A Complete Guide to MS Sheet Thickness, Tolerances, and Industrial Standards
- Fortran Steel
- Dec 4, 2025
- 8 min read
Mild Steel (MS) sheets are widely used across fabrication, automotive, construction, and industrial projects where maintaining accurate ms sheet thickness and consistent rolling quality is important for performance. These industrial ms sheets, including Fortran Steel’s Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils, HRPO Sheets, and GI/PPGI options, are manufactured with strict dimensional control to meet diverse application needs. Understanding ms sheet standards, tolerances, and mechanical properties helps buyers select the correct material for CNC work, forming, and heavy structural use. This guide simplifies thickness charts, IS 2062 requirements, tensile criteria, inspection methods, and how to request proper test certificates.
Table Of Contents
What Is an MS Sheet & How It’s Manufactured?
Mild Steel (MS) sheets are flat steel products made from low-carbon steel, known for their strength, workability, and predictable performance across fabrication and structural applications.
These industrial MS sheets are produced in two primary methods: hot-rolled and cold-rolled. In hot rolling, steel is passed through rollers at high temperatures to create broader thickness ranges used in structural work.
In comparison, Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils like those offered by Fortran Steel undergo additional processing at room temperature for superior surface finish, tight tolerances, and uniform thickness.
These commercial-quality MS sheet options support precise fabrication, automotive components, electrical panels, and CNC operations.
MS Sheet Thickness Chart (Gauge, mm, Inches)
MS sheet thickness is measured in millimetres (mm), inches, or gauge (a traditional industry unit still used in fabrication). Understanding these conversions helps select materials for bending, CNC cutting, forming, or structural work.
Standard MS Sheet Thickness Conversion Chart
Gauge | Thickness (mm) | Thickness (inches) | Common Applications |
24G | 0.60 mm | 0.0236" | Panels, ducting, enclosures |
22G | 0.75 mm | 0.0295" | Furniture, small fabrications |
20G | 0.91 mm | 0.0358" | General fabrication, covers |
18G | 1.20 mm | 0.0472" | Automotive body parts |
16G | 1.60 mm | 0.0629" | Frames, supports, racks |
14G | 2.00 mm | 0.0787" | Machinery components |
12G | 2.50 mm | 0.0984" | Structural parts |
10G | 3.00 mm | 0.118" | Heavy fabrication |
Note for Buyers
Thickness may vary depending on:
Rolling method (HR vs CR).
Mill tolerances.
Sheet width and coil weight.
Cold-Rolled Sheets & Coils offer tighter thickness control (0.35–3.2 mm), ideal for precision applications, while HRPO Sheets & Coils cover a wider range of thicknesses (1.2–25.4 mm).
MS Sheet Size, Weight & Thickness Conversion Table
Understanding the MS sheet size and weight helps buyers estimate handling requirements, fabrication feasibility, and project costing. MS sheets are supplied in standard dimensions, and their weight varies based on thickness.
We offer multiple sheet options, including CR, HRPO, GI, PPGI, and Boiler Quality plates, all meeting approved MS sheet standards for accuracy.
Common MS Sheet Sizes
1000 × 2000 mm
1250 × 2500 mm
1500 × 3000 mm
Custom lengths up to 13000 mm
MS Sheet Weight Chart (By Thickness)
This MS sheet weight chart gives a quick reference for fabrication and load calculations.
Thickness (mm) | Weight per m² (kg) |
0.50 mm | 3.93 kg |
1.00 mm | 7.85 kg |
1.20 mm | 9.42 kg |
2.00 mm | 15.70 kg |
3.00 mm | 23.55 kg |
4.00 mm | 31.40 kg |
6.00 mm | 47.10 kg |
Our Product Relevance
Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils: 0.35–3.2 mm (ideal for precision forming).
HRPO Sheets & Coils: 1.2–25.4 mm (used for fabrication and structural work).
GI Sheets: 0.3–3.0 mm (roofing, cladding, HVAC).
PPGI Sheets: 0.40–0.60 mm (colour-coated roofing and design).
Boiler Quality Plates: Higher thickness for pressure and temperature-resistant applications.
IS 2062 Standard & Why It Matters
The IS 2062 standard for mild steel sheet defines the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and rolling tolerances required for use in fabrication and structural applications in India. This standard ascertains that buyers receive material with predictable yield strength, tensile strength, and weldability. For industries that require high accuracy, such as machinery manufacturing, construction, automotive frames, and heavy fabrication, IS 2062 Grade E250 and E350 are widely preferred for their reliable performance and consistent dimensional accuracy.
