Tempered Glass Thickness Selector Calculator

Estimate suitable tempered glass thickness from panel conditions. Review assumptions, export findings, and compare options. Useful for façades, partitions, doors, railings, shower screens, enclosures.

Calculator Inputs

Project Name

Panel Width (m)

Panel Height (m)

Design Wind Pressure (kPa)

Safety Factor

Support Condition

Application Type

Edge Condition

Deflection Limit

Holes or Cutouts

Example Data Table

Scenario	Size (m)	Pressure (kPa)	Support	Application	Suggested Thickness
Office Partition	1.00 × 2.10	0.30	Two-sided	Interior partition	6 mm
Shower Screen	0.90 × 2.00	0.50	Two-sided	Shower enclosure	8 mm
Façade Panel	1.20 × 1.80	1.20	Four-sided framed	Façade panel	15 mm
Railing Infill	1.00 × 1.10	1.00	Point-fixed	Railing infill	12 mm

Formula Used

This selector uses a screening method for practical project comparison. It combines panel area, aspect ratio, design pressure, support behavior, edge quality, deflection control, and cutout penalties.

Area: Area = Width × Height
Aspect Ratio: Aspect Ratio = Long Side ÷ Short Side
Design Pressure: Design Pressure = Wind Pressure × Safety Factor × Application Coefficient
Adjusted Load Index: Design Pressure × Support Coefficient × Edge Coefficient × Deflection Coefficient × Cutout Coefficient
Raw Required Thickness: √(Adjusted Load Index) × √(Area) × 6.3 × [1 + 0.15 × (Aspect Ratio - 1)]
Selected Thickness: Next higher standard from 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 19 mm

This method is useful for early design screening. It is not a substitute for code-specific structural glass design or manufacturer approval.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the project name for cleaner exports.
Input panel width and height in meters.
Enter the design wind pressure in kPa.
Choose a safety factor for the project conditions.
Select the support condition that matches the framing.
Choose the application type and edge condition.
Select the target deflection limit and any cutout penalty.
Press calculate to view the recommended standard thickness above the form.
Download the result as CSV or PDF when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this a final engineering approval tool?

No. It is an early-stage selector for practical comparison. Final approval should consider code rules, impact requirements, frame stiffness, anchors, edge cover, and certified glass design checks.

2. Why does support condition change thickness?

Support changes how the panel bends under pressure. Four-sided support usually reduces demand, while point-fixed or cantilever panels often need more thickness for the same size and load.

3. Why do holes and cutouts increase demand?

Holes, notches, and cutouts disturb stress flow and reduce local strength. They can increase edge sensitivity and usually push the recommended thickness upward.

4. What unit should I use for pressure?

Use kilopascals. If your load is in another unit, convert it first. Keeping pressure units consistent helps the selector produce cleaner comparisons.

5. Can I use this for shower screens?

Yes, as a screening estimate. Shower panels also need hardware review, edge treatment review, and local safety glazing compliance before installation.

6. Why is aspect ratio included?

Long narrow panels bend differently from square panels. A higher aspect ratio can increase stress and deflection demand, which may require thicker glass.

7. Does thicker always mean safer?

Not always. Thickness helps, but safety also depends on interlayers, framing, edge quality, heat soak needs, impact criteria, and correct installation.

8. When should I consult a structural engineer?

Consult one for overhead glazing, railings, unusual fixings, large panels, high wind zones, heavy human impact exposure, or results above standard thickness ranges.