AWG to mm² Converter

Exact area for any AWG size, and the nearest standard metric cable size.

AWG to mm²

mm² to AWG

AWG to mm² table

Area of each AWG size, the nearest IEC 60228 metric size, and the smallest metric size at least as large.
AWG	Area (mm²)	Nearest metric (mm²)	Next metric at least as large (mm²)
20	0.5176	0.5	0.75
18	0.823	0.75	1
16	1.309	1.5	1.5
14	2.081	2.5	2.5
12	3.309	4	4
10	5.261	6	6
8	8.366	10	10
6	13.3	16	16
4	21.15	25	25
3	26.67	25	35
2	33.63	35	35
1	42.41	35	50
1/0	53.48	50	70
2/0	67.43	70	70
3/0	85.03	95	95
4/0	107.2	95	120

Use this next

Wire gauge chart Every AWG size with diameter, area, resistance and amps. Wire size calculator Wire size from amps, voltage and length, with voltage drop.

AWG sizes are defined by diameter, while metric cable sizes (IEC 60228) are named by cross-sectional area in square millimeters. The two series don't line up: 2.5 mm² sits between 14 AWG (2.08 mm²) and 12 AWG (3.31 mm²), at about 13.2 AWG.

Choose a gauge to see its exact area and the nearest metric size, or type an area in mm² to see the equivalent AWG and the smallest AWG at least that large. When substituting one system for the other, round to the larger wire, never the smaller: a smaller cross-section carries less current and drops more voltage.

Metric sizes in the table are the standard series from IEC 60228: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2.5, 4, 6, 10, 16, 25, 35, 50 mm² and up. Wiring rules outside the US set their own current ratings for these sizes, so use this page to compare sizes, not to rate a metric cable.

Frequently asked questions

What is 12 AWG in mm²?

3.31 mm². The nearest standard metric size is 4 mm²; 2.5 mm² is smaller than 12 AWG.

What is 14 AWG in mm²?

2.08 mm². The nearest standard metric size is 2.5 mm².

What is 10 AWG in mm²?

5.26 mm². The nearest standard metric size is 6 mm².

What AWG is 2.5 mm²?

About 13.2 AWG. The next larger AWG size is 13 AWG, and the next common building-wire size is 12 AWG.

Can I replace a metric cable with the nearest AWG size?

Only with one at least as large. Compare the areas in mm², pick the AWG whose area is equal or bigger, and check its ampacity under the rules where it will be installed.