AWG to mm: How to Convert Wire Gauge to Diameter
Short answer: Look up the AWG value in the reference table below to find the diameter in millimetres. Or use the formula D(mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36-AWG)/39) for any AWG value, including fractional. Common Australian cable sizes are highlighted at the bottom.
Most networking, audio and imported electronics cable is rated in AWG (American Wire Gauge) rather than millimetres. Australian installers need to convert constantly to compare specifications, check compatibility, and select appropriate conduit or hardware. This page gives you both the lookup table and the formula.
AWG to mm Reference Table
Use the table below as a quick reference to find the American Wire Gauge (AWG) value for a given solid conductor diameter in millimetres (mm), or to find the diameter from a known AWG value.
| Wire Diameter (mm) | AWG Value | Wire Diameter (mm) | AWG Value | Wire Diameter (mm) | AWG Value | Wire Diameter (mm) | AWG Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.12 | 5/0 | 3.67 | 7 | 1.024 | 18 | 0.286 | 29 |
| 11.68 | 4/0 | 3.26 | 8 | 0.912 | 19 | 0.255 | 30 |
| 10.40 | 3/0 | 2.91 | 9 | 0.812 | 20 | 0.227 | 31 |
| 9.27 | 2/0 | 2.59 | 10 | 0.723 | 21 | 0.202 | 32 |
| 8.25 | 0 | 2.30 | 11 | 0.644 | 22 | 0.180 | 33 |
| 7.35 | 1 | 2.05 | 12 | 0.573 | 23 | 0.160 | 34 |
| 6.54 | 2 | 1.83 | 13 | 0.511 | 24 | 0.143 | 35 |
| 5.83 | 3 | 1.63 | 14 | 0.455 | 25 | 0.127 | 36 |
| 5.19 | 4 | 1.45 | 15 | 0.405 | 26 | 0.113 | 37 |
| 4.62 | 5 | 1.29 | 16 | 0.361 | 27 | 0.101 | 38 |
| 4.11 | 6 | 1.15 | 17 | 0.321 | 28 | 0.0897 | 39 |
Common Cable AWG-to-mm Conversions
The most frequent conversions Australian installers need:
| Cable Type | AWG | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Cat5e network cable | 24 AWG | 0.51 mm |
| Cat6 network cable | 23 AWG | 0.57 mm |
| Cat6A network cable | 23 AWG | 0.57 mm |
| Speaker cable (light) | 18 AWG | 1.02 mm |
| Speaker cable (heavy) | 14 AWG | 1.63 mm |
| Mains power cord | 14-12 AWG | 1.63-2.05 mm |
Formula for Calculating Diameter from AWG
To calculate the diameter (in mm) of a solid conductor from a known AWG value, use this formula:
D(mm) = 0.127 × 92(36 - AWG) / 39
Example Calculation
To find the diameter of a 14 AWG wire:
- Calculate the exponent: (36 - 14) / 39 = 0.5641
- Calculate the power of 92: 920.5641 = 12.82
- Calculate the final diameter: 0.127 × 12.82 = 1.63mm
Related Calculators & References
- AWG Overview - understand the AWG system and key rules of thumb
- AWG Calculator by Area - find AWG from a known cross-sectional area (mm²)
- AWG Calculator for Stranded Wire - equivalent AWG for stranded conductors
- How to Calculate Cable Diameter - formula for stranded cable bundles
- How to Calculate Cable Area - cross-sectional area formulas
- AWG Reference Table - complete specs including weight and DC resistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert AWG to mm?
Either look up the value in the reference table above, or use the formula D(mm) = 0.127 × 92^((36-AWG)/39). For example, 14 AWG = 1.63mm diameter.
What is 14 AWG in mm?
14 AWG wire has a diameter of 1.63mm.
What is 18 AWG in mm?
18 AWG wire has a diameter of 1.024mm.
What is 22 AWG in mm?
22 AWG wire has a diameter of 0.644mm.
What is 24 AWG in mm?
24 AWG wire has a diameter of 0.511mm. This is the standard conductor size used in Cat5e network cable.
Why does Australia use mm but Cat6 cable is rated in AWG?
Australia officially uses the metric system, but most networking cable is manufactured to international standards that specify AWG. Cable suppliers (including Access Communications) typically list both AWG and mm² in product specifications. See our AWG overview for more on this.
How do I measure wire diameter?
Use vernier calipers or a micrometer for accurate measurement. Measure the bare conductor at multiple points and average the readings. Don't include the insulation in your measurement. For stranded wire, you cannot measure overall diameter directly because of air gaps. See our cable diameter calculator.
Is wire diameter the same as wire size?
Not exactly. Wire "size" can refer to either diameter (mm) or cross-sectional area (mm²). AWG specifically reflects diameter, but in Australian practice, mm² is used more commonly because it directly relates to current-carrying capacity. Always check which measurement a specification is using.
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