Reference Table
Wire Gauge Tables
AWG (American Wire Gauge) and SWG (Standard Wire Gauge) tables with diameter, cross-sectional area, and current carrying capacity for electrical wiring.
4 min readUpdated July 2026
AWG Wire Sizes
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Area (mm²) | Ampacity (A, copper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 1.63 | 2.08 | 15 |
| 12 | 2.05 | 3.31 | 20 |
| 10 | 2.59 | 5.26 | 30 |
| 8 | 3.26 | 8.37 | 40 |
| 6 | 4.12 | 13.3 | 55 |
| 4 | 5.19 | 21.2 | 70 |
| 2 | 6.54 | 33.6 | 95 |
| 1/0 | 8.25 | 53.5 | 125 |
| 2/0 | 9.27 | 67.4 | 145 |
| 4/0 | 11.68 | 107.2 | 195 |
Metric Wire Sizes (IEC)
| Size (mm²) | Ampacity (A, copper) | Typical application |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 16 | Lighting circuits |
| 2.5 | 25 | Power outlets |
| 4 | 32 | Power circuits |
| 6 | 40 | Sub-mains |
| 10 | 50 | Sub-mains, large loads |
| 16 | 65 | Distribution |
| 25 | 85 | Distribution |
| 35 | 105 | Main feeds |
| 50 | 130 | Main feeds |
| 70 | 160 | Large industrial |
| 95 | 195 | Large industrial |
| 120 | 220 | Main switchboard |
Ampacity derating
The ampacity values above are for single cables in free air at 30°C ambient. For cables in conduit, grouped with other cables, or in higher ambient temperatures, apply derating factors (typically 0.7–0.9). Always consult AS/NZS 3000 or local wiring rules for installation-specific calculations.
How CHI can help
Ask CHI about wire sizing and to recommend appropriate cable sizes for your electrical loads. The CHI assistant can look up specific values, explain what each table entry means, and help you cross-reference between different standards and unit systems.