🔌 Wire Gauge Calculator (AWG)
Convert American Wire Gauge to diameter, cross-section and a typical current rating — or work backwards from the amps you need.
About wire gauge (AWG)
American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a logarithmic scale: a smaller number means a thicker wire. Each 6-gauge step roughly doubles the diameter, and each 3-gauge step doubles the cross-sectional area. Diameter follows a fixed formula, so this tool computes mm and mm² exactly; the current rating (ampacity) shown is a common reference figure.
Safety: ampacity depends on insulation type, ambient temperature, bundling and length (voltage drop). These figures are a guide only — always follow your local electrical code (NEC, IEC) and the wire/insulation rating for real installations.
Picks the smallest gauge whose reference ampacity meets your current. Add margin for long runs (voltage drop) and high ambient temperature.