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

Run it backwards and you get the question most people actually have. Silver and gold wire is sold by weight, not by length, so what you want to know standing at the bench is how far 10 grams of 22 gauge sterling will actually go. Switch the first dropdown and the calculator solves that direction instead.

Pennyweight

Precious metal is often priced per dwt (pennyweight), which is 1/20 of a troy ounce, or 1.555 grams. It is an odd unit to meet for the first time, and it is the one on most supplier price lists, so the result panel gives you the figure in grams, ounces and pennyweight together.

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