AWG Copper Wire Reference Chart
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.
| 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 |
What this chart is good for
- Quick conductor size comparison
- Checking wire resistance for voltage drop work
- Panel and machine wiring reference
- Motor and device feed planning
- Cross-checking rough ampacity assumptions
Important ampacity reminder
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. Treat the values above as practical reference values, not final code approval.
Common automation use cases
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.
Need help with electrical sizing on a real machine?
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.