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Reference Chart

Wire Gauge Chart

Look up AWG wire sizes from 0000 to 40. Find diameter in inches and mm, cross-section area, resistance, and max ampacity for copper wire.

AWG Gauge ▲	Diameter (in) ▲	Diameter (mm) ▲	Area (kcmil) ▲	Resistance (Ω/1000ft) ▲	Max Amps (copper) ▲
0000 (4/0)	0.4600	11.684	211.6	0.0490	230
000 (3/0)	0.4096	10.404	167.8	0.0618	200
00 (2/0)	0.3648	9.266	133.1	0.0780	175
0 (1/0)	0.3249	8.252	105.5	0.0983	150
1	0.2893	7.348	83.69	0.1240	130
2	0.2576	6.544	66.37	0.1563	115
3	0.2294	5.827	52.63	0.1970	100
4	0.2043	5.189	41.74	0.2485	85
6	0.1620	4.115	26.25	0.3951	65
8	0.1285	3.264	16.51	0.6282	50
10	0.1019	2.588	10.38	0.9989	35
12	0.0808	2.053	6.530	1.588	25
14	0.0641	1.628	4.107	2.525	20
16	0.0508	1.291	2.583	4.016	13
18	0.0403	1.024	1.624	6.385	10
20	0.0320	0.812	1.022	10.15	7.5
22	0.0253	0.644	0.6424	16.14	5
24	0.0201	0.511	0.4040	25.67	3.5
26	0.0159	0.405	0.2541	40.81	2.2
28	0.0126	0.321	0.1598	64.90	1.4
30	0.0100	0.255	0.1005	103.2	0.86
32	0.0080	0.202	0.0632	164.1	0.53
34	0.0063	0.160	0.0398	260.9	0.33
36	0.0050	0.127	0.0250	414.8	0.21
38	0.0040	0.102	0.0159	659.6	0.13
40	0.0031	0.080	0.0099	1049	0.09

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Notes on This Chart

Max amps are for copper wire in free air at 30°C ambient. Derate for bundled or enclosed runs.
Resistance values are for annealed copper at 20°C (68°F).
For aluminum wire, max amps are about 80% of copper values.
Always follow NEC or local code for final wire sizing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does AWG stand for?

AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. It is a standard system for measuring wire diameter. A smaller AWG number means a thicker wire. A larger AWG number means a thinner wire.

Why does a smaller AWG number mean a bigger wire?

The AWG system is based on the number of drawing steps needed to make the wire. More steps make the wire thinner, which gives it a higher gauge number. Fewer steps make a thicker wire with a lower gauge number.

How do I pick the right wire gauge?

Start with the current your circuit needs. Then check the max amps column for copper wire. Pick a gauge that handles your current with room to spare. Also think about wire length. Longer runs need thicker wire to avoid voltage drop.

What is the difference between solid and stranded wire?

Solid wire is one thick strand. It is stiff and holds its shape. Stranded wire is many thin strands twisted together. It bends easily and fits through tight spaces. Both use the same AWG sizes.

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