Wire Size Conversion Calculator

AWG to diameter and area

Required Parameters

Waiting for input data...

Ad Placement
Sidebar Adaptive Ad Slot

Quick Answer

AWG (American Wire Gauge) is a logarithmic scale where lower numbers = thicker wire. The formula d(mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36-AWG)/39) converts any gauge to diameter. Each 3 AWG steps doubles the cross-sectional area and halves the resistance.

Documentation

Calculateur de Section de Cable

Convertissez entre AWG et mm2 metrique.

Design Notes

AWG is used throughout North America while IEC metric sizes (mm²) are standard in Europe and Asia. There is no exact 1:1 mapping between the systems. For current-carrying capacity, always consult your local electrical code (NEC in the US, IEC 60364 internationally) as ampacity depends on installation conditions.

Common Mistakes

  • 1

    Thinking higher AWG = thicker wire. It is the OPPOSITE: AWG 10 is much thicker than AWG 24.

  • 2

    Using the same ampacity rating for wire in conduit vs free air — bundled wires must be derated significantly.

  • 3

    Ignoring voltage drop for long wire runs — even if the wire can handle the current, the voltage drop may be excessive.

Engineering Handbox

1. d(inches) = 0.005 × 92^((36-12)/39) = 0.0808 in 2. d(mm) = 0.127 × 92^0.615 = 2.053 mm 3. Area = π/4 × 2.053² = 3.31 mm² 4. Ampacity (NEC): 20A in 60°C insulation

VerificationAWG 12: 2.05mm diameter, 3.31mm² area. Standard for US 20-amp household circuits.

Knowledge Base

Un numéro AWG plus élevé signifie-t-il un fil plus gros ?

Non, c'est l'inverse. AWG 10 (ø 2,59 mm, 5,26 mm²) est beaucoup plus épais qu'AWG 24 (ø 0,51 mm, 0,20 mm²). Chaque 6 AWG double la section, chaque 3 AWG double le courant admissible.

Comment convertir AWG en mm² ?

Formule : d(mm) = 0,127 × 92^((36−AWG)/39). Conversions courantes : AWG 18 = 0,82 mm², AWG 14 = 2,08 mm², AWG 10 = 5,26 mm². En Europe, on utilise directement la section en mm².