When it comes to working with sheet metal, understanding sheet metal gauges and their conversions is essential. In the UK, sheet metal is typically measured in SWG (Standard Wire Gauge), which is different from the measurements used in other parts of the world. This guide will help you decipher the intricacies of sheet metal gauges, convert SWG to millimeters (mm) and inches, and provide valuable insights into the world of sheet metal measurements.
Sheet Metal Gauges (SWG) Explained
What is SWG?
The Standard Wire Gauge, or SWG, is a British standard for measuring the thickness of various materials, including sheet metal. Unlike the American Wire Gauge (AWG) used for electrical wires, SWG measures thickness in reverse order, meaning a higher number indicates a thinner sheet.
SWG to Thickness
Understanding SWG is crucial for determining the thickness of sheet metal. The SWG scale ranges from 7/0 (the thickest) to 50 (the thinnest). Here's a conversion table for common SWG values and their approximate thickness in millimetres and inches:
SWG
Thickness (mm)
Thickness (inches)
7
4.6213 mm
0.1819 inches
10
3.2510 mm
0.1276 inches
12
2.6410 mm
0.1040 inches
14
2.0320 mm
0.0799 inches
16
1.6268 mm
0.0641 inches
18
1.2192 mm
0.0479 inches
20
0.9144 mm
0.0360 inches
22
0.7112 mm
0.0280 inches
24
0.5590 mm
0.0220 inches
26
0.4572 mm
0.0180 inches
28
0.3760 mm
0.0148 inches
30
0.3150 mm
0.0124 inches
32
0.2743 mm
0.0108 inches
Converting SWG to Metric (mm) and Imperial (inches)
Here's a quick reference for converting SWG measurements to millimeters (mm) and inches:
SWG to Millimeters (mm)
To convert SWG to millimetres, use the formula:
Thickness (mm) = 0.127 * (32 - SWG)
SWG to Inches
To convert SWG to inches, use the formula:
Thickness (inches) = 0.005 * (32 - SWG)
For example, if you have a sheet with an SWG of 18, you can calculate its thickness as follows:
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Matched,
2 hours ago
Verified
Fantastic product, just a couple of thoughts…
Bought 2x3mm panels to cover a bedroom unit for surface protection. Arrived well packaged and cut perfectly to size. Panels look great. Chose the glass option and had the edges polished and you can’t tell the difference between these and glass. 2 thoughts on them however. As they are plastic, they are somewhat dust magnets because of static, and being 3mm (as I put the feet underneath) they dip if you put anything on them. Might have been better to leave the feet off. Don’t know if a thicker option might have been more sturdy. Cleaning them with anti static spray, but a bit of a battle to keep them looking clean. Other than that would still give the product and company 5 stars for service and quality.
Debbie Foulkes,
3 hours ago
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Good price fast delivery
Good price fast delivery
Dennis Suttenwood,
3 hours ago
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Good all round service
Web site was easy to use and order what I wanted. Fast delivery and packed very good.
Mr Kevin Best,
4 hours ago
Verified
Perfection
Acrylic sheets x2 was cut to the precise measurements I required. The quality of the sheets was 100%, no scratches or marks, just crystal clear, just like glass. Used these x2 sheets for a large allotment shed. Packaging was great and the sheets well protected. Only minor thing is the company gave me a date of delivery and I received the sheets 1week after, which wasn’t a great problem, just had to wait to weather proof shed. I would use this company again if required.
erry bilton ORDER ID,
13 hours ago
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I have used you for perspex and wood…
I have used you for perspex and wood products, i can not fault you
Philip Hunt,
13 hours ago
Verified
Perfect
Perfect cut piece of MDF
Amanda Terry,
16 hours ago
Verified
First class Company offering cut to…
First class Company offering cut to size products preventing the need to purchase a full size sheet of material when you only require a small amount. Edging and hole cutting help to save time / money
Adrian Thomas,
16 hours ago
Verified
A very happy customer
It came within the stated time and the cut was exactly what I had asked for.
Nic Clouting,
16 hours ago
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Great price quality copper finish…
Great price quality copper finish panel cut to size. Fast delivery will definitely order more in the future.
Darren,
16 hours ago
Verified
Couldn't fault it.
Quality product cut exactly to size, emailed with order progress and delivery date time etc. packed really well.
Buffy,
17 hours ago
Verified
Being as it was only a small order i…
Being as it was only a small order i was very happy with the quality of the product and happy with the service I received
Barry Harris,
17 hours ago
Verified
Excellent product and service received
Excellent product and service received
Chris G,
18 hours ago
This is my second order from Cut My
This is my second order from Cut My, both of which have been for full-height shaker wall panelling. The first order was for short stretch of hallway. This second order was for a full room, as I was so impressed with the first order. The cuts are spot-on as I ordered and the quality of the MDF is perfect for it's intended use. Delivery is prompt and overall, I remain one very happy customer. Great product and service.
Andrew Bird,
18 hours ago
Verified
Good service kept up to date with the…
Good service kept up to date with the delivery
ian ridgway,
19 hours ago
Verified
Value for money
Value for money, cut for each item ordered was perfect, delivery quick and materials well protected.
Just a first class company
Mr Archibald Hendry,
19 hours ago
Verified
Some good follow up service having…
Some good follow up service having raised a query. Recommended.
Mr Pat O'Connor,
19 hours ago
Verified
I bought 2mm acrylic to replace panes…
I bought 2mm acrylic to replace panes in my greenhouse. Ordering easy and panes arrived quickly well packaged. Greenhouse now fully glazec
William,
20 hours ago
Verified
I was really pleased to find this…
I was really pleased to find this company, they provided excellent replacement perspex for my shed windows, cut to size and packed very well.
Anna Albery-holmes,
22 hours ago
Verified
Excellent everything exactly has…
Excellent everything exactly has ordered, delivered on time and well wrapped.
Steve from Dopaq,
23 hours ago
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