In gauge terminology, which statement is correct?

• A. Higher gauge means thicker
• B. Lower gauge means thicker
• C. Gauge is the same as thickness in inches
• D. Gauge is measured in millimeters only

Answer: (B)

Gauge is a standard scale for sheet metal thickness where numbers work in the opposite way to thickness: the lower the gauge number, the thicker the material. So the correct statement is that a lower gauge means thicker. This inverse relationship holds across common metals, though the exact thickness each gauge corresponds to varies by material, so you consult the appropriate gauge chart for steel, aluminum, etc. Gauge is not a fixed measurement in inches or millimeters; it’s a labeling system that maps to thickness differently for different materials.