In this work, we have applied the self-compressed stabilized jellium model topredict the equilibrium properties of isolated thin Al, Na and Cs slabs. Tomake a direct correspondence to atomic slabs, we have considered only thoseL values thatcorrespond to n-layeredatomic slabs with 2≤n≤20, for surface indices (100), (110), and (111). The calculations are based on the densityfunctional theory and self-consistent solution of the Kohn–Sham equations in the localdensity approximation. Our results show that firstly, the quantum size effects are significantfor slabs with sizes smaller than or near to the Fermi wavelength of the valence electronsλF, and secondly, some slabs expand while others contract with respect to thebulk spacings. Based on the results, we propose a criterion for realization ofsignificant quantum size effects that lead to expansion of some thin slabs.For more justification of the criterion, we have tested it on Li slabs for2≤n≤6. We have compared our Al results with those obtained from using all-electron orpseudo-potential first-principles calculations. This comparison shows excellent agreementsfor Al(100) work functions, and qualitatively good agreements for the other work functionsand surface energies. These agreements justify the way we have used the self-compressedstabilized jellium model for the correct description of the properties of simple metal slabsystems. On the other hand, our results for the work functions and surface energies of large-n slabs are in good agreement with those obtained from applying the stabilized jellium modelfor semi-infinite systems. In addition, we have performed the slab calculations in thepresence of surface corrugation for selected Al slabs and have shown that the resultsare worsened.