Printable Wire Gauge and Ampacity Chart
AWG sizes, their metric area, and the current they can carry in copper, with the metric sizes used outside North America.
How to use: This chart is a reference, not an installation design. Confirm the required size with a qualified electrician and the regulations that apply where you are.
Ampacity depends on more than gauge
The figures assume copper conductors in free air at a stated insulation temperature. Cable bundled in a conduit, run through insulation, or in a hot roof space must be derated. Local wiring regulations override any table.
AWG runs backwards
A larger number is a thinner wire. 12 AWG is thicker than 14 AWG, and 1/0 is thicker than 2 AWG. This is the opposite of the metric mm2 convention, where larger is thicker.
Metric and AWG are not equivalent
A 2.5 mm2 cable is close to 14 AWG but not identical, and a 1.5 mm2 cable sits between 15 and 16 AWG. Use the nearest size upwards when replacing, never downwards.
AWG to metric
| AWG | Area (mm2) | Diameter (mm) | 60 C copper | 75 C copper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 0.823 | 1.02 | 7 A | 10 A |
| 16 | 1.31 | 1.29 | 10 A | 13 A |
| 14 | 2.08 | 1.63 | 15 A | 20 A |
| 12 | 3.31 | 2.05 | 20 A | 25 A |
| 10 | 5.26 | 2.59 | 30 A | 35 A |
| 8 | 8.37 | 3.26 | 40 A | 50 A |
| 6 | 13.3 | 4.11 | 55 A | 65 A |
| 4 | 21.2 | 5.19 | 70 A | 85 A |
| 2 | 33.6 | 6.54 | 95 A | 115 A |
| 1/0 | 53.5 | 8.25 | 125 A | 150 A |
Metric cable sizes
| mm2 | Approx AWG | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 | 18-19 | Lamps, small electronics |
| 1.0 | 17-18 | Lighting circuits |
| 1.5 | 15-16 | Lighting, short runs |
| 2.5 | 13-14 | Socket outlets |
| 4.0 | 11-12 | Cookers, showers |
| 6.0 | 9-10 | Sub-mains |
| 10 | 7-8 | Service feeds |
| 16 | 5-6 | Meter tails |