IS 2062 Grade Comparison Table
Property | IS 2062 E250 | IS 2062 E350 | Ideal Use |
Yield Strength | 250 MPa | 350 MPa | Structural work, heavy fabrication |
Tensile Strength | 410 MPa | 490 MPa | Load-bearing components |
Elongation | 23% | 22% | Forming, bending |
Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Steel structures, machinery |
Availability | HR, HRPO Sheets | HR, HRPO Sheets | Frames, supports, components |
Where Each Grade Is Used
E250 → fabrication parts, auto components, HVAC brackets
E350 → heavy structures, industrial equipment, load-critical frames
Fortran Steel supplies sheets and coils that align with structural MS sheet grade requirements, including HRPO Sheets & Coils, Cold Rolled Sheets, GI Sheets, and Boiler Quality Plates.
Dimensional & Rolling Tolerances Explained
Dimensional tolerance defines how much a sheet’s actual size can vary from its specified thickness, width, and length. These mild steel sheet tolerances are important in fabrication, CNC cutting, bending, and welding because even slight variations can affect alignment, fitment, and load distribution.
Rolling tolerance refers to the acceptable deviations that occur during rolling, particularly in hot- and cold-rolling processes.
Key Types of Tolerances in MS Sheets
Thickness tolerance: Variation allowed from nominal thickness
Width tolerance: Limits on side-to-side variation
Length tolerance: Applicable to cut-to-length sheets
Flatness tolerance: Waviness or distortion across the sheet surface
Standard Tolerance Table (HR & CR Sheets)
Parameter | Hot Rolled Sheet (HR) | Cold Rolled Sheet (CR) |
Thickness Tolerance | ±0.30 mm | ±0.08 mm |
Width Tolerance | ±3.0 mm | ±2.0 mm |
Length Tolerance | ±5.0 mm | ±3.0 mm |
Flatness | Moderate waviness | Very flat |
Surface Finish | Scale, rough | Smooth, refined |
Notes for Buyers
CR Sheets offer the best precision (ideal for CNC + punched parts).
HRPO Sheets reduce scale → better accuracy than standard HR.
How Fortran Steel Maintains Accurate Tolerances?
Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils → very tight steel sheet dimensional tolerance due to low-temperature rolling.
HRPO Sheets & Coils → controlled scale removal and skin-pass rolling for smoother finish.
GI Sheets & PPGI Sheets → uniform thickness coating with minimal deviation.
Boiler Quality Plates → Boiler sheets are strictly monitored for tolerances due to pressure-rated applications.
Better rolling tolerance and MS sheet performance mean fewer reworks, higher fabrication accuracy, and more consistent results across batches.
Hot Rolled vs Cold Rolled MS Sheet Tolerances
Hot-rolled and cold-rolled MS sheets behave differently during manufacturing, which directly affects dimensional accuracy. Hot-rolled MS sheet tolerances are generally wider because the steel is formed at high temperatures, making the material prone to slight variations in thickness and flatness.
These sheets are suitable for structural and heavy fabrication work where ultra-tight accuracy is not required.
In contrast, a cold-rolled mild steel sheet is processed at room temperature, allowing precise control over surface finish, flatness, and thickness. Fortran Steel’s Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils (0.35–3.2 mm) are preferred for applications such as automotive components, electrical enclosures, and CNC machining where accuracy is critical.
Tolerance Comparison Overview
Property | Hot Rolled (HR) | Cold Rolled (CR) |
Thickness accuracy | Moderate | Very high |
Surface finish | Rougher | Smooth, refined |
Flatness | Lower | Excellent |
Applications | Structural, heavy fabrication | Precision forming & CNC |
When Tolerances Must Be Verified
Critical applications such as equipment housings, pressure-rated parts, and boiler systems require proper MS sheet testing (MTCs, thickness checks, and batch verification).
Tensile Strength & Yield Requirements for MS Sheets
Tensile strength and yield strength determine how an MS sheet behaves under load, deformation, and stress. A structural MS sheet grade, such as IS 2062 E250 or E350, provides predictable mechanical properties crucial for fabrication, load-bearing frames, equipment manufacturing, and heavy structural projects. Yield strength indicates the point at which steel begins to permanently deform, while tensile strength shows its capacity before breaking.
Fortran Steel offers a range of products that meet various MS sheet standards.
Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils → consistent mechanical properties for precision parts.
