In building construction, copper is generally used in sheet and strip. Strip is 24 inches or less in width, while copper sheet is over 24 inches in width. Table 1.2A shows the standard dimensions of sheet and strip copper.
| Weight per S.F. in Ounces | Width Inches | Length Inches | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet Copper | 12 | 30, 36 | 96, 120 |
| 16 | 30, 36 | 96, 120 | |
| 20 | 30, 36 | 96, 120 | |
| 24 | 30, 36 | 96, 120 | |
| 32 | 30, 36 | 96, 120 | |
| 48 | 30, 36 | 96, 120 | |
| Strip Copper | 16 | 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 24 | 96, 120 |
| 20 | 20, 24 | 96, 120 | |
| 24 | 20, 24 | 96, 120 | |
| 32 | 20, 24 | 96, 120 |
The thickness of sheet and strip copper is measured by its weight in ounces per square foot. For example, the thickness of 12 ounce copper is such that every square foot weighs 12 ounces. The thicknesses commonly used in construction are between 8 and 32 ounces.
Since the industry often uses gauge numbers or actual thicknesses for sheet metal or other building materials, it is often necessary to convert between the different systems. Table 1.2B shows the relationship between the copper weight, thickness, and gauge number.
| Weight per Sq. Ft. | Nearest Gauge No. (B&S) | Thickness inches (mm) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ounces | Pounds | Nominal | Minimum | |
| 6 | .375 | 32 | .0081 (.206) | .0071 (.180) |
| 8 | .500 | 29 | .0108 (.274) | .0097 (.246) |
| 10 | .625 | 27 | .0135 (.343) | .0124 (.315) |
| 12 | .750 | 26 | .0162 (.411) | .0150 (.381) |
| 16 | 1.00 | 23 | .0216 (.549) | .0204 (.518) |
| 20 | 1.25 | 21 | .0270 (.686) | .0258 (.655) |
| 24 | 1.50 | 20 | .0323 (.820) | .0308 (.782) |
| 32 | 2.00 | 17 | .0431 (1.09) | .0411 (1.04) |
| 48 | 3.00 | 14 | .0646 (1.64) | .0621 (1.58) |