Convert AWG (American Wire Gauge) to square millimeters (mm²) and convert mm² to the nearest AWG size instantly. Use this free calculator and reference chart to compare wire sizes for cable assemblies, wiring harnesses, industrial equipment, automotive systems, and electrical installations.
AWG ↔ mm² Converter
AWG diameter (mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36 − AWG)/39)
Cross-sectional area (mm²) = π × (diameter/2)²
Quick Reference
- 18 AWG = 0.823 mm²
- 16 AWG = 1.31 mm²
- 14 AWG = 2.08 mm²
- 12 AWG = 3.31 mm²
- 10 AWG = 5.26 mm²
Values shown are nominal conductor cross-sectional areas based on standard AWG dimensions. Actual conductor dimensions may vary slightly depending on conductor construction and manufacturing standards.
AWG to mm² Conversion Chart
| AWG | mm² |
|---|---|
| 30 | 0.051 |
| 28 | 0.081 |
| 26 | 0.129 |
| 24 | 0.205 |
| 22 | 0.326 |
| 20 | 0.519 |
| 18 | 0.823 |
| 16 | 1.31 |
| 14 | 2.08 |
| 12 | 3.31 |
| 10 | 5.26 |
| 8 | 8.37 |
| 6 | 13.30 |
| 4 | 21.15 |
| 2 | 33.63 |
| 1 | 42.41 |
| 1/0 | 53.48 |
| 2/0 | 67.43 |
| 3/0 | 85.01 |
| 4/0 | 107.22 |
mm² to AWG Conversion Chart
| mm² | Approximate AWG |
| 0.5 | 20 AWG |
| 0.75 | 18 AWG |
| 1.0 | 17–18 AWG |
| 1.5 | 15–16 AWG |
| 2.5 | 13–14 AWG |
| 4 | 11–12 AWG |
| 6 | 9–10 AWG |
| 10 | 7–8 AWG |
| 16 | 5–6 AWG |
| 25 | 3–4 AWG |
| 35 | 2 AWG |
| 50 | 1/0 AWG |
| 70 | 2/0 AWG |
| 95 | 3/0 AWG |
| 120 | 4/0 AWG |
AWG vs mm²: Which Standard Should You Use?
The answer depends on your project requirements.
Use AWG when:
- Working with North American specifications
- Following UL standards
- Designing products for the U.S. market
Use mm² when:
- Following IEC standards
- Working with European suppliers
- Manufacturing products for global markets
Many cable assemblies and wiring harnesses require conversion between both systems during design and sourcing.
Typical Applications
Automotive Wiring Harnesses
Wire gauge conversion is frequently required when sourcing cables globally for vehicle electrical systems.
Industrial Automation
Control panels, PLC systems, sensors, and servo motors often use both AWG and metric conductor specifications.
Renewable Energy Systems
Solar installations, battery storage systems, and power distribution equipment commonly require AWG-to-mm² conversion.
Robotics and Automation
Robot cables must balance flexibility, current capacity, and durability while complying with international standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. AWG is a wire gauge system based on conductor diameter, while mm² measures the conductor’s cross-sectional area. They describe wire size differently and are not directly interchangeable.
AWG uses a logarithmic scale based on wire diameter, whereas mm² directly measures conductor area. As a result, conversions are approximate rather than exact.
In many cases, yes. However, conductor area, current load, voltage drop, insulation type, operating temperature, and applicable standards should always be verified before making substitutions.
A 2.5 mm² conductor is slightly larger than 14 AWG. The closest AWG equivalent to 2.5 mm² is approximately 13–14 AWG.
Most European cable specifications use metric conductor sizes expressed in mm² rather than AWG.
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