Uses for different Wire Gauges
in Chicken Wire and Wire Mesh

Imperial Standard Wire Gauge is the system used in the UK of measuring wire by diameter. Usually abbreviated to S.W.G.

common uses of mesh and netting.

Less than 22 gauge -       
Fine Stainless woven Mesh:
Material and chemical Filtration

22 gauge - 0.7 mm diameter
Chicken wire of 13 mm aperture:
Uses: Poultry enclosures and fruit cages, Sculpting.
Fine welded or woven mesh:
Uses: Rodent protection and wild bird feeders.

20 gauge - 0.9 mm diameter - 
Chicken wire 19mm & 25mm aperture:
Uses: Poultry enclosures, Roof thatching, Loft insulation mesh

19 gauge - 1 mm diameter
Chicken wire of 50 mm aperture:
Uses: Poultry enclosures.
Rabbit netting of 31 mm aperture:
Uses: Rabbit protection
Welded mesh 13mm – 25mm:
Uses: Small bird aviaries, pet rabbit runs etc.

16 gauge - 1.6 mm diameter
Welded mesh 13– 20 mm aperture
Uses: Rodent cages and parakeet aviaries.
Welded mesh 25mm aperture
Uses: Cat Enclosures, Squirrel Protection,
Birds of Prey Aviaries. Tree guards.
Welded mesh 50 mm aperture
Uses: Garden fencing. Small-dog enclosures.
Woven Stainless steel 6 – 13mm.
Uses: Car radiator grills. Filtration,

14 gauge - 2 mm diameter
Welded mesh 25 mm aperture.
Uses: Parrot Aviaries, Machinery guards.
Welded mesh 50 mm aperture.
Uses: Garden fencing. Medium-dog enclosures,
Sheep, Deer & Goat fencing.

12 gauge - 2.6 mm diameter
Welded mesh 50 mm aperture:
Uses: Security Fencing, Garden fencing.
Large-dog enclosures.  Sheep, Deer & Goat fencing.

10 gauge - 3 mm diameter
Welded mesh 50 mm aperture
Uses: Security Fencing,
Strong Garden fencing. Large-dog enclosures. 

Table of Gauges: (S W G)