Cables & circuits
AWG to mm² calculator
Convert American Wire Gauge to nominal conductor diameter and cross-sectional area.
Result
AWG to mm²Ready
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Enter your values and press Calculate result.Formula
d = 0.127 × 92^((36 − n) ÷ 39); area = πd² ÷ 4Within this model
Nominal solid round conductor dimensions from the AWG geometric progression, for 4/0 through 40 AWG. Stranded construction and insulation change the overall diameter. This does not give current capacity or select an equivalent standard metric cable.
What the numbers mean
The AWG progression places 39 equal geometric steps between 36 AWG at 0.005 inch and 4/0 AWG at 0.460 inch. Their diameter ratio is 92. In the formula n is −3 for 4/0, −2 for 3/0, −1 for 2/0 and 0 for 1/0. One inch is exactly 25.4 mm.
Formula reference: NIST · Copper wire tables, Handbook 100 ↗A worked example
36 AWG has a nominal diameter of 0.127 mm and an area of approximately 0.012667687 mm². 4/0 AWG has a nominal diameter of 11.684 mm.
Validation, precision and limitations