Jewelry Wire Weight & Length Calculator

Jewelry wire calculations rely on two things: the wire’s gauge (which determines its diameter and cross-section) and the metal’s density.

Wire gauge systems:

• AWG (American Wire Gauge): Most common in North America. Lower number = thicker wire. 20 AWG is common for frames; 26–28 AWG for wrapping.
• SWG (Standard Wire Gauge): Used in UK and some other countries.

Wire diameter by AWG gauge:

• 18 AWG: 1.02 mm (strong frames, bangles)
• 20 AWG: 0.81 mm (rings, pendants, clasps)
• 22 AWG: 0.64 mm (general wrapping)
• 24 AWG: 0.51 mm (fine detail wrapping)
• 26 AWG: 0.40 mm (coiling, weaving)
• 28 AWG: 0.32 mm (very fine weaving, finishing)

Weight formula: Weight = π × (diameter/2)² × length × density

Metal densities:

• Copper: 8.96 g/cm³
• Fine silver: 10.49 g/cm³
• Sterling silver: 10.36 g/cm³
• Yellow gold (14k): 13.07 g/cm³
• Yellow gold (18k): 15.58 g/cm³
• Brass: 8.50 g/cm³
• Aluminum: 2.70 g/cm³

Practical tips:

• Always buy 10–15% more wire than calculated — waste from cutting and mistakes is inevitable
• Dead-soft wire is easiest to shape; half-hard holds shape better for clasps and ear wires
• Sterling silver work-hardens as you manipulate it — anneal (heat) it to soften again
• 20 AWG is the most versatile gauge for most beginner wire-wrapping projects