Wire Gauge Converter (AWG ↔ mm²)

American Wire Gauge to metric cross-section

⚡ Convert AWG sizes to metric mm² and back. ⚠️ Ampacity depends on insulation, installation method and temperature — for real wiring follow the NEC and local code; see NFPA (NEC publisher).
AWG → mm²
mm² → nearest AWG
AWG Chart (area · nearest metric · ampacity)
AWGAreaNearest metricAmpacity (A)†
4/0 AWG107.22 ㎟95 ㎟230
3/0 AWG85.03 ㎟70 ㎟200
2/0 AWG67.43 ㎟70 ㎟175
1/0 AWG53.48 ㎟50 ㎟150
1 AWG42.41 ㎟35~50 ㎟130
2 AWG33.63 ㎟35 ㎟115
4 AWG21.15 ㎟25 ㎟85
6 AWG13.30 ㎟16 ㎟65
8 AWG8.37 ㎟10 ㎟50
10 AWG5.26 ㎟6 ㎟35*
12 AWG3.31 ㎟4 ㎟25*
14 AWG2.08 ㎟2.5 ㎟20*
16 AWG1.31 ㎟1.5 ㎟-
18 AWG0.82 ㎟0.75~1.0 ㎟-
20 AWG0.52 ㎟0.5 ㎟-
22 AWG0.33 ㎟0.3 ㎟-
24 AWG0.20 ㎟0.2 ㎟-
† NEC 310.16 reference, copper conductor at 75°C. *Sizes 14/12/10 AWG are limited to 15A/20A/30A breakers by code. Always verify with the current NEC and local regulations.
FAQ
Is a higher AWG number thicker?
No — AWG runs backwards. Smaller numbers are thicker, and aught sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0) are thicker still. Example: 24 AWG ≈ 0.2 mm², 10 AWG ≈ 5.26 mm², 4/0 ≈ 107 mm².
What is 14 AWG in mm²?
About 2.08 mm² — closest to the common metric size 2.5 mm². When substituting, use an equal or larger cross-section.
Can I wire directly from this ampacity chart?
The values are NEC 75°C copper references. Real ampacity depends on insulation type, installation method, ambient temperature and bundling — follow the current NEC and local code, and leave fixed wiring to qualified electricians.
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AWG vs. mm²

American Wire Gauge runs backwards — smaller numbers mean thicker wire, with 1/0 through 4/0 above size 1. Metric sizing (IEC) simply states the conductor cross-section in mm². When substituting, pick a metric size equal to or one step larger than the AWG area. The converter uses the exact AWG formula (diameter = 0.127×92^((36−n)/39) mm).

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