# Track Gauge

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Track gauge is the perpendicular distance between the inner faces of the two running rails, and it determines which rolling stock can operate on a given line.

Track gauge is the perpendicular distance between the inner faces of the two running rails, and it determines which rolling stock can operate on a given line. The most widespread standard is standard gauge at 1,435 mm, used across most of Europe, North America, and China; Russian broad gauge measures 1,520 mm, Iberian broad gauge 1,668 mm, and numerous narrow-gauge variants exist worldwide. Where networks of differing gauges meet, freight must either be transferred to new wagons, have its bogies exchanged at a gauge-changing facility, or use variable-gauge axle systems. At crossings such as the EU–CIS border, gauge differences are a tangible factor in transit times and logistics costs. The term is sometimes rendered as rail gauge or track width, but track gauge is the standard technical designation.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Track_gauge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Track_gauge)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Track Gauge |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 128 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Track_gauge |

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