[FREE Chart] Steel Gauge Thickness Explained: From 7 to 20 Gauge

Steel Gauge Thickness Explained: From 7 to 20 Gauge

Understanding steel gauge thickness is important for anyone working with sheet metal, whether in construction, automotive, or fabrication. The term "gauge" refers to a standardized measurement of metal thickness, but it can often be confusing since the number doesn’t directly tell you how thick the steel is.

This article breaks down each gauge from 7 to 20, helping you pick the right one for your job. We'll also explore how to read a metal gauge thickness chart and  what tools to use.

What Does “Gauge” Mean in Metalworking?

Gauge is a numbering system used to specify the thickness of metal. In steel, a lower gauge means a thicker sheet, which is opposite to what you might expect. For example, 10 gauge steel is thicker than 16 gauge steel. There are different systems, but the most commonly used are the U.S. Standard Gauge and the Birmingham Gauge.

When people ask about "metal gauge thickness" or search for a "metal gauge thickness chart," they're usually trying to convert gauge numbers into millimeters or inches. Understanding this system is essential for ordering materials or ensuring product strength and durability.

Steel Thickness by Gauge: Complete Breakdown

Each steel gauge has a specific thickness measured in inches and millimeters. Here's a quick overview:

7 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.1793 inches (4.554 mm)

- Used in heavy-duty structural applications and platforms

- Ideal for load-bearing parts and high-strength requirements

10 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.1345 inches (3.416 mm)

- Common in industrial flooring, trailers, and heavy machinery

- Also used in support framing and durable enclosures

11 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.1196 inches (3.038 mm)

- Seen in truck beds, construction panels

- Suitable for weight-bearing walls and robust platforms

12 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.1046 inches (2.657 mm)

- Often used in security doors and brackets

- Offers balance between flexibility and strength

14 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.0747 inches (1.897 mm)

- Common for residential steel studs, enclosures

- Widely used in fencing, cabinets, and paneling

16 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.0598 inches (1.519 mm)

- Ideal for HVAC systems, metal cabinets

- Also used in automotive bodywork and kitchen equipment

18 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.0478 inches (1.214 mm)

- Used in light-duty applications like kitchen equipment

- Offers good workability for decorative metalwork

20 Gauge Steel Thickness

- Thickness: 0.0359 inches (0.911 mm)

- Found in automotive panels and ductwork

- Lightweight and easy to bend, perfect for air systems

How to Read a Metal Gauge Thickness Chart

If you’ve ever felt confused by gauge numbers, a metal gauge thickness chart is your go-to reference. It allows you to quickly convert a gauge number into its actual thickness—either in inches or millimeters—so you can select the right material with confidence.

Here’s how to read one effectively:

- Identify the Gauge Number: This number appears in the first column of most charts and indicates the thickness ranking.

- Understand the Inverse Rule: Lower gauge means thicker metal. So, 10 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge.

- Check the Thickness Values: Look across the row to see corresponding thickness in both millimeters and inches.

- Know Your Material: The same gauge number doesn’t equal the same thickness across all metals. For example, 16 gauge aluminum is thinner than 16 gauge steel.

- Use the Right Chart: Always make sure the chart matches your material—whether it’s standard steel, galvanized, stainless steel, or aluminum.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what a detailed chart usually includes:

Gauge Standard Steel Galvanized Steel Stainless Steel Aluminum / Brass / Copper
(in) (mm) (in) (mm) (in) (mm) (in) (mm)
7 0.1793 4.554 0.1875 4.763 0.1443 3.665
8 0.1644 4.176 0.165 4.191 0.1285 3.264 0.162 4.115
9 0.1495 3.797 0.1532 3.891 0.1562 3.967 0.1144 2.906
10 0.1345 3.416 0.1382 3.510 0.1406 3.571 0.1019 2.588
11 0.1196 3.038 0.1233 3.132 0.125 3.175 0.0907 2.304
12 0.1046 2.657 0.1084 2.753 0.1094 2.779 0.0808 2.052
13 0.0897 2.278 0.0934 2.372 0.0937 2.380 0.072 1.829
14 0.0747 1.897 0.0785 1.994 0.0781 1.984 0.0641 1.628
15 0.0673 1.709 0.0710 1.803 0.0703 1.786 0.0571 1.450
16 0.0598 1.519 0.0635 1.613 0.0625 1.588 0.0508 1.290
17 0.0538 1.367 0.0575 1.461 0.0562 1.427 0.0453 1.151
18 0.0478 1.214 0.0516 1.311 0.0500 1.270 0.0403 1.024
19 0.0418 1.062 0.0456 1.158 0.0437 1.110 0.0359 0.912
20 0.0359 0.912 0.0396 1.006 0.0375 0.953 0.032 0.813

