Choosing the right aluminum sheet gauge is critical for fabrication, weight, and cost. Whether you are sourcing aluminum for roofing, automotive panels, marine work, or industrial equipment, this chart helps you convert gauge numbers to millimeters and inches, and match the thickness to common applications.
What is Aluminum Sheet Gauge?
“Gauge” is a unit of thickness used in sheet metal. It is an inverse scale: a lower gauge number means a thicker sheet. For example, 20 gauge aluminum is thicker than 30 gauge aluminum.
Gauge values are based on standards such as the U.S. Manufacturer’s Standard Gauge. Because different metals have different gauge scales, it is always best to confirm the actual thickness in millimeters or inches when buying aluminum sheet.
Aluminum Sheet Gauge to Thickness Chart
The chart below lists common aluminum sheet gauges with their approximate thickness in inches and millimeters, plus typical uses. Save this chart for quick reference when sourcing materials.
| Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 0.0126″ | 0.32 | Thin foil, trim, decorative |
| 28 | 0.0157″ | 0.40 | Flashings, packaging |
| 26 | 0.0199″ | 0.51 | Aerospace panels, ductwork |
| 24 | 0.0250″ | 0.64 | Automotive panels, signs |
| 22 | 0.0313″ | 0.79 | Metalwork, gutters, cans |
| 20 | 0.0396″ | 1.00 | Roofing, appliance panels |
| 18 | 0.0500″ | 1.27 | Furniture, brackets, marine |
| 16 | 0.0630″ | 1.60 | Structural panels, tool boxes |
| 14 | 0.0785″ | 1.99 | Heavy-duty roofing, tanks |
| 12 | 0.1094″ | 2.78 | Industrial flooring, gates |
| 10 | 0.1406″ | 3.57 | Truck beds, heavy plates |
| 8 | 0.1719″ | 4.37 | Structural, heavy equipment |
| 6 | 0.2031″ | 5.16 | Heavy structural, ship parts |
| 4 | 0.2656″ | 6.75 | Machine bases, tanks |
| 2 | 0.3438″ | 8.73 | Armor, thick industrial plate |
| 0 | 0.4688″ | 11.90 | Maximum common gauge sheet |
How to Read the Chart
Suppose you need a 1 mm thick aluminum sheet for a roofing panel. Looking at the chart, 20 gauge aluminum is approximately 1.00 mm (0.0396 inches). For a 2 mm sheet, 14 gauge is roughly 1.99 mm (0.0785 inches).
Always confirm with your supplier whether the gauge is based on U.S. Standard, Brown & Sharpe, or another regional standard, because the exact thickness can vary slightly.
Common Gauges and Their Typical Uses
| Gauge Range | Gama de espesores | Aplicaciones comunes |
|---|---|---|
| 30–26 | 0.32–0.51 mm | Thin foil, decorative trim, packaging |
| 24–20 | 0.64–1.00 mm | Automotive panels, flashing, signs |
| 18–14 | 1.27–1.99 mm | Roofing, marine, structural panels |
| 12–8 | 2.78–4.37 mm | Industrial flooring, heavy fabrication |
| 6–0 | 5.16–11.90 mm | Heavy equipment, ship parts, thick plates |
Metric vs Imperial Conversion
If your drawings specify millimeters and your supplier lists gauge, use this quick rule of thumb:
- 1 mm ≈ 20 gauge aluminum
- 2 mm ≈ 14 gauge aluminum
- 3 mm ≈ 10 gauge aluminum
- 4 mm ≈ 8 gauge aluminum
For exact thicknesses, always request a material certificate or measurement report from your supplier.
Where to Buy Aluminum Sheet by the Right Gauge
At HXSCO, we supply aluminum sheets in common and custom gauges, including 1050, 1060, 1100, 3003, 5052, 5083, 6061, and 7075 grades. We can cut to size, provide mill-finish or anodized surfaces, and ship globally. Use our chart as a reference, then let us know your exact thickness, width, and grade requirements.
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FAQs: Aluminum Sheet Gauge
1 mm aluminum is approximately 20 gauge. The exact U.S. Standard value is 0.0396 inches, which is about 1.00 mm.
2 mm aluminum is approximately 14 gauge, which is about 1.99 mm (0.0785 inches).
16 gauge aluminum is approximately 1.60 mm thick, or 0.0630 inches.
Common sheet gauges stop around 0 gauge (about 11.90 mm). Thicker materials are usually called aluminum plates rather than sheets.
Yes. HXSCO supplies aluminum sheets and plates in custom thicknesses, widths, and alloys. We can also provide laser cutting, punching, and surface finishing services.