AWG Wire Gauge
AWG gauge number → exact diameter, cross-section, resistance per meter.
What it does: Look up the diameter, cross-section, and copper resistance per meter for an AWG gauge number.
When to use it: When choosing wire, estimating voltage drop over a long run, or matching to metric wire diameters.
Disclaimer: This result is a reference estimate. For actual production, refer to the device datasheet / local regulations as authoritative.
MEANS AWG — wire has a diameter of about —; about — per meter — multiply by length × current to estimate voltage drop.
No history yet. Each calculation is automatically saved to this device.
How to use the AWG wire gauge reference
Just enter the gauge number.
- 01
Enter the AWG gauge number
Common ones are 24, 22, 18, 14… the larger the number, the thinner the wire. Accepts 0000(=-3) to 40.
- 02
Read diameter and cross-section
Computed exactly from the AWG definition formula (mm/inch + mm²).
- 03
Read resistance per meter
Computed from the resistivity of annealed copper at 20°C, per meter / per kilometer, for estimating voltage drop.
Common AWG wire gauges at a glance
Diameter and cross-section come from the AWG definition formula; resistance is computed for copper at 20°C.
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Cross-section (mm²) | Resistance (mΩ/m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (1/0) | 8.25 | 53.5 | 0.322 |
| 2 | 6.54 | 33.6 | 0.513 |
| 4 | 5.19 | 21.2 | 0.815 |
| 6 | 4.12 | 13.3 | 1.3 |
| 8 | 3.26 | 8.37 | 2.06 |
| 10 | 2.59 | 5.26 | 3.28 |
| 12 | 2.05 | 3.31 | 5.21 |
| 14 | 1.63 | 2.08 | 8.28 |
| 16 | 1.29 | 1.31 | 13.2 |
| 18 | 1.02 | 0.823 | 20.9 |
| 20 | 0.812 | 0.518 | 33.3 |
| 22 | 0.644 | 0.326 | 53 |
| 24 | 0.511 | 0.205 | 84.2 |
| 26 | 0.405 | 0.129 | 134 |
| 28 | 0.321 | 0.081 | 213 |
| 30 | 0.255 | 0.0509 | 339 |
Diameter = 0.127·92^((36−n)/39); resistance uses ρ(copper, 20°C)=1.724×10⁻⁸ Ω·m.
Common questions, answered in 3 minutes
Does a larger AWG number mean a thicker or thinner wire?
Thinner. AWG is the "number of drawing passes" — the more it is drawn, the thinner it gets, so #30 is much thinner than #24, while #0 and #0000 are very thick.
Can this tool tell me how much current the wire can carry?
Not directly. Current capacity depends on the insulation, whether wires are bundled, ambient temperature, and the applicable standard (IPC-2152 / NEC / local code), so a single number would be misleading — check the standard that fits your scenario.
Why provide resistance per meter?
Multiplying it by wire length and current lets you estimate the voltage drop (V = I·R) and judge whether a long supply run is adequate. Note this is the copper value at 20°C; resistance rises as temperature increases.
Is the diameter data reliable?
Yes. Diameter and cross-section come directly from the AWG definition formula, not copied from a table, and can be cross-checked against any authoritative AWG table.
Standards and sources referenced by this tool
| Item | Value / Formula | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AWG diameter | d(mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36−n)/39) | ASTM B258 / AWG definition |
| Cross-section | A = π/4 · d² | Geometry |
| Copper resistivity | ρ = 1.724×10⁻⁸ Ω·m @20°C | Annealed copper (IACS) |
Diameter/cross-section come from the AWG definition formula and resistance from copper resistivity, all with no external API. Current capacity is not given by this tool — refer to IPC-2152 / local code.