Lower gauge numbers are thicker.
Sheet Metal Gauge Converter
Convert sheet metal gauge numbers to inches and millimeters for steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. You can also enter a measured thickness to find the nearest gauge.
Convert gauge to thickness
Choose the material first. Gauge thickness is not the same across every metal type.
16 gauge sheet steel is 0.0598 inch, which is about 1.519 millimeters.
Find the nearest sheet metal gauge
Enter a measured thickness from calipers and choose the material to find the closest gauge size.
Nearest: 16 gauge sheet steel
Difference: about 0.019 mm from the standard table value.
How to use this sheet metal gauge converter
- Pick the material: steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.
- Select the gauge number from the dropdown.
- Read the matching thickness in decimal inches and millimeters.
If you are matching parts for a build, measure the actual sheet with calipers when possible. Coatings, tolerances, and supplier standards can slightly change real-world thickness.
Common sheet metal gauge examples
- 16 gauge sheet steel ≈ 0.0598 in / 1.519 mm
- 18 gauge sheet steel ≈ 0.0478 in / 1.214 mm
- 20 gauge stainless steel ≈ 0.0375 in / 0.953 mm
- 26 gauge galvanized steel ≈ 0.0217 in / 0.551 mm
Sheet metal gauge thickness chart
Standard sheet steel thicknesses shown in inches and millimeters.
| Gauge | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|
Sheet metal gauge FAQ
Is 16 gauge or 18 gauge sheet metal thicker?
16 gauge is thicker. Sheet metal gauge numbers run backward from normal counting: lower numbers are thicker, higher numbers are thinner.
Is sheet metal gauge the same for steel and aluminum?
No. Aluminum commonly uses a different gauge table than sheet steel. Always choose the material before converting a gauge number.
Can I use this for buying sheet metal?
Yes, it is useful for quick planning and comparison. For final purchasing, confirm the supplier's listed thickness and tolerance for the exact product.