AWG to Millimeters Converter
Use this converter to quickly transform AWG (American Wire Gauge) values into millimeters. Useful tool for electrical professionals and students.
Enter the diameter value in AWG.
Enter a valid value to see the result.
How the AWG to Millimeters Calculator Works and Why It Is Useful
The AWG to Millimeters calculator converts American Wire Gauge (AWG) numbers into a wire diameter measured in millimeters. AWG is a standardized wire gauge system used primarily in North America to classify the diameter of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically conducting wire. The relationship between AWG and physical diameter is logarithmic, meaning each change in gauge corresponds to a fixed ratio in diameter rather than a fixed linear difference.
The calculator uses the standard AWG formula for diameter. In metric terms the formula can be written as:
diameter (mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36 - AWG) / 39)
That formula produces the conductor diameter for a solid round wire. Converting AWG to millimeters is useful for electricians, engineers, technicians, hobbyists, and students. Common tasks that require this conversion include selecting the right wire for a circuit, checking replacement wires, converting legacy specifications to metric units, and calculating cross-sectional area for resistance and current capacity estimations.
How to Use the Calculator (Step by Step)
Follow these simple steps to get an accurate AWG to millimeters conversion with the online tool.
- Find the input field labeled "Diameter in AWG". This is where you enter the AWG value you want to convert.
- Type the AWG number into the input. You can enter integers or decimals if you need intermediate gauge values. Use the placeholder "Enter value in AWG" as a guide.
- If you make a mistake, click the Clear button. The clear button also has the aria label "Clear input field" for screen reader accessibility.
- After entering a valid AWG value, the calculator will display the result as "Diameter in Millimeters" and a result sentence such as "12 AWG is equivalent to 2.053 mm in diameter."
- If you need to reverse the conversion and convert from millimeters to AWG, use the provided link "Convert from Millimeters to AWG".
Tip: Enter a valid numeric value to see the result. The tool assumes solid conductor diameter. For stranded wire, use the equivalent solid conductor diameter or consult strand-specific charts.
Input and Output Details
- Input label: Diameter in AWG
- Input help text: Enter the diameter value in AWG.
- Input placeholder: Enter value in AWG
- Output label: Diameter in Millimeters
- Clear button text: Clear
- Result text pattern: {awg} AWG is equivalent to {mm} mm in diameter.
Practical Examples of Use
Below are practical examples showing common AWG values converted to millimeters. These examples help you match wire sizes to metric specifications, compare wiring options, and estimate conductor area.
Example 1: 12 AWG (common household wiring)
Calculation using the formula gives a diameter of approximately 2.053 mm. The calculator will show the result sentence: "12 AWG is equivalent to 2.053 mm in diameter." This size is commonly used for 20 A circuits in household wiring when using copper conductors.
Example 2: 14 AWG (lighting and general circuits)
14 AWG converts to about 1.628 mm diameter. The result sentence will read: "14 AWG is equivalent to 1.628 mm in diameter." This is a typical size for 15 A circuits and lighter loads.
Example 3: 18 AWG (small electronics and instrumentation)
18 AWG converts to about 1.024 mm diameter. The displayed result will be: "18 AWG is equivalent to 1.024 mm in diameter." This gauge is common for internal chassis wiring, small devices, and signal lines.
Example 4: 24 AWG (data and telephone lines)
24 AWG converts to approximately 0.511 mm diameter. The calculator will output: "24 AWG is equivalent to 0.511 mm in diameter." This size appears frequently in patch cables, telephone wiring, and short power leads on small devices.
Example 5: 30 AWG (fine wires and enameled magnet wire)
30 AWG converts to about 0.255 mm diameter. The result sentence will be: "30 AWG is equivalent to 0.255 mm in diameter." Fine enameled wires, headphone leads, and precision winding applications often use these very small diameters.
How to use these results
- To estimate conductor cross-sectional area in square millimeters, use area = pi × (diameter / 2)^2.
- Use the cross-sectional area with material resistivity to estimate DC resistance per meter, useful for voltage drop calculations.
- Remember that insulation thickness, strand construction, and temperature rating affect current capacity. The converter provides diameter only.
Conclusion: Benefits of Using the AWG to Millimeters Calculator
Converting AWG to millimeters quickly and accurately helps you make informed decisions when selecting wire, verifying replacements, and translating specifications between imperial and metric systems. The calculator saves time, reduces guesswork, and helps avoid costly mistakes caused by incorrect wire sizing. It is accessible, easy to use, and suitable for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Key benefits include improved accuracy, faster specification checks, easy reversing to metric-to-AWG conversions via the provided link, and clarity when working with international standards. For the most reliable results, remember to consider stranded wire equivalence, insulation, and application-specific ratings in addition to the conductor diameter.