AWG ↔ mm²

AWG to mm² table and reverse converter mm² → AWG. Conductor diameter, ampacity, metric equivalent for each American Wire Gauge caliber.

Converter

Select AWG

AWG

Cross-section

2.08 mm²

Diameter

1.628 mm

Metric equivalent

2.5 mm²

CURRENT IN CABLE

15 A

OPEN CURRENT

20 A

Application: Outlet circuits 15 A, lighting

Popular equivalences

AWG 142.08 mm²≈ 2.5 mm²15 A outlets (US)

AWG 123.31 mm²≈ 4 mm²20 A outlets (US)

AWG 105.26 mm²≈ 6 mm²AC units, cooktops 30 A

AWG 88.37 mm²≈ 6–10 mm²Dryers, large loads

AWG 613.3 mm²≈ 10 mm²Cooktops 40 A, subpanels

Conversion formula

d (mm) = 0.127 × 92 ^ ((36 − AWG) / 39)
S (mm²) = π/4 × d²

AWG 14: d = 0.127 × 92^(22/39) = 1.628 mm → S = 2.08 mm²

IMPORTANT WHEN REPLACING

AWG has no direct metric equivalents. When replacing AWG cable with metric, always choose larger cross-section: AWG 14 → 2.5 mm², AWG 12 → 4 mm², AWG 10 → 6 mm².

AWG table — cross-section mm² and permissible current

AWG	Diameter, mm	Section, mm²	Metric equivalent	In-cable current, A	Open current, A	Application
AWG 0	8.251	53.48	50 mm²	150	200	Main entry, busbar
AWG 1	7.348	42.41	35 mm²	130	170	Input lines, three-phase feeders
AWG 2	6.544	33.63	35 mm²	115	150	Subpanels, large loads
AWG 3	5.827	26.67	25 mm²	100	130	Subpanels, industrial equipment
AWG 4	5.189	21.15	16 mm²	85	110	Cooktops 50 A, subpanels
AWG 6	4.115	13.3	10 mm²	65	85	Cooktops 40 A, air conditioners
AWG 8	3.264	8.37	6 mm²	50	65	Dryers, large air conditioners
AWG 10	2.588	5.26	6 mm²	30	40	Cooktops 30 A, air conditioners
AWG 12	2.053	3.31	4 mm²	20	25	Kitchen outlets 20 A, bathroom
AWG 14	1.628	2.08	2.5 mm²	15	20	Outlet circuits 15 A, lighting
AWG 16	1.291	1.31	1.5 mm²	13	18	Lighting, small appliances
AWG 18	1.024	0.82	1.0 mm²	10	14	Lighting, low-voltage circuits
AWG 20	0.812	0.52	0.5 mm²	7	11	Signal circuits, electronics
AWG 22	0.644	0.33	0.35 mm²	5	7	Signal wires, bus cables
AWG 24	0.511	0.2	0.2 mm²	3	5	Low-current circuits, patch cables

AWG and metric system — what is the difference?

American Wire Gauge (AWG) is an American system for denoting wire cross-sections where a larger number means a smaller cross-section. AWG 14 = 2.08 mm², AWG 12 = 3.31 mm², AWG 10 = 5.26 mm². In Europe, the metric system (mm²) is used.

When working with imported equipment from the USA (generators, inverters, charging stations), it is important to correctly determine the cable cross-section. AWG has no direct metric equivalents — always choose a metric cross-section larger than or equal to the AWG equivalent.

Conversion formula: d (mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36−AWG)/39). Cross-section S (mm²) = π/4 × d². For practical use, it is more convenient to use a reference table or our converter.

When designing a panel, it is important to consider not only the cross-section but also the permissible current for the specific installation method (in cable, in air, in conduit). For example, AWG 14 (2.08 mm²) has a permissible current of 15 A in cable but 20 A in open wiring. Our cable cross-section calculator takes into account all factors: length, material, installation method.

For three-phase schemes with American equipment (generators, inverters), it is important to correctly select the cross-section for each phase and neutral. AWG 6 (13.3 mm²) corresponds to 10 mm² metric — sufficient for 40 A three-phase load. Check phase balance in the phase balance calculator.

Frequently asked questions about AWG

AWG 14 — how many mm²?

AWG 14 = 2.08 mm². Conductor diameter 1.628 mm. Max current: 15 A (in cable). Metric equivalent — 2.5 mm². Used in the US for 15 A outlet circuits.

AWG 12 — how many mm²?

AWG 12 = 3.31 mm². Conductor diameter 2.053 mm. Max current: 20 A (in cable). Metric equivalent — 4 mm². Kitchen outlets and bathroom circuits in the US.

How to convert AWG to mm²?

Formula: d (mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36−AWG)/39), S (mm²) = π/4 × d². AWG 10: d = 2.588 mm, S = 5.26 mm². Or use the table above.

AWG 10 — how many mm²?

AWG 10 = 5.26 mm². Conductor diameter 2.588 mm. Max current: 30 A (in cable). Metric equivalent — 6 mm². Cooktops and air conditioners in the US.

Why doesn't AWG map directly to mm² — no exact equivalent?

AWG and the metric system use different standard gauge series. AWG 14 (2.08 mm²) falls between 1.5 mm² and 2.5 mm². When substituting, always choose the larger metric cross-section: AWG 14 → 2.5 mm², AWG 12 → 4 mm², AWG 10 → 6 mm².

8 AWG — how many mm²?

AWG 8 = 8.37 mm². Conductor diameter 3.264 mm. Max current: 50 A in cable, 65 A in open air. Metric equivalent — 6 mm² (or 10 mm² with margin). Used for dryers and large air conditioners in the US.

2 AWG — how many mm²?

AWG 2 = 33.63 mm². Conductor diameter 6.544 mm. Max current: 115 A in cable, 150 A in open air. Metric equivalent — 35 mm². Used for subpanels and large loads in US buildings.

Tools

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