What is a sheet steel gauge chart?

A sheet steel gauge chart is a chart or table that compares the standard or average weight and thicknesses of different steels and metals in both sheet and wire form.

A sheet steel gauge chart typically contains the weights and thicknesses of steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, zinc and aluminum sheet metals. The Manufacturers Standard Gauge for Sheet Steel is based on the average weight of 41.82 pounds per square foot per inch thick. Gauge is furthermore defined differently for ferrous, or iron based, and non-ferrous metals.

The use of a sheet steel gauge chart is widely viewed as archaic and therefore discouraged, as disagreement on the meaning and functions of a gauge are extensive.