Plastic sheeting is measured in mils. A mil is a measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inch. One mil also equals 0.0254 mm (millimeter). Thus a mil is not the same thickness as a millimeter. The term "mil" is not an abbreviation but a unit of measure.The chart below gives you an idea of mils to millimeters to inches. An every day trash bag ranges between 1.2 mils and 1.7 mils. A much stronger trash bag that offers better tear resistance is between 3 mils and 6 mils. A credit card is around 30 mils thick while a common deck of playing cards including the box is approximately .75 inches thick or 750 mils.
mil | mm | inch | Item |
1 | 0.0254 | 0.001 | |
3 | 0.07619 | 0.003 | |
6 | 0.152399 | 0.006 | |
10 | 0.254 | 0.01 1/64 in | |
15 | 0.381 | 0.015 | |
20 | 0.508 | 0.02 | |
30 | 0.762 | 0.03 1/32 in. | Credit card |
60 | 1.524 | 0.06 1/16 in | |
100 | 2.54 | 0.1 3//32 in |
A digital micrometer can assess the thickness of various types of plastic sheeting. What gets interesting is if the plastic sheeting has string reinforcement known as scrim/ skrim or string. If the plastic is measured over the scrim, them it will be thicker than if it is measured where there isn't any scrim. The scrim gives the plastic much more strength when it comes to tear and puncture resistance.
Global Plastic Sheeting, Inc.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8313 Chula Vista, CA 91912 866.597.9298 Warehouse & Sales Office: 1548 JayKen Way, Units C & D, Chula Vista, CA 91911 © 2008-2022 www.globalplasticsheeting.com. CEO Lee Hinsley