About

Electrical safety hinges on selecting the correct wire size for a given current load. Engineers and electricians typically encounter two competing systems: the American Wire Gauge (AWG) used primarily in North America, and the metric system (millimeter diameter or cross-sectional area in mm²) used internationally. Mismatches here can lead to overheating cables or costly code violations.

This tool bridges these standards. It allows for the direct mathematical conversion of a circular wire"s diameter to its cross-sectional area - the parameter that actually dictates conductance. Furthermore, it integrates a comprehensive AWG lookup database, enabling users to instantly find the metric equivalents of standard gauges from 0000 (4/0) down to 40, ensuring precise specification compliance.

Formulas

The relationship between Diameter and Area for a solid round conductor follows basic geometry:

A = π × d²4 = π × r²

For AWG conversions, the diameter is calculated using a logarithmic progression relative to AWG 36 and AWG 0000:

d_mm = 0.127 × 92^{(36 − n)/39}

Reference Data

AWG Size	Diameter (mm)	Area (mm²)	Max Current (Amps @ 60°C)
4/0 (0000)	11.684	107.22	195
2/0 (00)	9.266	67.43	145
1/0 (0)	8.252	53.49	125
2	6.544	33.62	95
4	5.189	21.15	70
10	2.588	5.26	30
12	2.053	3.31	20
14	1.628	2.08	15

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This tool calculates the "solid" cross-sectional area. Stranded wire (bunched) has air gaps, so its physical outer diameter is larger than a solid wire of the same electrical area. Use the Area (mm²) value for electrical calculations.

It is pronounced "four-aught". It represents 0000 AWG, which is larger than 000, 00, and 0. As the AWG number decreases, the wire size increases.

Current carrying capacity (ampacity) is directly proportional to the cross-sectional area (mass of copper), not just the diameter. Most electrical codes (IEC) specify requirements in mm².

The geometric conversion (mm to mm²) is valid for any material. However, the "Max Current" references in the table are typically for Copper. Aluminum requires larger gauges for the same current.