Sheet Metal Standards

The "Standard" Confusion

One of the most common detailing errors involves assuming all "10 Gauge" sheet is the same thickness. It is not.

• Carbon Steel: Uses Manufacturers Standard Gauge (MSG).
  10ga = 0.1345"
• Stainless Steel: Uses U.S. Standard Gauge.
  10ga = 0.1406" (Thicker!)
• Aluminum: Uses Brown & Sharpe.
  10ga = 0.1019" (Thinner!)

Galvanized Sheets

For galvanized material, the gauge thickness typically includes the zinc coating. This means the actual steel core is slightly thinner than the nominal dimension listed, though for weight calculation purposes, the standard values are used.