This paper presents a simplified model which can describe the inductance change when an air-core coil is placed next to a thin nonmagnetic metallic plate. The model has two independent parameters and is valid for a range of thickness, conductivity, and lift-offs. Use of this new relationship provides a fast and accurate method to measure the distance and thickness simultaneously. Measurements made for a sample coil next to thin copper and aluminum plates of various thicknesses verified the theory and the proposed method.