AWG ↔ mm² converter
Translate American Wire Gauge into square millimetres (and back) to compare US and metric cables.
Saved you some time? Pass it on to a colleague.
Was this helpful?
How it is calculated
AWG is a logarithmic scale: every 3 gauge numbers the cross-section roughly halves, and a smaller number means a thicker wire.
d (mm) = 0.127 · 92^((36 − n) / 39)
A (mm²) = π / 4 · d²
For 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 use n = 0, −1, −2 and −3. The equivalent metric size is the standard size equal to or just above the AWG cross-section.
Frequently asked questions
What is 12 AWG in mm²?
3.31 mm². The nearest standard metric size is 4 mm² (2.5 mm² is smaller).
Is a higher or lower AWG thicker?
Lower. 10 AWG is thicker than 14 AWG and carries more current.
What is kcmil?
Thousand circular mils, the US unit for large conductors: 1 kcmil = 0.5067 mm².