What is Wire Gauge Converter?
A wire gauge converter is a free online tool that instantly converts between different wire sizing systems used worldwide. Whether you're working with electrical wiring, electronics, or engineering projects, this tool converts between AWG (American Wire Gauge), SWG (Standard Wire Gauge), millimeters, inches, and circular mils.
Steps:
- Select your current wire gauge system from the dropdown
- Enter the wire gauge size in the input field
- Select the target system you want to convert to
- View the converted size and diameter in millimeters
Use Cases
- Electrical wiring projects and installations
- Electronics and circuit design
- Comparing wire sizes across different standards
- Selecting appropriate wire for current capacity
Key Benefits
- Instant conversion between 5 wire gauge systems
- Full reference table with common wire sizes
- Based on ASTM and BS international standards
- Includes diameter in mm and inches for reference
Pro Tips
- Lower gauge numbers mean thicker wire in both AWG and SWG
- For household wiring, typical sizes are AWG 14 (15A) and AWG 12 (20A)
- Always use the appropriate wire gauge for your current requirements
- Consider voltage drop for long wire runs — use thicker wire
Key Terms Explained
- AWG (American Wire Gauge): Standard wire sizing system used in North America
- SWG (Standard Wire Gauge): Imperial wire sizing system used in the UK
- Circular Mil: Unit of area equal to a circle with 0.001 inch diameter
- Ampacity: The maximum current a wire can safely carry without overheating