The 16 gauge number indicates the thickness and strength of a metallic sheet. This system, conceptualised by British craftsmen in the 19th century to standardise wire drawing, measured the numbers in fractions of an inch. 16 gauge thickness can measure different types of metals, including stainless steel, copper and aluminium.
How thick is 16 gauge stainless steel?
A 16 gauge steel sheet is 0.0598 inches or 1.519 mm thick. The number (i.e., 16) does not relate to the absolute measurements. Interestingly, a higher gauge number represents a thinner sheet – 16 will have a lower thickness than 12. It is worth noting that multiple gauge systems exist globally for various metals. While nonferrous metals like aluminium usually use the American Wire Gauge (Brown and Sharpe), the Manufacturer’s Standard Gauge gets preferred for steel. The International System of Units (SI) got rolled out in 1960 to standardise measuring units. But the gauge system remains popular in several countries, including the USA.
Know how thick is 16 gauge thickness, view 16ga steel thickness in mm, inch and decimal
16 gauge sheet metal thickness chart
16 gauge sheet metal thickness chart equal to inch & mm
| Sheet metal material | Inch | mm |
|---|---|---|
| 16 gauge stainless steel sheet thickness | 0.0625 inches or 1/16 inches | 1.59 mm |
| 16 gauge aluminium sheet thickness | 0.0508 inches | 1.29 mm |
| Sheet, 16 gauge steel thickness | 0.0598 inches | 1.52 mm |
| 16 gauge galvanized sheet thickness | 0.0635 inches | 1.61 mm |
| 16 gauge brass sheet thickness | 0.05082 inches | 1.291 mm |
| 16 gauge copper sheet thickness | 0.065 inches | 1.651 mm |
18 gauge vs 16 gauge stainless steel sheet
Check the tolerances of 16 gauge stainless steel sheet for grade 304/ 316
Tolerances of 16 gauge 304 2b finish stainless steel sheet
- Tolerances: ± 0.006 | ± 0.15mm
16ga steel weight chart, weight formula and thickness coversion chart
| 16 gauge sheet weight in kg & lbs | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Weight Per Area | ||||
| 16 Gauge metal sheet | Gauge | in | mm | Ib/ft² | kg/m² |
| 16 gauge steel sheet | 16 | 0.0598 | 1.519 | 2.44 | 11.911 |
| 16ga thickness galvanized sheet | 16 | 0.0635 | 1613 | 2.59 | 12.648 |
| 16 gauge stainless steel sheet | 16 | 0.0625 | 1.588 | 2.601 | 12.699 |
| 16 gauge aluminium sheet or aluminum sheet | 16 | 0.0508 | 1.29 | 0.717 | 3.5 |
How to measure 16 gauge thickness?
View the best way to measure 16 gauge thickness sheet metal
There are various ready tools are available in market to measure sheet metal & wire thickness. Such tool is called Metal Thickness Gauge Tool.
16 gauge thickness conversion chart
How you can convert 16 gauge to mm or 16 gauge thickness in inches?
