AWG to mm² Conversion: The Complete Wire Gauge Reference

Comprehensive AWG to mm² conversion table with resistance values, current ratings, and practical guidance for wire gauge selection.

📅 June 9, 2026 ✍️ CoreCalx Team

AWGwire gaugeconversion

How AWG Works

AWG is counterintuitive: smaller gauge numbers mean larger wire diameters. The gauge number represents the number of drawing operations needed to produce the wire. More draws = thinner wire = higher gauge number.

Complete Conversion Table

AWG	mm²	Ω/km (Cu)	Max A*
4/0	107.2	0.161	260
2/0	67.4	0.256	195
2	33.6	0.513	130
6	13.3	1.296	65
10	5.26	3.277	35
12	3.31	5.211	25
14	2.08	8.284	20
16	1.31	13.17	15
18	0.82	20.95	10
20	0.52	33.31	5

* Max current is a rough guide for chassis wiring at 30°C ambient.

Key Rule: Every 3 AWG steps = approximately 2× the cross-sectional area and half the resistance. AWG 12 ≈ 3.3 mm², AWG 14 ≈ 2.1 mm². Use our Unit Conversion Calculator or Cable Calculator for automatic conversion.

Metric to AWG Approximation

mm²	Closest AWG	Typical Use
1.5	16	Lighting (EU standard)
2.5	14	Power sockets (EU standard)
4	12	Heavy power (EU standard)
6	10	Sub-mains
10	8	Feeder cables

Stranded vs Solid

The AWG/mm² values are for the copper cross-sectional area — stranded wire has a slightly larger overall diameter due to air gaps between strands, but the same electrical properties. For installations subject to vibration or movement, always use stranded wire.

Use our Cable Cross-Section Calculator which displays both AWG and mm² results automatically.