Thicknesses: nominal vs actual
Acrylic is sold by a nominal thickness, an inch fraction that names the size. Most sheet is made to the nearest metric thickness, and cast sheet varies across the sheet, so what you measure is usually a little less than the label. For signs, covers, and shelves it doesn't matter. For tabs, slots, frame rabbets, and anything that has to fit, it does. Why 1/4 in. acrylic isn't 1/4 in. thick explains it in full.
| Sold as | Made as | Weight per sq. ft. | Laser cut |
|---|
| 1/16 in. | 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) | about 0.37 lb | Yes |
| 1/8 in. | 3 mm (0.118 in.) | about 0.73 lb | Yes |
| 3/16 in. | 4.5 mm (0.177 in.) | about 1.1 lb | Yes |
| 1/4 in. | 6 mm (0.236 in.) | about 1.46 lb | Yes |
| 3/8 in. | 9 mm (0.354 in.) | about 2.2 lb | Yes |
| 1/2 in. | 12 mm (0.472 in.) | about 2.9 lb | Yes |
| 3/4 in. | 18 mm (0.708 in.) | about 4.4 lb | No, routed |
| 1 in. | 24 mm (0.944 in.) | about 5.8 lb | No, routed |
If a part has to fit the sheet exactly, say so in your order notes and we'll measure the sheet we cut from. For the weight of a specific part, use the acrylic weight calculator. To choose a thickness for a project, see what thickness acrylic do I need.
Cast vs extruded acrylic
Both are the same plastic (PMMA) and look the same on the shelf. They're made differently, and it shows when you cut, engrave, and glue them.
| Cast | Extruded |
|---|
| How it's made | Poured between glass plates and cured | Pushed continuously through a die |
| Laser engraving | Bright frosted white, high contrast | Fainter and clearer |
| Laser-cut edge | Glossy | Glossy |
| Machining | Cuts cleanly, chips less | Softer; can gum up if cut hot |
| Thickness | Varies more across a sheet | More even |
| Solvents and cracking | More resistant | More prone to crazing near stressed edges |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Thicknesses we stock in clear | 1/16 to 1 in. | 1/16 to 1/2 in. |
Choose cast for engraved work, thick parts, parts you'll bond, and displays. Choose extruded for plain cut parts, covers, glazing, and anything where price matters more than engraving. Cast vs extruded acrylic goes deeper. If you've wondered whether acrylic and plexiglass are different, they aren't: acrylic vs plexiglass.
Specialty acrylic sheet
UV-filtering clear
Blocks most of the ultraviolet light that fades prints, photos, textiles, and signed memorabilia, while looking like ordinary clear acrylic. The right choice for framing and display cases of anything you care about. 1/8 and 1/4 in. UV-filtering acrylic and does acrylic block UV?
Non-glare clear
A fine matte texture on the surface scatters reflections, so framed art reads clearly under lights or near windows. Works best with the acrylic touching or very close to the artwork. 1/8 in. Non-glare acrylic
Mirror
Acrylic with a reflective backing: silver in 1/8 and 1/4 in., gold and rose gold in 1/8 in. Lighter and far safer than glass mirror, and laser cuts into shapes, letters, and wall decor. The reflection is less perfectly flat than glass, especially on large pieces. Mirror acrylic explained and mirror wall decor ideas.
Fluorescent
Collects light through its faces and glows brightly at its edges and anywhere it's engraved, without electricity. Popular for signs, jewelry, and displays. 1/8 and 1/4 in. Why fluorescent acrylic edges glow
Frosted
Matte on both sides, so it diffuses light and gives privacy while still letting light through. Good for cabinet door inserts, partitions, light covers, and modern signs. 1/8 to 3/8 in. Frosted acrylic options
White translucent
A milky white that spreads light evenly, for LED light diffusers, lightbox faces, and backlit signs. 1/8 to 3/8 in. Acrylic light transmission compares how much light each sheet passes.
Gray and bronze tints
Transparent tints that cut glare and add privacy: windows, guards, covers for displays, and modern furniture. 1/8, 1/4, and 3/8 in.
Sheet sizes
Our standard sheet is 48 × 96 in. (4 × 8 ft), and any part up to that size is a normal order. We cut parts from it to your size, so you pay for what your parts use, not a whole sheet. Bigger panels are sometimes possible; we confirm those by hand. To see how many of a part fit on one sheet, try the sheet yield calculator, and for the sizes sheets usually come in, read standard acrylic sheet sizes.
How acrylic compares
Clear acrylic passes about 92% of visible light, weighs about half as much as glass, and is anywhere from 2 to 20 times more impact resistant than ordinary glass of the same thickness, depending on maker and test. It's stiffer and clearer than polycarbonate but less impact resistant, and it scratches more easily than glass. If you're deciding between materials, read acrylic vs polycarbonate, acrylic vs glass, and acrylic vs PETG.
