Which Gauge of Steel is Safe for a Squat Rack

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Steel Gauge Defined

The gauge of steel indicates the standard thickness of the steel. Gauge is not an imperial or metric value, but it corresponds to certain millimetre (or inch) thickness. A steel’s gauge is used to describe its thickness because it is easier to say it is 7-gauge, rather than 4.55 millimetres. There is an inverse relationship between the steel gauge and the thickness of the steel. The lower the steel gauge the better able to handle stress. Therefore, a squat rack built from lower gauge steel is a stronger, more heavy-duty squat rack.

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What Steel Gauge is Strong Enough

The logical question is, which gauge steel is the best for your squat or power rack? However, the better question may actually be: What gauge of steel is good enough for my power rack?

Quite honestly, any squat or power rack on the market is probably strong enough for you to safely squat in. The caveat being that if you happen to be squatting 7-800 lbs then maybe you’ll need a beefier rack. However, for most of us, even the cheapest rack on Amazon is enough. Coop, from Garage Gym Reviews, even dropped over 700 lbs on that rack and it took like a champ.

Most squat rack product pages will have their steel gauge listed in the rack’s technical specs. The gauge is one of the basic elements that sets racks apart from each other.

Super cheap racks, like the Fitness Reality Squat Rack (the cheapest power rack on Amazon, shown in the above video), usually don’t list their steel gauge. But a little digging suggests this is made from 14-gauge steel, which is about as thin as you will find on a squat rack. Even still, this rack can withstand at least one 700 lb drop so it is still quite robust.

The owner of Bells of Steel has said that a 12-gauge rack is more than enough for nearly all home gyms. Though most squat racks and power racks from known brands like Rogue, Titan and Rep are going to be 11-gauge. 11-gauge steel squat racks are the most popular, best selling and likely the most appropriate thickness for your home gym squat rack.

Common Squat Rack Gauge and Corresponding Thickness Measurement

Steel GaugeThickness
in inches		Thickness
in mm
100.13453.416
110.11963.038
120.10462.657
130.08972.278
140.07471.897
150.06731.709
Source

I have researched and calculated the dimensions and floor space required for 130+ different squat racks, power racks and wall-mounted racks. I’m sure it will assist you as you search for your next rack. You can view the database and summary by clicking here.

Our Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand is listed as 11 gauge (3.038 mm thick), but actually comes in at 3.26 mm thick once you add in the powder coat.

What Gauge of Steel Are Most Squat Racks Built From?

Budget Squat Racks (less than $500)

14 Gauge Steel:

13 Gauge Steel:

  • HulkFit Multi-Function Adjustable Power Cage (Amazon)

11 Gauge Steel:

Heavy Duty Squat Racks ($750+)

11 Gauge Steel: