Wire Gauge (AWG) Calculator

Find the right wire size for your current requirements and calculate voltage drop.

Calculate

Current Required

Wire Length (one way)

System Voltage

AWG Reference

AWG 10

2.59mm

15A

AWG 12

2.05mm

9.3A

AWG 14

1.63mm

5.9A

AWG 16

1.29mm

3.7A

AWG 18

1.02mm

2.3A

AWG 20

0.81mm

1.5A

AWG 22

0.64mm

0.92A

AWG 24

0.51mm

0.577A

Smaller AWG number = thicker wire

Recommended Wire Gauge

Diameter

2.305 mm

Cross Section

4.170 mm²

Resistance

4.13 Ω/km

Max Current

12 A

Voltage Drop (round trip)

0.248 V (2.07%)

Important Notes

• Current ratings are for copper wire at 30°C ambient
• Derate by 20% for higher temperatures or bundled wires
• Voltage drop calculated for round-trip (positive + negative)
• For automotive applications, use chassis wiring ratings
• Always verify local electrical codes for your application

AWG Reference Chart

AWG	Diameter (mm)	Area (mm²)	Ω/km	Max A (chassis)	Max A (power)
4	5.19	21.15	0.815	135	60
6	4.12	13.30	1.30	101	37
8	3.26	8.37	2.06	73	24
10	2.59	5.26	3.28	55	15
12	2.05	3.31	5.21	41	9.3
14	1.63	2.08	8.29	32	5.9
16	1.29	1.31	13.2	22	3.7
18	1.02	0.823	21.0	16	2.3
20	0.812	0.518	33.3	11	1.5
22	0.644	0.326	53.0	7	0.92
24	0.511	0.205	84.2	3.5	0.58
26	0.405	0.129	134	2.2	0.36

Understanding AWG

What is AWG?

American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardized system for wire diameters. Lower numbers indicate thicker wires. Each 6 gauge decrease doubles the cross-sectional area.

AWG vs Metric

While AWG is common in North America, metric sizing (mm²) is used internationally. AWG 10 ≈ 5.26 mm², AWG 14 ≈ 2.08 mm².

Current Ratings

Two ratings exist: chassis wiring (bundled in conduit) and power transmission (open air). Use chassis ratings for enclosed wiring; power ratings for well-ventilated runs.