CABLE SIZING REFERENCE
AWG vs mm² Cable Size: Complete Conversion & Selection Guide
A practical international reference for comparing American Wire Gauge with metric conductor cross-sectional area.
Electrical cable sizes are commonly described using two different systems: AWG (American Wire Gauge) and square millimetres (mm²). If you work with international equipment, drawings, solar systems, machinery or electrical specifications, you may encounter both. Although conversion tables are useful, choosing a cable safely requires more than matching two numbers.
What is AWG?
AWG is commonly encountered in North American specifications. A smaller AWG number represents a larger conductor diameter.
What does mm² mean?
Metric cable sizing states the conductor’s nominal cross-sectional area. A 10 mm² conductor has a larger nominal area than a 6 mm² conductor.
Common AWG to mm² conversion chart
| AWG | Approx. conductor area (mm²) |
|---|---|
| 18 | 0.823 |
| 16 | 1.31 |
| 14 | 2.08 |
| 12 | 3.31 |
| 10 | 5.26 |
| 8 | 8.37 |
| 6 | 13.3 |
| 4 | 21.2 |
| 2 | 33.6 |
| 1/0 | 53.5 |
Why conversion alone is not enough
Two conductors with similar cross-sectional areas are not necessarily interchangeable. Cable selection can depend on conductor material, insulation temperature rating, installation method, ambient temperature, grouping, circuit length, permissible voltage drop, fault conditions and the electrical code or standard applicable to the project.
AWG vs mm² example
For example, 10 AWG has a conductor area of roughly 5.26 mm². A project specification written around metric standard sizes might use a nearby standard metric size, but that does not mean a particular metric cable automatically has the same allowable current or installation rating. The complete cable construction and installation conditions still need to be checked.
What to check before selecting a cable
The expected continuous electrical load.
Especially important on longer cable runs.
Conductor material and insulation construction.
Conduit, tray, underground, open air, grouping and local rules.
Related cable guides
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Frequently asked questions
Is 12 AWG exactly the same as 4 mm²?
No. 12 AWG has a calculated conductor area of about 3.31 mm². A 4 mm² metric conductor is therefore larger in nominal cross-sectional area. Whether either is suitable depends on the circuit design and applicable standard.
Which is bigger: 10 AWG or 12 AWG?
10 AWG is larger. In the AWG system, lower gauge numbers indicate larger conductors.
Can I use this table to determine amp capacity?
No. Ampacity/current-carrying capacity depends on more than conductor area. Cable construction, insulation rating, installation method, ambient conditions and applicable standards must be considered.
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