If you are buying metal for a welding project, car repair, or construction job, the “gauge” system can be confusing. Unlike wood, where a “2×4” gives you a rough idea of size, “14 gauge” doesn’t immediately tell you if the metal is paper-thin or bulletproof.
If you are searching for how thick is 14 gauge steel, the answer depends slightly on the type of steel (standard, galvanized, or stainless).
- Standard Steel: 0.0747 inches (Approx. 1.90 mm).
- Galvanized Steel: 0.0785 inches (Approx. 1.99 mm).
- Stainless Steel: 0.0751 inches (Approx. 1.91 mm).
In the world of metalworking, 14 gauge is the “Goldilocks” thickness. It is thick enough to provide structural support for tables and car frames, but thin enough to be cut and welded by a DIY enthusiast without expensive industrial equipment.
This guide breaks down the exact dimensions in inches, fractions, and millimeters, and compares 14 gauge to other common sizes.
How Thick Is 14 Gauge Steel? (The Numbers)
The gauge system is widely misunderstood because it is counter-intuitive: the higher the number, the thinner the metal. (Think of it like shotgun shells—a 12 gauge is bigger than a 20 gauge).
Here is the precise breakdown for 14 gauge steel thickness:
| Material Type | Thickness (Inches) | Thickness (Millimeters) | Thickness (Fractions) |
| Standard Steel (Carbon) | 0.0747″ | 1.897 mm | ~ 5/64″ |
| Galvanized Steel | 0.0785″ | 1.994 mm | ~ 5/64″ (heavy) |
| Stainless Steel | 0.0751″ | 1.908 mm | ~ 5/64″ |
| Aluminum | 0.0641″ | 1.628 mm | ~ 1/16″ |
Why the Difference?
You might notice that 14 gauge stainless steel is slightly thicker than standard carbon steel. This is because the gauge system is actually based on the weight of the metal sheet per square foot, not just the dimension. Since stainless steel is denser and galvanized steel adds a layer of zinc coating, the “14 gauge” classification results in slightly different physical thicknesses.
- Pro Tip: If you are trying to identify a mystery piece of scrap metal before measuring, check if it is magnetic. Our guide on is steel magnetic can help you distinguish between carbon steel (magnetic) and certain grades of stainless (often non-magnetic).
14 Gauge Steel Thickness in Fractions
Machinists work in decimals (0.0747″), but DIYers often work in fractions.
If you are asking “how thick is 14 gauge steel in fractions,” the closest standard ruler measurement is 5/64 of an inch.
Visual Comparison:
To visualize 14 gauge steel without a ruler:
- It is thicker than a U.S. Penny (which is 1.52 mm or 0.0598 inches).
- It is thinner than a U.S. Nickel (which is 1.95 mm or 0.0768 inches).
- It is roughly the thickness of a standard credit card stacked on top of a dime.
14 Gauge vs. 16 Gauge: Which is Stronger?
When browsing for sheet metal, the two most common options are 14 gauge and 16 gauge.
- 14 Gauge (0.075″): Thicker, heavier, and stronger. Harder to bend by hand.
- 16 Gauge (0.060″): Thinner (about 20% less metal). Easier to bend and cut.
Which should you choose?
- Use 16 Gauge for body panels on cars, light-duty shelving, or ductwork.
- Use 14 Gauge for structural components, trailer floors, heavy-duty table tops, and door frames.
In construction, steel studs are also measured by gauge. While interior walls often use very thin steel (25 gauge), structural load-bearing walls require the heavy duty of 14 or 16 gauge. For those calculating materials for a new home, understanding these structural requirements is key when estimating how much does it cost to build a 2 story house, as steel framing prices vary significantly by weight.
Common Uses for 14 Gauge Steel
Because it sits right in the middle of the thickness spectrum, 14 gauge is incredibly versatile.
- Automotive: It is often used for floor pans and chassis reinforcement where 16 gauge is too flimsy.
- Welding Projects: It is the perfect thickness for beginner welders. It is thick enough that you won’t instantly “burn through” it (a common problem with 16 or 18 gauge), but thin enough to weld with a standard 110V MIG welder.
- Fencing & Gates: Tubular 14 gauge steel is standard for ranch gates and livestock panels. If you are designing a perimeter, check out what is a ranch style fence to see how this durable gauge is used in tubular rails to resist bending when animals push against it.
- Security Doors: Most commercial steel doors are 14 gauge to prevent kick-ins.
Conclusion
So, how thick is 14 gauge steel?
It is approximately 0.075 inches or 1.9 millimeters.
While that sounds thin, in the world of steel, it is a heavy-duty sheet capable of supporting significant weight. Whether you are patching a rust hole in a truck or building a welding table, 14 gauge is usually the safest bet for strength without becoming unmanageable.
