๐ AWG Wire Gauge Converter
Convert an American Wire Gauge (AWG) number into wire diameter (mm/inch) and cross-sectional area (mmยฒ/kcmil), or find the nearest AWG number for a given diameter. Calculations use the standard AWG exponential formula.
How to use
- Choose "AWG to diameter" or "diameter to AWG" mode.
- Enter the AWG number or diameter (mm).
- The diameter/area, or nearest AWG number, is calculated automatically.
How the calculation works
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is the wire size standard used in North America; a smaller number means a thicker wire. This tool uses the defining AWG formula for diameter: d(n) = 0.005 in ร 92^((36 โ n) รท 39) The formula fixes AWG 36 at 0.005 in and AWG 0000 (4/0) at 0.46 in, and divides the 39 steps between them geometrically. As a result, the diameter roughly doubles every 6 gauges, and the cross-sectional area roughly doubles every 3 gauges. Area in mmยฒ is the area of a circle, ฯ ร dยฒ รท 4. kcmil (thousand circular mils) is the diameter in mils (thousandths of an inch) squared and divided by 1000; it is used in North America for the area of large conductors. To find the gauge for a diameter, the formula is solved in reverse and rounded to the nearest whole gauge.
Worked example
AWG 20 Diameter: 0.8118 mm (0.0320 in) Area: 0.5176 mmยฒ (1.022 kcmil) AWG 12 (common for North American household outlet circuits) Diameter: 2.0525 mm Area: 3.3088 mmยฒ AWG 0000 (4/0) Diameter: 11.684 mm (0.4600 in) Area: 107.22 mmยฒ (211.6 kcmil) Diameter 1.6 mm โ nearest gauge AWG 14 (1.6277 mm)
Things to be aware of
- Japanese wire is sized by diameter (1.6 mm, 2.0 mm) or area (mmยฒ, "sq") rather than AWG. AWG 14 (about 1.63 mm) and AWG 12 (about 2.05 mm) are close to the 1.6 mm and 2.0 mm conductors in Japanese VVF cable.
- The values are for solid (single-strand) conductors. Stranded wire of the same gauge has a slightly larger outer diameter.
- Current-carrying capacity depends heavily on insulation, ambient temperature and installation method, so it is not calculated here. Always follow the applicable electrical codes and tables.
FAQ
What is AWG?
American Wire Gauge is a standardized wire size system widely used in North America. A smaller number means a thicker wire.
What formula is used?
The standard exponential formula d(n) = 0.005in ร 92^((36-n)/39), which defines wire diameter relative to AWG 36 as the reference point.
Does this calculate current-carrying capacity (ampacity)?
No, this tool only converts geometric properties (diameter and area). Ampacity depends heavily on insulation and installation conditions, so itโs out of scope.