Convert American Wire Gauge (AWG) to millimeter (mm) diameter using the standard formula:
Choosing the right wire size is essential for safe and efficient electrical installations. Whether you're working on household wiring, automotive electronics, or industrial applications, accurate conversions between American Wire Gauge (AWG) and millimeters (mm) are critical. The AWG to mm Calculator is a reliable tool that simplifies this process, converting wire diameters quickly and precisely without the need for manual tables or complex formulas.
This calculator helps users convert AWG wire sizes into diameters in millimeters (mm) and cross-sectional area in mm², making it easier to interpret U.S. wire measurements in metric units commonly used around the world.
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge, a standardized system used in North America to describe the diameter and cross-sectional area of electrically conducting wire. In this system:
For example:
While AWG is widely used in the United States and Canada, the metric system dominates in Europe, Asia, and many other regions. Converting AWG to mm is essential for:
The following formula converts AWG to wire diameter in millimeters (mm):
D(mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36 – AWG)/39)
This equation provides an approximate diameter for copper wire sizes from AWG 0 to AWG 40.
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Cross-Section (mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5.19 | 21.15 |
| 6 | 4.11 | 13.30 |
| 8 | 3.26 | 8.37 |
| 10 | 2.59 | 5.26 |
| 12 | 2.05 | 3.31 |
| 14 | 1.63 | 2.08 |
| 16 | 1.29 | 1.31 |
| 18 | 1.02 | 0.82 |
| 20 | 0.81 | 0.52 |
| 22 | 0.64 | 0.33 |
It's important to distinguish between converting to diameter (mm) and cross-sectional area (mm²). Both are useful depending on context:
A: Yes, the diameter conversion remains the same, but ampacity and resistance differ. Always confirm current rating with aluminum.
A: Standard AWG sizes range from 0000 (4/0) to 40. Our calculator supports all these sizes, including fractional steps.
A: The conversion is accurate within industry tolerances. Manufacturing variations may cause slight differences.
A: Yes! Use our companion tool mm to AWG Calculator to convert metric wire sizes back to AWG.
Most countries outside the U.S. use wire sizes in mm² rather than AWG. Converting AWG to metric units allows:
The AWG to mm Calculator is an indispensable tool for anyone working with wires across global standards. It bridges the gap between the U.S. AWG system and the international metric system, helping you make quick, safe, and informed decisions. From circuit designers and electricians to DIY makers and educators, this tool supports accuracy and confidence in wire sizing.
Use our AWG to mm calculator today and eliminate guesswork from your next wiring project!
While AWG (American Wire Gauge) is commonly used in North America, SWG (Standard Wire Gauge) is often used in the UK and older engineering references. The two systems differ significantly in the physical size associated with each number. For example:
When converting wire gauges, it's crucial to identify whether the wire is AWG or SWG, as confusing the two can result in major mismatches in current handling and fit.
The cross-sectional area of a wire (typically in mm²) directly influences how much current it can carry without overheating. Here's why:
Our AWG to mm calculator also outputs the area in mm², helping you understand not just the physical size but also its current-carrying capacity based on application.
With so many sizes and use cases, it’s easy to see how the AWG to mm calculator helps professionals and hobbyists alike.
In countries using the IEC or DIN standards, wire sizes are typically labeled by cross-sectional area in mm² instead of gauge. Here's a quick comparison table:
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Approx. mm² | Nearest Metric Size (mm²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 1.63 | 2.08 | 2.5 mm² |
| 12 | 2.05 | 3.31 | 4.0 mm² |
| 10 | 2.59 | 5.26 | 6.0 mm² |
| 8 | 3.26 | 8.37 | 10 mm² |
This table helps bridge understanding between metric and AWG systems, making the calculator indispensable when sourcing or verifying cable for international projects.
Smaller diameter wires (higher AWG numbers) have higher resistance per meter. This causes:
Knowing the exact mm size helps you quickly check resistance values (in ohms per meter) and plan for thermal management in your circuits.
Engineering students, electricians-in-training, and hobbyists can use the AWG to mm calculator as an interactive tool to learn:
Teachers can even use this in classrooms to demonstrate real-time calculations and international wire comparison techniques.
While the physical diameter may stay the same, copper and aluminum wires handle current differently. For the same AWG size:
Use the calculator to size wires, but always consider the material type when determining safe ampacity.
If you're designing a system that might later carry more load or be upgraded, select wire sizes that accommodate future requirements. The calculator helps by letting you:
In PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, AWG measurements help estimate current-carrying capacity of traces. Some designers convert desired trace width from AWG to mm for precise etching. This is especially useful when designing power distribution layers or thick copper boards.
AWG 0 and its multiples (00, 000, and 0000 or 4/0) are used in heavy industrial applications like:
Each “0” step increases the diameter. For example:
These large sizes often appear in utility-grade systems and need careful mm sizing for proper terminals and insulation sleeves.
Choosing the right wire size isn’t just about fit — it’s about safety, performance, and compliance. Whether you’re dealing with lighting wires, solar systems, automotive relays, or heavy-duty industrial wiring, understanding the metric equivalents of AWG sizes is crucial.
Our calculator eliminates the need to memorize tables or search online repeatedly. It gives you fast access to:
Whether you're a student, engineer, electrician, or DIY enthusiast, our free online tool helps you work smarter. Bookmark the AWG to mm calculator today and wire with confidence!