Wire Gauge Converter
Convert between AWG wire gauge numbers and wire diameter in mm and inches.
Shows cross-sectional area.
Type in any field — the others update instantly. Enter AWG as a number (use -1 for 1/0, -2 for 2/0, -3 for 3/0, -4 for 4/0).
AWG (American Wire Gauge) is the standard wire size system in the US. Larger gauge numbers mean thinner wire.
AWG formula:
- Diameter (inches) = 0.005 × 92^((36 − AWG) / 39)
- Diameter (mm) = diameter (inches) × 25.4
- Area (mm²) = π × (diameter_mm / 2)²
Common AWG sizes:
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Diameter (in) | Area (mm²) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000 (4/0) | 11.684 | 0.4600 | 107.22 | Service entrance |
| 0 (1/0) | 8.251 | 0.3249 | 53.49 | Service entrance |
| 4 | 5.189 | 0.2043 | 21.15 | Range/oven feeder |
| 10 | 2.588 | 0.1019 | 5.26 | Dryer, AC circuits |
| 12 | 2.053 | 0.0808 | 3.31 | General household 20A |
| 14 | 1.628 | 0.0641 | 2.08 | General household 15A |
| 18 | 1.024 | 0.0403 | 0.82 | Low-voltage, bells |
| 22 | 0.644 | 0.0253 | 0.33 | Electronics, signals |
Metric vs Imperial:
- In the US, wire is specified by AWG number
- In Europe and most other countries, wire is specified by cross-sectional area in mm²
- Common metric sizes: 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 4.0, 6.0, 10, 16, 25 mm²