You can use gauge to inches calculator or use below formula for approx values:
- Gauge to mm (millimeters):
mm = (GAUGE – 1) * 0.32486 - Gauge to Inches:
inches = (GAUGE – 1) * 0.010
Gauge thickness conversion chart
| U.S.G. | B.W.G. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge (Ga) | inch | mm | inch | mm |
| 6 | 0.2031 | 5.16 | 0.203 | 5.156 |
| 7 | 0.1875 | 4.76 | 0.18 | 4.572 |
| 8 | 0.1719 | 4.37 | 0.165 | 4.191 |
| 9 | 0.1563 | 3.97 | 0.148 | 3.759 |
| 10 | 0.1406 | 3.57 | 0.134 | 3.404 |
| 11 | 0.125 | 3.18 | 0.12 | 3.048 |
| 12 | 0.1094 | 2.78 | 0.109 | 2.769 |
| 13 | 0.0938 | 2.38 | 0.095 | 2.413 |
| 14 | 0.0781 | 1.98 | 0.083 | 2.108 |
| 15 | 0.0703 | 1.79 | 0.072 | 1.829 |
| 16 | 0.0625 | 1.59 | 0.065 | 1.651 |
| 17 | 0.0563 | 1.43 | 0.058 | 1.473 |
| 18 | 0.05 | 1.27 | 0.049 | 1.245 |
| 19 | 0.0438 | 1.11 | 0.042 | 1.067 |
| 20 | 0.0375 | 0.953 | 0.035 | 0.889 |
| U.S.G. | B.W.G. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge (Ga) | inch | mm | inch | mm |
| 21 | 0.0344 | 0.873 | 0.032 | 0.813 |
| 22 | 0.0313 | 0.794 | 0.028 | 0.711 |
| 23 | 0.0281 | 0.714 | 0.025 | 0.635 |
| 24 | 0.025 | 0.635 | 0.022 | 0.559 |
| 25 | 0.0219 | 0.556 | 0.02 | 0.508 |
| 26 | 0.0188 | 0.478 | 0.018 | 0.457 |
| 27 | 0.0172 | 0.437 | 0.016 | 0.406 |
| 28 | 0.0156 | 0.396 | 0.014 | 0.356 |
| 29 | 0.0141 | 0.358 | 0.013 | 0.33 |
| 30 | 0.0125 | 0.318 | 0.012 | 0.305 |
| 31 | 0.0109 | 0.277 | 0.01 | 0.254 |
| 32 | 0.0102 | 0.259 | 0.009 | 0.229 |
| 33 | 0.0094 | 0.239 | 0.008 | 0.203 |
| 34 | 0.0086 | 0.218 | 0.007 | 0.178 |
| 35 | 0.0078 | 0.198 | 0.005 | 0.127 |
Applications for 16 gauge aluminum sheet
Check the applications for 16 gauge aluminum sheet can be used
- Automotive like doors, fenders etc
- Kitchen sinks and countertops
- Aerospace structures & panel manufacturing
- Marine decks
- Construction
- HVAC systems
- Signages
- General fabrication & DIY projects
16 gauge stainless steel sheet price
| Length & Dimensions | Weight | FOB Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12″x12″ 16ga sheet, Type 304 | 2.5200 lbs | #2 Finish : US $43.40 2B Finish: US $38.18 |
| 12″x18″ 16ga sheet, Type 304 | 3.7800 lbs | #2 Finish: US $57.32 2B Finish: US $49.78 |
| 12″x24″ 16ga sheet, Type 304 | 5.0400 lbs | #2 Finish: US $71.12 2B Finish: US $61.37 |
| 16ga sheet, width 4, length 120″, Type 304 | 4.7304 WGT/FT(SQFT) | #4 Finish: US $660.99 |
| 4×8 sheet metal 16 gauge, 304, stainless steel | – | 2B Finish US $24.20 |
| 4×8 sheet metal 16 gauge, 309, stainless steel | – | 2D Finish: US $48.75 |
| 4×8 sheet metal 16 gauge, 316, stainless steel | – | 2B Finish US $32.25 |
Note: This is an approx price so you can negotiate with your vendor
Thickness: .0641″
| Length & Dimensions | FOB Price |
|---|---|
| 12″x12″ 16ga sheet, Brass 260 Mill Finish | US $109.81 |
| 12″x18″ 16ga sheet, Brass 260 Mill Finish | US $157.22 |
| 12″x24″ 16ga sheet, Brass 260 Mill Finish | US $204.63 |
16 gauge aluminium sheet price
| Length & Dimensions | FOB Price |
|---|---|
| 12″x12″ 16ga sheet, 3003-H14 Mill Finish | US $28.80 |
| 12″x18″ 16ga sheet, 3003-H14 Mill Finish | US $29.75 |
| 12″x24″ 16ga sheet, 3003-H14 Mill Finish | US $34.67 |
| 4×8 sheet metal 16 gauge, 3003-H14 Mill Finish | US $28.80 |
Price of 16 gauge copper sheet
| Length & Dimensions | FOB Price |
|---|---|
| 12″x12″ 16ga sheet, Copper 110 Mill Finish | US $100.96 |
| 12″x18″ 16ga sheet, Copper 110 Mill Finish | US $129.62 |
| 12″x24″ 16ga sheet, Copper 110 Mill Finish | US $186.92 |
- 16 gauge aluminium/ stainless steel wire measures 0.051 inches or 1.29 mm
| B.W.G | Wall Thickness |
0.500 | 0.625 | 0.750 | 0.875 | 1.000 | 1.250 | 1.500 | 1.750 | 2.000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Ga | 0.065 | 0.370 | 0.495 | 0.620 | 0.745 | 0.870 | 1.120 | 1.370 | 1.634 | 1.870 |
How to measure 16 gauge in mm and inch?