Using this chart simplifies decisions when selecting sheet metal, avoiding miscommunication or costly mistakes. Whether you're ordering materials or checking tolerances on-site, having a printed or digital version close by will save you time and frustration.

Professional Tools for Accurate Metal Thickness Measurement

Accurate metal thickness measurement is a fundamental requirement across quality control, fabrication, and structural inspection. Whether you're verifying specifications during manufacturing or assessing material integrity in the field, a reliable metal thickness gauge ensures consistent results and regulatory compliance.

Our portfolio includes three advanced instruments designed for a wide range of applications and environments.

1. Ultrasonic Flaw Detector – QFD-200 Plus

Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

The QFD-200 Plus is a high-performance ultrasonic flaw detector tailored for precision flaw detection, thickness evaluation, and weld inspection. Built with robust IP65-rated housing, this unit is engineered for both field and laboratory environments.

Key capabilities:

- Automated flaw analysis including depth, amplitude, and position

- DAC, TCG, and AVG support for accurate defect sizing

- Real-time color B-scan and unlimited video recording via USB

- Peak hold, auto-gain adjustment, and envelope display

- Advanced calibration tools for transducer and material settings

- Bluetooth-enabled reporting and wireless printing (optional)

With its broad velocity range and exceptional resolution, the QFD-200 Plus is ideal for use in aerospace, petrochemical, and structural engineering sectors where precision and reliability are critical.

2. Electromagnetic Thickness Gauge – QTG V

Electromagnetic Thickness Gauge – QTG V

Designed for non-contact, non-invasive measurements, the QTG V electromagnetic thickness gauge provides a highly efficient alternative to conventional ultrasonic devices, particularly for coated or corroded surfaces.

Highlights include:

- Coupling gel-free operation for conductive metals

- E-E (Echo-Echo) mode for accurate readings through paint or coatings

- A-scan and B-scan modes for advanced evaluation

- High-temperature capability up to 500°C

- Internal memory for 10,000 data points with USB output

- Compact, durable design with a vivid 320x240 color TFT display

The Electromagnetic Thickness Gauge – QTG V is exceptionally suited for industries such as shipbuilding, metallurgy, energy, and process manufacturing where access conditions and coatings can complicate traditional inspection methods.

3. Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge – QTG IV

Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge - QTG IV

The QTG IV is a versatile ultrasonic thickness gauge designed to measure metallic and non-metallic materials with high accuracy. It supports both P-E (Pulse-Echo) and E-E (Echo-Echo) modes, allowing measurement through coatings without the need for material stripping.

Core features:

- High-resolution readings with 0.01mm / 0.001 in accuracy

- Automatic probe calibration and identification

- Data logging capacity of 10,000 readings across 100 files

- USB interface for seamless data transfer

- Multiple inspection modes including average, difference, and limit mode

- Wide measurement range: 0.65–400.0 mm (T-E), 3.00–25.0 mm (E-E)

Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge – QTG IV is recommended for precision thickness gauging in applications such as aerospace components, pipelines, structural elements, and composite materials, ensuring consistent material performance over time.

Final Thoughts

Understanding steel gauge thickness is more than just knowing numbers, it's about making informed decisions that impact safety, durability, and cost. Whether you're selecting 10 gauge steel for structural strength or 18 gauge for lighter fabrication, accuracy matters.

A well-structured gauge thickness chart and the right inspection tools can help you avoid costly mistakes and meet project specs with confidence. From general fabrication to advanced flaw detection, using reliable instruments ensures your materials perform as expected.

If you’re ready to upgrade your measurement capabilities, we invite you to explore our full range of thickness gauges. Each model is designed with precision, durability, and ease of use to support your quality control needs.

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