Abstract: A metallic flat gasket, particularly a cylinder head gasket having at least one beaded gasket plate and a support plate surrounds at least one passage opening. On the edge of the gasket plate surrounding the passage opening is shaped a bead, which is held in indirect force closure. To this end the area of the carrier sheet supporting the free leg of the bead is thinner or thicker than the remaining area. It preferably has a topographically freely selected shape and/or different widths along the passage opening circumference. A material reinforcement is obtained in that the carrier sheet is provided with a recess and a metal ring e.g. formed by a fold or flange.