Mild Steel Sheet Gauge to Thickness Conversion Chart (MM & Inches)

Mild Steel Sheet Gauge to Thickness Conversion Chart (MM & Inches)

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Navigating the world of mild steel sheets often involves encountering the term "gauge." If you've ever wondered what a "16-gauge mild steel sheet" means for its actual thickness, you're not alone. The gauge system is a traditional unit for specifying sheet metal thickness, and understanding its conversion to millimeters or inches is crucial for material selection and project planning.

This guide provides a clear gauge thickness conversion chart for mild steel, also known as low-carbon steel .

Understanding Steel Gauge

A fundamental principle to remember is that a higher gauge number corresponds to a thinner sheet of metal . For instance, a 10-gauge sheet is thicker than a 22-gauge sheet. This system originated in the early industrial era for measuring wire diameter, where more drawing passes resulted in thinner wire and a higher gauge number .

Mild Steel Sheet Gauge Thickness Chart

The following chart provides the approximate thickness for standard mild steel sheets, converted to both inches and millimeters. It is always best to verify exact tolerances with your supplier.

Gauge                     Thickness (Inches)              Thickness (Millimeters)
3                                    0.2391                               6.073
10                                   0.1345                               3.416
12                                   0.1046                              2.657
14                                   0.0747                              1.897
16                                   0.0598                              1.519
18                                   0.0478                              1.214
20                                   0.0359                              0.912
22                                   0.0299                              0.759
24                                   0.0239                              0.607
26                                   0.0179                              0.455
Data adapted from industry standard gauge tables .

How to Use This Gauge Chart Effectively

Identify the Gauge: Start by confirming the gauge number specified for your project.

Refer to the Chart: Find the corresponding thickness in your preferred unit of measurement.

Consider Material and Tolerance: Remember that gauge thickness can vary slightly between different types of steel (e.g., galvanized steel has a different thickness for the same gauge) and manufacturers . For critical applications, always confirm the exact thickness with your supplier.

Why Thickness Matters in Mild Steel Sheets

The thickness of a steel sheet directly impacts its:

Strength and Durability: Thicker sheets (lower gauge) can withstand greater loads and are more resistant to impact.

Formability: Thinner sheets (higher gauge) are easier to bend, shape, and stamp.

Weight: Thickness directly affects the overall weight of your structure or product .

Suitability for Application: Choosing the correct thickness is vital for the structural integrity and functionality of your project, whether it's for automotive frames, machinery cabinets, or construction elements .

At Ruixiang Steel, we are committed to providing high-quality mild steel sheets with precise dimensions. Use this chart as a handy reference, and feel free to contact us for expert advice and reliable steel products tailored to your specific needs.