Glass Thickness Guide

Glass is manufactured in a wide range of thicknesses for various applications. In addition to the type of glass, the edgework, and the design, careful consideration must be given to the thickness. While local building codes must always be consulted, several options exist depending on the glass's application and use. With the knowledge below, a savvy customer will be better prepared to navigate the choices surrounding glass thickness.

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Single Lite

The industry term for what is commonly known as a "single pane" piece of glass, single lite glass is used for most interior applications (such as shelves, cabinets, mirrors, and tabletops) as well as in the exteriors of older buildings. Single lite glass does not carry the enhanced insulating or "energy-saving" properties (or R-Value) of Insulated Glass, and is therefore discouraged for new construction and contemporary remodels.

Insulated Glass

Often called "double pane" glass, insulated glass (IG) units consist of two pieces of single lite glass separated by an aluminum spacer of various thicknesses and joined together at the glass factory. IG units provide greatly enhanced R-Values and are a clever choice to reduce expensive long-term heating or cooling costs for homes or businesses. Beware of contractors who say they can build IG units themselves: ONLY factory-made IG units carry a warranty against internal fogging or moisture build-up due to failure. IGs typically have a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer. Due to this warranty, IG replacement always involves replacing both "panes" of glass, even if only one is damaged.

1/8 Inch Glass

Most commonly used in picture frames and other small display items, 1/8" glass is visibly very thin. Because 1/8" glass is relatively fragile, it is not utilized in modern commercial or residential exterior construction, as even minor impacts such as those from small birds are likely to cause damage.

1/4 Inch Glass

Typically used in garage door windows and on top of tables, 1/4" glass provides an attractive balance of strength and economical price. Much less heavy and expensive than thicker glass, 1/4" glass still offers the strength needed to set down a metal cup on a coffee table without concern. Mirrors are typically 1/4" thick.

3/8 Inch Glass

Shower doors and exterior furniture often utilize 3/8" glass due to its enhanced strength. While significantly more expensive and heavier than standard 1/4" glass, homeowners often use 3/8" glass in applications such as patio tables, where there are dangers such as falling acorns or a child's or dog's toy might impact it.

1/2 Inch Glass

Commonly used in interior applications such as shower doors, 1/2" glass is HEAVY. It is also significantly stronger than thinner glass, and for that reason may also be used for specialty displays (such as a glass cabinet or a shelf that holds heavy statues or decorations). While the strength of 1/2" glass may be attractive, one must also balance the price and ease of relocation (it is heavy) when selecting interior glass.

3/4 Inch Glass and Above

Sometimes used in shower doors, 3/4", 5/8" and 1" glass is uncommon due to its weight and expense. 3/4" glass and above is mostly seen in shower doors. Glass thicknesses of 1" or greater are almost never utilized outside of specialty commercial applications, such as airports.

Laminated Glass

Any thickness of glass may be filmed or laminated for increased strength, durability, or safety. Laminated or filmed glass is a specialty product, most often selected when certain criteria are specified, such as protection from windborne debris inside hurricane or tornado zones. Laminated glass may also hold special properties such as reducing the sun's radiation or providing privacy for a gym or office; however, laminated glass often costs significantly more than non-laminated glass, due to the increased labor in its creation.

Glass thicknesses measured in millimeters (mm) may also be encountered. While construction in the United States typically uses the American system of measuring (seen above in fractions of an inch), most locales outside of the U.S. use the Metric System (based on the millimeter). If you encounter a glass thickness shown in millimeters, an easy conversion formula can be used to convert from millimeters to inches: divide the millimeter number by 25.4. For example, 6mm divided by 25.4 equals 0.23622 inches, or 1/4" when rounded.

While there are many variables to consider when selecting the appropriate type and thickness of glass, this guide may aid the discerning homeowner or general contractor in choosing the suitable glass thickness for their project and budget. If you're still unsure about which thickness of glass to select, the friendly glaziers and staff at A-1 Glass & Mirror are happy to offer their expertise and experience.

As a type of safety glass, laminated safety glass is widely used in windows, doors, curtain walls, balustrades, canopies, fencing, showcases, etc.

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Choosing the suitable PVB thickness is critical for improving the laminated glass safety coefficients. PVB basic thickness starts from 0.38mm, 0.76mm, 1.14mm, 1.52mm to multiple thicknesses 1.90mm, 2.28mm, 3.04mm, etc.

Here is a guide on how to choose the suitable thickness PVB interlayers for the glass you're using. Bullet-proof glass, multi-layer laminated glass, and aquarium laminated glass are not included in the following principles.

Annealed Laminated Glass

Glass Type | Glass Thickness | PVB Thickness (mm)

L≤800mm | L>800mm

≤6mm | 0.38 | 0.38

8mm | 0.38 | 0.76

10mm | 0.76 | 0.76

12mm | 1.14 | 1.14

15/19mm | 1.52 | 1.52

Take the thicker glass as the standard when choosing the PVB for laminated substrates with different thicknesses.

Flat Tempered & HS Laminated Glass

Glass Type | Glass Thickness | PVB Thickness (mm)

L≤800mm | 800mm<L≤1500mm | >1500mm

≤6mm | 0.76 | 1.14 | 1.52

8~12mm | 1.14 | 1.52 | 1.52

≥15mm | 1.52 | 2.28 | 2.28

The overall bow has to be smaller than 0.3%.

A minimum 1*0.38mm interlayer must be added if different thickness substrates are used.

A minimum 1*0.38mm interlayer must be added if only one piece of glass is tempered or heat-strengthened.

A minimum 1*0.38mm interlayer must be added if glass with irregular shapes.

A minimum 1*0.38mm interlayer must be added if the glass is close to a square shape.

Take the thicker glass as the standard when choosing the PVB.

Flat Tempered, HS Laminated & Hot Bend Laminated Glass

Glass Type | Glass Thickness | PVB Thickness (mm)

R>3m | R≤3m

≤8mm | 2.28 | 3.04

≥10mm | 3.04 | 3.04

Heat-bent Glass | ≤6mm | 0.76 | 1.14~1.52

≥8mm | 1.14 | 1.52

Take the thicker glass as the standard when choosing the PVB.

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