This guide sets out the common stretch film thicknesses, what each one suits, and how to read a film’s specification when you buy. Micron is simply the measure of film thickness, and a higher micron means more material, more strength and a higher cost. Matching the thickness to your loads is the whole point of understanding microns.
Use this as a reference: find the load type closest to yours, and it points you to a thickness range. The detail below explains how to read the numbers and avoid the common traps.
What Micron Means
A micron (ยต, sometimes written “mu”) is one thousandth of a millimetre. Stretch film is thin, so its thickness is measured in these small units. A 17 micron film is 0.017mm thick; a 23 micron film is 0.023mm thick.
More microns means more material. That generally gives more resistance to tearing and puncturing, and more capacity to hold tension, at a higher price per roll. Micron is the single specification that most affects how a film performs, which is why it gets so much attention.
The Common Thicknesses and What They Suit
Hand stretch film is commonly found in a range of thicknesses. Here is what each broadly suits.
Around 15 to 17 microns: light duty. Suited to light, stable, uniform loads such as neat boxed goods that stack squarely with no sharp edges. Uses the least material and costs least per roll. The right choice for well-behaved, gently handled pallets.
Around 20 microns: general purpose. A middle thickness for mixed loads of moderate weight with some variation in shape. Covers a range of typical pallets without being over-specified for light loads or under-specified for moderate ones.
Around 23 microns: heavier duty. Suited to heavier pallets, sharp or hard corners, irregular shapes, and loads shipped a long way or handled roughly. The extra material resists punctures and holds tension where a thinner film struggles.
Above 23 microns: the most demanding loads. Very heavy or aggressive loads may need a thicker film, and sometimes strapping or a machine wrap alongside it.
These ranges are a guide, not strict rules. The right thickness is the one that matches how demanding your load is.
Micron and Gauge
Micron is the metric measure used across the UK. You may also see “gauge”, an older imperial-derived measure on some imported films. They measure the same thickness on different scales, so you cannot compare a micron figure and a gauge figure directly without converting.
As a rough guide, gauge is about four times the micron figure:
- Around 15 microns is near 60 gauge
- Around 17 microns is near 70 gauge
- Around 20 microns is near 80 gauge
- Around 23 microns is near 90 gauge
These are approximate. If a supplier quotes only gauge, ask for the micron figure so you can compare it against films quoted in microns.
Reading a Film’s Specification
Micron tells you thickness, but a full specification includes more. When you read a film’s spec, look at:
Micron for thickness and, broadly, strength. Width for whether it suits your pallets, commonly around 400 to 500mm. Roll length for how many pallets a roll covers. Roll weight for how much material is actually on the roll. Core type, standard for a dispenser or extended for hand wrapping. Film type, cast or blown, and colour, clear or coloured.
The trap buyers fall into is judging a film on micron and price alone. Two rolls at the same micron can hold very different amounts of film if one is shorter or lightly wound. Always read micron alongside length and weight so you know how much film you are getting, not just how thick it is.
Using the Guide to Choose
To use this guide: identify your load type, read across to the thickness range, then compare rolls at that thickness on length and weight to find the best value. If your loads sit between two ranges, or vary, size up to the thicker option, because the extra cost per pallet is small and it buys margin against the harder loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common stretch film micron?
There is no single most common thickness, but around 17 microns is a common light-duty choice and around 23 microns a common heavier-duty choice, with 20 microns as a general-purpose middle. The common range for hand film runs roughly from 15 to 23 microns and above.
How do I convert micron to gauge?
Multiply the micron figure by about four. So 17 microns is near 70 gauge and 23 microns is near 90 gauge. It is approximate, so ask for the micron figure to compare accurately.
Does a higher micron always mean a better film?
No. Higher micron is better only for loads that need the extra strength. On light, stable loads, a higher micron is spare material you pay for. Match thickness to the load.
What thickness should I use if I am unsure?
Size up. If your load sits between two ranges, or varies, choose the thicker option. The extra cost per pallet is small, and it gives margin against the more demanding loads.
Is micron the only thing that matters when buying?
No. Read micron alongside roll length and weight, so you know how much film you get, plus width, core type, film type and colour. Micron alone does not tell you the value or the fit.
Conclusion
Micron is the measure of stretch film thickness, and matching it to your loads is the key decision: roughly 15 to 17 microns for light loads, around 20 for general use, and around 23 or more for heavy or demanding ones. Convert gauge by multiplying micron by about four, read micron alongside roll length and weight, and size up when unsure. Use this guide as a reference to point you to the right thickness, then compare rolls on the full specification.