How to Calculate the Diameter of a Stranded Cable
The following formulas can be used to calculate the approximate overall diameter of a multi-strand cable when both the diameter of an individual strand and the total number of strands are known.
The Formulas
First, you need to find the total cross-sectional area of all strands combined, then use that to find the approximate diameter.
- Area of a single strand (s) = (πd²) / 4
- Total Area of all strands (S) = s × n
- Approximate Diameter (D) = √((4S) / π)
| Variable Legend | |
|---|---|
| s | Area of a single strand |
| d | Diameter of a single strand |
| D | Approximate diameter of the total bundle of strands |
| S | Total area of all strands combined |
| n | Number of strands |
| π | Pi (≈ 3.14159) |
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Let's find the approximate diameter for a cable having 41 strands of 0.20mm wire.
- Calculate the area of a single strand (s):
(3.14159 × 0.20²) / 4 = 0.0314 mm² - Calculate the total area for all 41 strands (S):
0.0314 mm² × 41 = 1.2874 mm² - Calculate the final approximate diameter (D):
√((4 × 1.2874) / 3.14159) = √(1.64) = 1.28mm
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