Jewelry Wire Length Calculator
Calculate how much wire you need for wrapped loops, coils, and chain links based on gauge, loop diameter, and number of wraps.
How wire length is calculated for jewelry:
When you wrap wire around a mandrel, form loops, or create chain links, the wire follows the circumference of a circle. The total length depends on the diameter of the wrap and the number of times the wire goes around.
Single loop formula:
Wire per loop = π × (Mandrel diameter + Wire diameter)
The wire diameter matters because the wire wraps around the outside of the mandrel, not the center. Thicker wire adds more to the effective diameter.
Total wire for multiple wraps:
Total wire = Wire per loop × Number of wraps + Tail allowance
Common jewelry wire gauges:
| Gauge (AWG) | Diameter (mm) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 16 ga | 1.29 mm | Heavy bangles, clasps |
| 18 ga | 1.02 mm | Ear wires, structural frames |
| 20 ga | 0.81 mm | General wrapping, links |
| 22 ga | 0.64 mm | Detailed wrapping, weaving |
| 24 ga | 0.51 mm | Fine wrapping, coiling |
| 26 ga | 0.40 mm | Weaving, delicate accents |
| 28 ga | 0.32 mm | Wire crochet, ultra-fine wrapping |
Worked example — wrapped loop earrings:
Making 10 wrapped loops with 20 ga wire on a 3 mm mandrel:
- Wire per loop = 3.14159 × (3.0 + 0.81) = 11.97 mm per loop
- Include 3 wraps per loop: 11.97 × 3 = 35.9 mm per wrapped loop
- Total for 10 loops: 35.9 × 10 = 359 mm (14.1 inches)
- Add 20% for tails and trimming: 431 mm (17 inches)
Jump ring wire calculation:
For jump rings, each ring is exactly one loop:
- Wire per ring = π × (Inner diameter + Wire diameter)
- Example: 6 mm ID ring in 18 ga wire = 3.14 × (6.0 + 1.02) = 22.0 mm per ring
- 50 rings = 1,102 mm = 43.4 inches (3.6 feet)
Tips:
- Always buy 20–25% more wire than calculated — waste from cutting, trimming, and mistakes adds up
- Dead soft wire is easier to wrap; half-hard wire holds shape better for structural elements
- Work-hardened wire becomes brittle — anneal (heat gently) to soften it before heavy manipulation