Description
| 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Sheet — Quick Product Summary | |
|---|---|
| Product Type | 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Sheet / Plate / Coil |
| Nominal Thickness | 1.50 mm / 0.0598 inches (Tolerance: ±0.03 mm per ASTM A480) |
| Weight per Unit Area | 12.01 – 12.30 kg/m² (2.46 – 2.52 lbs/sq.ft) |
| Standard 4×8 Sheet Weight | 35.85 kg / 79.03 lbs per sheet (1219 × 2438 mm) |
| Available Steel Grades | AISI 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 310S, 430, 201 |
| Standard Sheet Sizes | 4’×8′ (1219×2438mm), 4’×10′ (1219×3048mm), 5’×10′ (1524×3048mm), 1000×2000mm, 1250×2500mm, 1500×3000mm, Custom cut-to-length |
| Surface Finishes | 2B (Cold Rolled), No.4 / Satin / Brushed (with Laser PVC Film), BA (Bright Annealed), 8K Mirror, Hairline, Embossed |
| Manufacturing Standards | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240, ASTM A480, EN 10088-2, JIS G4305 |
| Reference Price (FOB Tianjin) | $2,150 – $2,580 / Metric Ton (Grade 304 2B) | $3,400 – $3,900 / MT (Grade 316L) |
| Minimum Order Quantity | 1 – 3 Metric Tons (Trial orders & mixed size pallets supported) |
| Quality Certification | Mill Test Certificate (MTC 3.1) per EN 10204, ISO 9001:2015, SGS / BV Inspection |

What Is 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Sheet? Thickness, Dimensions & Weight
16 gauge stainless steel sheet is one of the most widely specified metal sheet thicknesses across global industrial manufacturing, commercial kitchen fabrication, architectural cladding, and storage vessel construction. In the standard Manufacturers’ Standard Gauge system for stainless steel, 16 gauge corresponds to a decimal thickness of 0.0598 inches (1.519 mm / 1.50 mm nominal).
16 gauge strikes the optimal balance between high structural rigidity and excellent cold formability: it is rigid enough to resist denting and deflection under load, yet ductile enough to be sheared, laser-cut, stamped, bent on a press brake, and welded using TIG or MIG techniques without burning through.
16 Gauge Stainless Steel Sheet Standard Sizes & Weight Chart
Below is the standard dimension and weight reference for 16 gauge (1.50 mm) stainless steel sheets in both Imperial and Metric sizing. Density is calculated at 7.93 g/cm³ (0.286 lbs/in³) for Grade 304.
| Sheet Size (Feet) | Sheet Size (mm) | Area (sq.ft / m²) | Weight per Sheet (kg) | Weight per Sheet (lbs) | Standard Pallet Count | Pallet Total Weight (MT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4′ × 8′ | 1219 × 2438 mm | 32.0 sq.ft / 2.97 m² | 35.85 kg | 79.03 lbs | 50 sheets / pallet | ~1.79 MT |
| 4′ × 10′ | 1219 × 3048 mm | 40.0 sq.ft / 3.72 m² | 44.81 kg | 98.79 lbs | 40 sheets / pallet | ~1.79 MT |
| 5′ × 10′ | 1524 × 3048 mm | 50.0 sq.ft / 4.65 m² | 56.02 kg | 123.49 lbs | 35 sheets / pallet | ~1.96 MT |
| 1000 × 2000 mm | 1000 × 2000 mm | 21.5 sq.ft / 2.00 m² | 24.15 kg | 53.24 lbs | 60 sheets / pallet | ~1.45 MT |
| 1250 × 2500 mm | 1250 × 2500 mm | 33.6 sq.ft / 3.13 m² | 37.73 kg | 83.18 lbs | 50 sheets / pallet | ~1.89 MT |
| 1500 × 3000 mm | 1500 × 3000 mm | 48.4 sq.ft / 4.50 m² | 54.34 kg | 119.80 lbs | 35 sheets / pallet | ~1.90 MT |
Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Gauge to Thickness Conversion Chart (10 Ga to 24 Ga)
When procuring stainless steel sheet metal, thickness tolerances are governed by ASTM A480 / ASTM A240. Use this reference chart to compare 16 gauge against adjacent sheet metal gauges:
| Gauge No. | Decimal (Inches) | Metric (mm) | Tolerance Range (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) | Weight (lbs/ft²) | Primary Commercial Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Gauge | 0.1345 in | 3.416 mm | ±0.06 mm | 27.09 kg/m² | 5.55 lbs/ft² | Heavy structural tanks, industrial chutes, truck beds |
| 12 Gauge | 0.1046 in | 2.657 mm | ±0.05 mm | 21.07 kg/m² | 4.32 lbs/ft² | Pressure vessels, structural brackets, outdoor enclosures |
| 14 Gauge | 0.0747 in | 1.897 mm | ±0.04 mm | 15.04 kg/m² | 3.08 lbs/ft² | Heavy kitchen worktables, architectural panels, frames |
| ★ 16 Gauge | 0.0598 in | 1.519 mm | ±0.03 mm | 12.05 kg/m² | 2.47 lbs/ft² | Sinks, countertops, food processing machinery, cladding |
| 18 Gauge | 0.0478 in | 1.214 mm | ±0.03 mm | 9.63 kg/m² | 1.97 lbs/ft² | Restaurant equipment, electrical boxes, auto trim |
| 20 Gauge | 0.0359 in | 0.912 mm | ±0.02 mm | 7.23 kg/m² | 1.48 lbs/ft² | HVAC ductwork, decorative panels, appliances |
| 22 Gauge | 0.0299 in | 0.759 mm | ±0.02 mm | 6.02 kg/m² | 1.23 lbs/ft² | Light cabinetry, cladding backings, light covers |
| 24 Gauge | 0.0239 in | 0.607 mm | ±0.02 mm | 4.81 kg/m² | 0.99 lbs/ft² | Precision stamping, light flashings, household goods |
