Reference common American Wire Gauge sizes with conductor diameter, cross-sectional area, resistance, and typical ampacity values for copper wire used in electrical panels, controls, machinery, and automation systems.
This AWG wire gauge chart is useful for control panel work, machine wiring, field devices, power distribution, motor circuits, and general electrical troubleshooting. It gives a practical side-by-side reference for common copper conductor sizes.
Resistance values are especially helpful when estimating voltage drop over longer runs, while diameter and area are useful when comparing conductor size or checking fitment in terminals, wireways, and cable assemblies.
Ampacity is not one fixed number. Real allowable current depends on conductor material, insulation temperature rating, ambient temperature, bundling, conduit fill, installation method, and code rules.
This chart is especially helpful when selecting wire for sensors, valves, motors, control transformers, DC power distribution, panel wiring, and longer field runs where voltage drop starts to matter.
Start with the AWG size you are considering or the size already installed on the machine.
Use resistance per 1000 ft when estimating voltage drop across longer field runs.
Treat typical ampacity as a starting point, not the final design approval.
Use the voltage drop or wire gauge estimator before finalizing the design.
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Area (mm²) | Resistance (Ω / 1000 ft) | Typical Ampacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 0.81 | 0.52 | 10.15 | 5 A |
| 18 | 1.02 | 0.82 | 6.39 | 7 A |
| 16 | 1.29 | 1.31 | 4.02 | 10 A |
| 14 | 1.63 | 2.08 | 2.53 | 15 A |
| 12 | 2.05 | 3.31 | 1.59 | 20 A |
| 10 | 2.59 | 5.26 | 1.00 | 30 A |
| 8 | 3.26 | 8.37 | 0.63 | 40 A |
| 6 | 4.11 | 13.3 | 0.40 | 55 A |
| 4 | 5.19 | 21.1 | 0.25 | 70 A |
| 2 | 6.54 | 33.6 | 0.16 | 95 A |
| 1 | 7.35 | 42.4 | 0.13 | 110 A |
| 1/0 | 8.25 | 53.5 | 0.10 | 125 A |
| 2/0 | 9.27 | 67.4 | 0.08 | 145 A |
| 3/0 | 10.4 | 85.0 | 0.06 | 165 A |
| 4/0 | 11.7 | 107 | 0.05 | 195 A |
Quick ampacity lookup and first-pass conductor sizing estimator.
Estimate voltage drop for electrical circuits and automation systems.
Convert raw counts, voltage, or current signals into engineering units.
Calculate motor current using horsepower, voltage, efficiency, and power factor.
Use these tools as a fast starting point, then work with an integrator or electrical engineer when the design has long runs, high current, code constraints, or multiple load scenarios.
Find an IntegratorThis page is intended as a practical engineering reference for common copper conductors. Always verify final conductor sizing, insulation type, overcurrent protection, and installation requirements against applicable standards, equipment documentation, and electrical code requirements.