HRPO Sheets & Coils → reliable strength for fabrication and machinery.
Boiler Quality Plates & Sheets → designed for high-pressure and temperature applications.
In these products, maintaining proper MS plate tolerance ensures structural reliability, safer fabrication, and compliance with engineering specifications.
Thickness Variation in Industrial Supply (Why It Happens & How to Control It)
Thickness variation happens when sheet rolling or processing conditions are not perfectly uniform. Even when material is supplied within approved mild steel sheet tolerances, users may notice minor differences during CNC work, bending, or assembly.
Why does Thickness Variation occur?
Rolling pressure changes.
Temperature shifts during hot rolling.
Coil tension differences.
Surface processing steps (pickling, coating, painting).
How Fortran Steel Minimises Variation
Fortran Steel supplies sheets manufactured with strict tolerance for mild steel sheets, including:
Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils for the best thickness consistency.
HRPO Sheets for stable post-pickling dimensions.
GI & PPGI Sheets with controlled coating layers.
These measures help reduce variation in the MS sheet thickness and support smoother fabrication and fitting.
How to Select the Right MS Sheet for Fabrication, CNC Work & Heavy Structures
Selecting the right MS sheet depends on the type of work, required accuracy, and load conditions. For general fabrication, flexibility and weldability matter; for CNC cutting, surface finish and dimensional accuracy are more important; and for structural work, strength and thickness take priority.
What to Choose Based on Application?
Fabrication MS sheets: Use HRPO sheets and coils, or HR Sheets, for frames, brackets, machinery parts, and welded structures.
MS sheet for CNC: Choose Cold Rolled Sheets & Coils for smooth surfaces, tight tolerances, and consistent cutting performance.
Heavy structures: Boiler Quality Plates or thicker HRPO Sheets provide better strength and stability for load-bearing applications.
Why Work With Reliable MS Sheet Suppliers in India?
Working with trusted MS sheet suppliers in India ensures consistent quality, accurate dimensions, and compliance with approved MS sheet standards. Reliable supply is important for fabrication, CNC work, construction, and heavy structures, where even minor variations can affect performance. Fortran Steel offers a complete range of industrial MS sheets, including Cold Rolled, HRPO, GI, PPGI, and Boiler Quality Plates, each tested for thickness, tolerance, and mechanical properties. With certified material, steady availability, and mill-backed documentation, buyers receive sheets and coils that support precise manufacturing, reduce rework, and improve project reliability across all applications.
You Might Also Like
Conclusion
Choosing the right MS sheet starts with a clear understanding of the required standards, thickness accuracy, rolling tolerances, and mechanical performance for each application. Proper evaluation of these factors ensures consistent fabrication quality, smoother CNC cutting, and reliable structural performance. Fortran Steel offers a comprehensive range of industrial MS sheets, including Cold Rolled, HRPO, GI, PPGI, and Boiler Quality Plates, all supplied with verified tolerances and complete test documentation. Selecting the correct material from a trusted supplier directly improves safety, durability, and operational efficiency across industries. Contact us today to discuss your MS sheet requirements and get expert guidance from our team.
FAQs
Q1. What is the standard thickness tolerance for MS sheets?
Tolerance depends on rolling. Cold-rolled sheets usually have tighter tolerances (±0.08 mm), while hot-rolled sheets may vary by up to ±0.30 mm. Each mill sets limits based on sheet thickness and grade.
Q2. Which IS standards apply to MS sheets?
IS 2062 is the leading standard for industrial MS sheets, covering strength, chemistry, and dimensional accuracy. IS 277 applies to GI sheets, and IS 2002 covers Boiler Quality plates.
Q3. How do I choose the right MS sheet thickness for fabrication?
Pick thickness based on load, bending needs, and part design. Thin sheets (0.6–2 mm) are suitable for CNC work and enclosures; thicker sheets or plates are better for frames, supports, and structural parts. CR sheets offer better accuracy for precision fabrication.
Q4. What affects thickness variation during rolling?
Variation comes from rolling pressure changes, temperature shifts in hot rolling, coil tension differences, and coating or pickling steps. Choosing material with controlled mild steel sheet tolerances reduces these issues.
Q5. Do MS sheet suppliers provide MTC or quality certificates?
Yes. Reliable MS sheet suppliers in India, like Fortran Steel, provide MTCs confirming mechanical properties, chemical composition, and thickness accuracy. These certificates ensure material traceability and compliance.
Comments