# How thick is 11 gauge sheet metal?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-thick-is-11-gauge-sheet-metal/359746>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 7, 2006, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-thick-is-11-gauge-sheet-metal/359746 "2006-06-07T15:02:26Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2006, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-thick-is-11-gauge-sheet-metal/359746/1 "2006-06-07T15:02:26Z")

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I have to build a control panel at work, and I’m looking through a catalog for panel material. Ideally, I want plexiglass because it’s easy to work with, but sheet metal has been strongly suggested as the preferred material.

I have a choice of 1/8th inch aluminum, or 11 ga. steel. The aluminum would be fine, but I think for this project, 1/16" would work, and it’s not a choice. How thick would the steel be? I certainly don’t need armor plate for this…

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**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2006, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-thick-is-11-gauge-sheet-metal/359746/2 "2006-06-07T15:26:11Z")

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[11 ga](http://www.engineersedge.com/gauge.htm) steel is .1196 inches thick. For comparison, 1/8" = .125"

How big is this panel going to be? 11 gage steel seems awfully thick, unless you’re doing something 2x3 feet with no support.

Given the choices, I’d go with the 1/8" aluminum as it’s easier to work with.

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**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2006, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-thick-is-11-gauge-sheet-metal/359746/3 "2006-06-07T15:52:32Z")

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> [@gotpasswords](#):
>
> [11 ga](http://www.engineersedge.com/gauge.htm) steel is .1196 inches thick. For comparison, 1/8" = .125"
> 
> How big is this panel going to be? 11 gage steel seems awfully thick, unless you’re doing something 2x3 feet with no support.
> 
> Given the choices, I’d go with the 1/8" aluminum as it’s easier to work with.

I’m looking for 12" tall, and 19" wide for a standard 19" electrical rack.

Both panels are overkill, but I’ll opt for the aluminum…

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\
**Post date:** [June 7, 2006, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-thick-is-11-gauge-sheet-metal/359746/4 "2006-06-07T18:11:02Z")

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In that case… Perhaps you just need a different supplier? I’m guessing you’ve been shopping for metal rather than rack panels.

[These folks](http://www.racksolutions.com/filler-panels-racks.shtml) have 7U (12 1/4" high) rack filler panels in 16 ga. steel at a decent price.