Acrylic Thickness Guide: What Thickness Do You Need?

Short answer: most jobs land between 1/16″ and 1/4″. Use 1/16″ for small frames and small signs, 3/32″ for larger frames, and 1/8″ for small side tables and covers. Use 3/16″ for desk and dining table covers and countertop sneeze guards, and 1/4″ for outdoor tables, larger guards and windows. Go 3/8″ and up for shelves, display cases and anything that carries weight or spans a wide gap.

Thicker sheet is stiffer and tougher, but heavier and more expensive. The right thickness depends on how big the piece is and how it’s supported.

Thickness by job

Thickness	Typical uses
1/16″ (about 1.5 mm)	Small picture frames, small signs, craft and model work, inserts, thin covers. Flexes easily.
3/32″ (.093″–.098″, about 2.5 mm)	Larger picture and poster frames, menu holders, light covers
1/8″ (about 3 mm)	The everyday sheet: small side table covers, small windows, cabinet doors, small sneeze guards
3/16″ (about 4.5 mm)	Desk and dining table covers, countertop sneeze guards, larger signs, windows, small display boxes
1/4″ (about 6 mm)	Outdoor table covers, freestanding and larger sneeze guards, display cases, light shelves, larger windows
3/8″ (about 9.5 mm)	Shelves, larger display cases, risers, partitions
1/2″ (about 12.7 mm)	Heavy shelves, podiums and lecterns, large display cases
3/4″ to 2″	Structural and heavy-duty work: bar and counter tops, large museum cases, tank windows, machine parts

These are starting points. Size, span and how the sheet is held all matter. Tell us the job and we’ll confirm the thickness.

Cast or extruded?

We stock both. Extruded acrylic holds a more even thickness from sheet to sheet and usually costs less, which makes it a good choice for frames, glazing and covers. Cast acrylic machines, polishes and laser engraves more cleanly and handles cements and solvents better, so it’s the usual pick for display cases, fabrication and engraving.

Good to know

Sheet thickness is nominal. A “1/8 inch” sheet is often 3 mm (0.118″), and cast sheet can run thinner or thicker than its label. If an exact fit matters, like a frame groove or a replacement panel, bring the old piece or measure the opening.
Thin sheet moves in Hawaii’s humidity. Sheet thinner than 1/4″ can warp in our humidity. In a frame or lying on a table, it stays flat. For a big piece standing on its own, go thicker or plan a way to support it.
Need more strength without going thicker? Polycarbonate is much tougher at the same thickness. See Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate.

Common questions

What thickness is best for a sneeze guard?

3/16″ for most countertop guards. 1/4″ for larger or freestanding guards.

What thickness for a tabletop or desk cover?

3/16″ for a desk or dining table, 1/8″ for smaller side tables, and 1/4″ for outdoor tables. It lies flat and holds up to daily use.

What thickness do you stock?

Clear acrylic from 1/16″ up to 2″ thick, in full and partial sheets, plus colors, mirror and specialty sheet.

Can you cut it to my size?

Yes. Call (808) 847-1511 or stop by our shop in Iwilei.

Shop acrylic: Plexiglass Acrylic sheets · Call (808) 847-1511.