mm² to AWG converter: cable size to gauge
Helps when buying American wire or equipment that asks for an AWG size instead of a metric one.
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How to use it
- Enter cross-section.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Each gauge area is π / 4 × (0.127 × 92^((36 − n) / 39))² mm². We pick the gauge with the closest area, and the thinnest gauge whose area is equal or larger.
Example
Inputs: Cross-section = 2.5 mm². Result: Nearest AWG: 13; Area of that gauge: 2.624 mm²; Thinnest AWG not below this area: 13.
Limits and caveats
- An equivalent area does not guarantee the same current rating; check the ampacity table in your code.
- The real area of a stranded cable can differ slightly from its nominal size.
Questions about this tool
What AWG is a 2.5 mm² cable?
The nearest is 13 AWG at 2.63 mm²; in the US market 12 or 14 AWG are the common sizes around it.
What AWG is a 1.5 mm² cable?
The nearest is 15 AWG at 1.65 mm², between 14 and 16 AWG.
Why does the tool show two gauges?
The first has the closest area; the second is the thinnest gauge with at least your area, the safer pick when substituting cable.