AWG to mm² Calculator

Convert between American Wire Gauge (AWG) and metric cross-sectional area (mm²), with the nearest standard UK cable size.

AWG ⇄ mm² Converter

Convert between American Wire Gauge (AWG) and metric cross-sectional area (mm²), with the nearest standard UK cable size.

AWG vs metric cable sizes

American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a US system where a higher number means a thinner conductor. UK and European cables are specified directly by cross-sectional area in mm². The area is derived from the conductor diameter using area = π/4 × diameter².

Because the two systems rarely line up exactly, this tool gives the nearest standard UK size — for example 12 AWG (3.31mm²) is closest to 4mm². When working to BS 7671, always confirm the current-carrying capacity of the selected metric size rather than relying on the gauge number alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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