The gauge measurements for metallic sheets can use millimetres and inches, depending on the needs of your application. For example, a 16 gauge aluminum sheet is 0.0508 inches thick. It is equivalent to 1.29 mm. It is crucial to note that these measurements are approximate; the decimals don’t go all the way.
While procuring products and materials for your application, you must convert the gauge number to the desired units. Manufacturers generally issue tables that detail the conversion of 16ga into the corresponding thickness in inches or millimetres.
Is 16 gauge sheet metal weight is different for stainless steel, carbon steel & aluminium?
The gauge number impacts the weight of the sheet. It can get measured in pounds per square foot or kilograms per square meter based on the units preferred in your application. A 16 gauge sheet metal weighs 2.440 lb/ft² for steel. It equals approximately 11.911 kg/m². For stainless steel, the weight comes to around 2.520 lb/ft².
But an aluminium sheet of the same gauge weighs 0.717lb/ft² or 3.5 kg/m². The 16 ga aluminum sheet thickness is much less than steel as it is a lightweight metal with a higher strength-to-weight ratio.
Can you bend 16ga sheet metal without a brake?
This sheet gauge displays high strength and durability. Bending a 16 gauge 304 stainless steel without a brake can be challenging and inaccurate. We recommend using at least simple tools like a dead-blow hammer and a leather-faced mallet.
The strength required for bending corresponds to the length of the bend. A rule of thumb is to ensure that the inside bend radius equals the thickness. Ultimately, the ease of bending will depend on the malleability and fracture resistance of the material. For example, a sheet with 16 gauge aluminum thickness will be much more bendable than stainless steel.
How to determine the 16 gage of sheet metal?
Accurate measurement of sheet metal will impact the efficiency and costs of your project. Gauge measurements don’t increase by decimals in constant amounts. In fact, the difference reduces as the gauge number increases.
A straightforward solution is to measure the thickness of the metallic sheet with tape. You can then compare the result (in inches or mm) with a sheet metal gauge-conversion chart. Another approach to determine 16 ga 304 SS thickness is using a gauge wheel – a tool with gaps for the sheet to fit in and correspond to the gauge number. Digital or mechanical handheld tools called thickness gauges, callipers, and ultrasonic calculations are standard approaches.
Is 16 gauge sheet metal stronger compared to other gauges?
Gauges for sheet metal can range from 1 to 30. The 16 gauge stainless steel thickness represents a durable, corrosion-resistant, and sturdy material for many industrial and domestic applications. However, it will not be as strong as lower gauge numbers like 14 or 12. An aluminum sheet 16 gauge is a fine choice for applications that demand sturdiness with flexibility, like instrumentation and automotive parts.
Is 16 stainless steel gauge best for a kitchen sink?
Selecting the correct gauge ensures you use appropriate material that is not too hard (hence, tough to bend) or expensive for your project. The popularity of 16 ga SS stems from its durability, efficiency, and suitability for sturdiness and security. A 16 gauge stainless steel sheet makes an excellent choice for kitchen sinks and countertops. These luxury sinks can resist dents and damage from acidic or caustic agents. Besides household usage, it works well in the medical and food processing industries and architectural applications exposed to harsh weather. More budget-friendly sinks may use a higher gauge, like 18.
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