Stainless Steel Gauge Size Chart

What is a Stainless Steel Gauge?

A gauge is a standard measurement unit used to define the thickness of metal sheets. Unlike other measurement systems, a lower gauge number indicates a thicker sheet, while a higher gauge number means a thinner sheet.

For stainless steel, different gauge values correspond to specific thicknesses in inches and millimeters (mm), as well as their respective weight per square meter (kg/m²).

Stainless Steel Gauge Size Chart (ASTM Standards)

Gauge (GA) Thickness (inches) Thickness (mm) Weight (kg/m²)
7 0.1443 3.67 19.78
8 0.1285 3.26 17.61
9 0.1144 2.91 15.64
10 0.1019 2.59 13.93
11 0.0907 2.30 12.41
12 0.0808 2.05 11.07
13 0.0720 1.83 9.89
14 0.0641 1.63 8.78
15 0.0571 1.45 7.78
16 0.0508 1.29 6.96
18 0.0403 1.02 5.52
20 0.0319 0.81 4.36
22 0.0253 0.64 3.46
24 0.0201 0.51 2.75
26 0.0159 0.40 2.18
28 0.0126 0.32 1.73
30 0.0100 0.25 1.38
32 0.0079 0.20 1.09
34 0.0063 0.16 0.87
36 0.0050 0.13 0.69

How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Gauge?

The choice of stainless steel gauge depends on your application, strength requirements, and environmental exposure.

  • Thicker Gauges (7-14 GA) → Used for structural support, industrial equipment, and high-load applications.

  • Medium Gauges (16-22 GA) → Commonly used in automotive parts, kitchen appliances, and construction materials.

  • Thinner Gauges (24-36 GA) → Ideal for decorative panels, roofing, and lightweight enclosures.

Common Uses of Stainless Steel by Gauge

  • 7-10 GA → Heavy-duty industrial applications, shipbuilding, and structural supports.

  • 11-14 GA → Commercial kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, and medical instruments.

  • 16-22 GA → Automotive parts, HVAC systems, roofing, and home appliances.

  • 24-36 GA → Thin sheet metal used in packaging, signage, and decorative purposes.

How to Calculate Stainless Steel Sheet Weight?

To determine the weight of a stainless steel sheet, use the formula:

Weight (kg)=Thickness (mm)×Width (m)×Length (m)×7.85

Where 7.85 g/cm³ is the density of stainless steel.

For example, a 2mm thick stainless steel sheet, 1m x 1m, weighs:

Why Gauge Sizes Start from 7 Instead of 1?

Steel gauge sizes originate from the Birmingham Gauge System (B.W.G.), where lower numbers indicate thicker sheets. Historically, the numbering system was based on the weight of a given steel sheet per square foot. Over time, it became a widely accepted standard in the metal industry.

More Gauge Size Chart: https://gengfeisteel.com/gauge-size-chart/