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Grade Selection for 16 Gauge Sheets
Selecting the correct stainless steel alloy grade ensures maximum service life and cost-efficiency. Sino East Steel Group supplies 16 gauge sheets in both austenitic and ferritic grades:
16 gauge stainless steel sheet chemical composition:

| Property / Feature | AISI 304 / 304L (UNS S30400) | AISI 316 / 316L (UNS S31600) | AISI 430 (UNS S43000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy System | 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel (18/8) | 16-18% Cr, 10-14% Ni, 2-3% Molybdenum | 16-18% Chromium (Ferritic, Nickel-free) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in freshwater & atmospheric exposure | Superior resistance to chlorides, acids & saltwater | Moderate resistance; indoor dry environments |
| Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic in annealed state | Non-magnetic (even when cold worked) | Magnetic (ferritic structure) |
| Weldability | Excellent (TIG, MIG, Resistance welding) | Excellent (Low carbon 316L prevents carbide prep) | Fair; requires pre-heating for thick sections |
| FOB Price Index | Standard Base ($2,150 – $2,580/MT) | Premium (+50-60%, $3,400 – $3,900/MT) | Economical (-30-40%, $1,350 – $1,600/MT) |
| Recommended Use | Commercial kitchens, food processing, dairy, HVAC | Marine hardware, chemical vessels, coastal facades | Automotive trim, kitchen backsplashes, appliances |
Surface Finish Options for 16 Gauge Sheet Metal
- 2B Finish (Mill Cold Rolled): Smooth, slightly reflective gray finish produced by cold rolling followed by annealing and light pinch-pass rolling. Ideal for stamping, deep drawing, and general fabrication where appearance is secondary.
- No.4 Finish (Brushed / Satin Finish): Linear brushed grain (180–240 grit) with a clean decorative appearance. Supplied with laser-compatible PVC protective film (70–100 μm) on one or both sides to prevent scratching during fiber laser cutting and bending.
- BA Finish (Bright Annealed): Highly reflective, smooth mirror-like finish produced in a controlled atmosphere annealing furnace. Used in architectural trims, reflectors, and appliance door panels.
- 8K Mirror Finish: Precision polished with fine abrasives and buffing compounds for distortion-free optical reflection.
B2B Wholesale Packaging & 20GP Container Loading Specifications
Sino East Steel Group operates modern cut-to-length and surface processing lines within our 65,000 square meter manufacturing facility. All export sheet metal shipments strictly adhere to international maritime seaworthy packaging standards:
- Seaworthy Pallet Packaging: Sheets are stacked on heavy-duty fumigated wooden pallets or steel skids (1.5 to 2.5 MT per pallet), wrapped in waterproof kraft paper, completely sealed with poly film, reinforced with metal edge protectors, and secured with heavy-gauge steel strapping (3×3 minimum).
- 20-Foot Container Loading: A standard 20GP container accommodates 10 to 14 wooden pallets (25.0 to 27.5 Metric Tons net weight). Pallets are securely blocked, wedged, and braced with timber to prevent shifting during ocean transport.
- Shipping Ports: Direct container and breakbulk loading at Tianjin Xingang Port (2–3 days inland transit), with alternate shipping via Qingdao and Shanghai Ports.
- Quality Documentation: Every export shipment includes an authentic Mill Test Certificate (MTC 3.1) per EN 10204 confirming exact heat number, chemical ladle analysis, yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, and hardness test results.
Frequently Asked Questions — 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Sheet
What is the exact thickness of 16 gauge stainless steel in mm and inches?
16 gauge stainless steel has a nominal thickness of 0.0598 inches (1.519 mm / 1.50 mm). Under ASTM A480 standards, the standard commercial manufacturing tolerance is ±0.03 mm to ±0.04 mm.
How much does a 4×8 sheet of 16 gauge 304 stainless steel weigh?
A standard 4×8 ft (1219 × 2438 mm) 16 gauge 304 stainless steel sheet weighs approximately 35.85 kg (79.03 lbs) based on a density of 7.93 g/cm³.
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ) for 16 gauge stainless sheets?
Our standard MOQ is 1 to 3 Metric Tons for standard sizes (4’x8′, 4’x10′, 1m x 2m). For custom cut-to-length dimensions, custom surface treatments, or trial orders, please contact our export team to confirm scheduling.
Can you provide laser cutting, bending, and protective PVC film?
Yes. Sino East Steel Group provides complete in-house fabrication services including high-power fiber laser cutting, precision CNC press brake bending, shearing, hole punching, and protective laser film application (single or double-sided PE/PVC film, 70–100 μm).
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