunition casings |
| 20 | 0.0320 | 0.81 | Nameplates, light decorative trim, clock faces, some plumbing fixtures |
| 22 | 0.0253 | 0.64 | Intricate decorative elements, craft jewelry, shims, model parts |
| 24 | 0.0201 | 0.51 | Thin decorative stampings, light craft applications, electrical contacts |
| 26 | 0.0159 | 0.40 | Very thin decorative overlays, detailed craft pieces |
| 28 | 0.0126 | 0.32 | Delicate craftwork, thin shims, specialized decorative elements |
Quick Comparison: Same Gauge, Different Metals, Different Thicknesses
A key point to remember: the same gauge number gives different actual thicknesses for different materials. This is a common mistake for beginners and even experienced makers if they're not careful. This table shows why stating both gauge and material type is essential to avoid costly errors.
| Gauge | Std. Steel (in / mm) | Stainless Steel (in / mm) | Aluminum (B&S) (in / mm) | Galvanized Steel (in / mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 0.1046 / 2.66 | 0.1094 / 2.78 | 0.0808 / 2.05 | 0.1084 / 2.75 |
| 16 | 0.0598 / 1.52 | 0.0625 / 1.59 | 0.0508 / 1.29 | 0.0635 / 1.61 |
| 18 | 0.0478 / 1.21 | 0.0500 / 1.27 | 0.0403 / 1.02 | 0.0516 / 1.31 |
| 20 | 0.0359 / 0.91 | 0.0375 / 0.95 | 0.0320 / 0.81 | 0.0396 / 1.01 |
| 22 | 0.0299 / 0.76 | 0.0313 / 0.79 | 0.0253 / 0.64 | 0.0336 / 0.85 |
Sheet Metal Gauge Chart 2025: Key Considerations
Using a sheet metal gauge chart 2025 well involves more than just looking up thickness. Think about these points:
- Material Availability & Cost in 2025: Market changes and supply chains affect material choice. In 2025, think about what's available in your area and lead times for special metals, as these can change.
- Sustainability Considerations: The focus on sustainability keeps growing. Choose right gauges to reduce waste. Ask about recycled content, especially for materials like aluminum and steel, if your project aims for environmental goals.
-
Advanced Manufacturing & Design: Modern CAD software often includes
sheet metal gauge chartfeatures and bend tables, helping precise design to 2025 standards. Using tools likemodern CAD software gauge tables for 2025can make design and fabrication smoother. - Always Verify with Supplier: While this chart is a great guide, it's important to confirm exact thickness specs and tolerances with your supplier for any specific batch in 2025. Mill tolerances and production runs can cause slight differences.
Understanding Tolerances in Sheet Metal Gauges
Manufacturing always has slight variations. The actual thickness of sheet metal can vary a bit from the gauge thickness within a defined tolerance. These tolerances are set by industry standards groups. For precise engineering work, always check specific industry standards like ASTM International standards for tolerances (e.g., ASTM A480/A480M for stainless steel, ASTM A568/A568M for carbon steel, or ASTM B209 for aluminum) for detailed tolerance specs. Typical tolerances might be ±0.00X inches depending on gauge, material, and standard, but checking the specific standard is crucial for critical uses.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Quick Reference for Sheet Metal Gauges
Successfully selecting sheet metal depends on using the right sheet metal gauge chart for your specific material. This guide has comprehensive tables covering various metals and their common applications, updated for 2025. It is carefully designed for quick, practical, and accurate reference. We encourage you to bookmark this page as your essential resource for all sheet metal gauge questions, ensuring accuracy in your projects from planning to completion.