AWG Wire Gauge Chart
// COMPLETE AMERICAN WIRE GAUGE REFERENCE TABLE WITH SPECIFICATIONS //
UNDERSTANDING AWG WIRE GAUGE
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system uses an inverse numbering system: smaller gauge numbers indicate larger wire diameters and higher current capacity. AWG 0000 (4/0) is the largest common wire gauge, while AWG 20 is suitable for low-current applications.
| AWG | DIAMETER | CROSS-SECTION | RESISTANCE (Ω/1000ft) | AMPACITY - COPPER | AMPACITY - ALUMINUM | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mm | inch | mm² | kcmil | Cu | Al | 60°C | 75°C | 90°C | 60°C | 75°C | 90°C | |
| 20 | 0.812 | 0.0320 | 0.52 | 1.02 | 10.150 | 16.700 | 11 | 11 | 15 | - | - | - |
| 18 | 1.024 | 0.0403 | 0.82 | 1.62 | 6.390 | 10.500 | 14 | 14 | 18 | - | - | - |
| 16 | 1.291 | 0.0508 | 1.31 | 2.58 | 4.020 | 6.600 | 18 | 18 | 24 | - | - | - |
| 14 | 1.628 | 0.0641 | 2.08 | 4.11 | 2.530 | 4.160 | 25 | 25 | 35 | 20 | 20 | 25 |
| 12 | 2.053 | 0.0808 | 3.31 | 6.53 | 1.590 | 2.610 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 25 | 25 | 30 |
| 10 | 2.588 | 0.1019 | 5.26 | 10.38 | 1.000 | 1.640 | 40 | 50 | 55 | 30 | 40 | 45 |
| 8 | 3.264 | 0.1285 | 8.37 | 16.51 | 0.628 | 1.030 | 60 | 70 | 80 | 45 | 55 | 65 |
| 6 | 4.115 | 0.1620 | 13.30 | 26.24 | 0.395 | 0.648 | 80 | 95 | 105 | 60 | 75 | 85 |
| 4 | 5.189 | 0.2043 | 21.15 | 41.74 | 0.249 | 0.408 | 105 | 125 | 140 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
| 3 | 5.827 | 0.2294 | 26.67 | 52.62 | 0.197 | 0.324 | 120 | 145 | 165 | 95 | 115 | 130 |
| 2 | 6.544 | 0.2576 | 33.62 | 66.37 | 0.156 | 0.256 | 140 | 170 | 190 | 110 | 135 | 150 |
| 1 | 7.348 | 0.2893 | 42.41 | 83.69 | 0.124 | 0.203 | 165 | 195 | 220 | 130 | 155 | 175 |
| 1/0 | 8.251 | 0.3249 | 53.49 | 105.60 | 0.098 | 0.161 | 195 | 230 | 260 | 150 | 180 | 205 |
| 2/0 | 9.266 | 0.3648 | 67.43 | 133.10 | 0.078 | 0.128 | 225 | 265 | 300 | 175 | 210 | 235 |
| 3/0 | 10.400 | 0.4096 | 85.01 | 167.80 | 0.062 | 0.101 | 260 | 310 | 350 | 200 | 240 | 275 |
| 4/0 | 11.680 | 0.4600 | 107.20 | 211.60 | 0.049 | 0.081 | 300 | 360 | 405 | 235 | 280 | 315 |
Wire Diameter
Wire diameter decreases as AWG gauge number increases. Each increase of 6 gauge numbers approximately doubles the wire diameter.
Key Points:
- AWG 10 = 2.588mm
- AWG 16 = 1.291mm
- AWG 4 = 5.189mm
Ampacity Ratings
Ampacity is the maximum current a conductor can carry continuously without exceeding its temperature rating. Values based on NEC Table 310.16.
Temperature Ratings:
- 60°C - Standard thermoplastic (TW)
- 75°C - Heat-resistant (THHN, THWN)
- 90°C - High heat-resistant (XHHW)
Understanding the American Wire Gauge System
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) system is the standardized wire gauge measurement system used predominantly in North America for measuring the diameter of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically conducting wire. Originally developed in 1857, the AWG system provides a consistent method for specifying wire sizes across the electrical industry, ensuring safety and compatibility in electrical installations.
Inverse Scale
Smaller numbers = larger wires
Logarithmic
Each 3 AWG = 2× area change
North American
Standard in USA & Canada
How AWG Sizing Works
The AWG system is based on the number of drawing operations required to produce a given wire diameter. Starting with a reference diameter, wire is drawn through progressively smaller dies until the desired size is achieved. This historical manufacturing process explains the inverse numbering system: more drawing operations produce thinner wire with higher gauge numbers.
4/0
Largest Common
11.68mm
10
General Purpose
2.59mm
14
Branch Circuits
1.63mm
20
Low Current
0.81mm
AWG to Metric Conversion Formulas
Converting between AWG and metric measurements requires understanding the mathematical relationships in the wire gauge system. The formulas below allow precise conversion between AWG gauge numbers and metric dimensions.
Diameter Formula
This formula calculates wire diameter in millimeters from the AWG gauge number. The constants 36 and 39 define the gauge progression, while 0.127mm is the reference diameter for 36 AWG.
Cross-Sectional Area
Cross-sectional area determines current-carrying capacity. Each decrease of 3 AWG numbers approximately doubles the cross-sectional area.
Quick AWG to mm² Conversion
| AWG | 4/0 | 2/0 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mm² | 107.2 | 67.4 | 42.4 | 21.2 | 13.3 | 8.37 | 5.26 | 3.31 | 2.08 |
| Metric Equiv. | 120mm² | 70mm² | 50mm² | 25mm² | 16mm² | 10mm² | 6mm² | 4mm² | 2.5mm² |
Wire Sizing Calculators & Tools
Use our suite of electrical calculators to simplify wire sizing decisions. Each tool handles specific calculations automatically while following NEC guidelines.
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