AWG to mm2 Chart

Use this chart when a U.S. AWG conductor needs an approximate metric area label for datasheet review, drawing notes, or purchasing discussions.

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Quick reference table

AWG-to-mm2 is an area cross-reference, not an ampacity approval. It helps a foreman, designer, or purchasing team translate conductor metal area between AWG and metric notation. The final U.S. installation still needs the actual conductor type, insulation, terminal rating, ampacity, and equipment listing checked separately.

Common branch-circuit AWG area cross-reference

Common branch-circuit AWG area cross-reference
AWG	Approx. mm2	Approx. circular mils	Typical reference use
18 AWG	0.823	1,620	Controls and small leads
16 AWG	1.31	2,580	Controls and fixture wiring review
14 AWG	2.08	4,110	Small branch-circuit cross-reference
12 AWG	3.31	6,530	Common 20 A branch-circuit reference
10 AWG	5.26	10,380	Larger branch or equipment leads

Larger AWG area cross-reference

Larger AWG area cross-reference
AWG	Approx. mm2	Approx. circular mils
8 AWG	8.37	16,510
6 AWG	13.3	26,240
4 AWG	21.2	41,740
2 AWG	33.6	66,360
1/0 AWG	53.5	105,600
4/0 AWG	107	211,600

Formula basis

Approximate area in mm2 = 0.012668 x 92^((36 - AWG) / 19.5).

AWG is the American Wire Gauge number.
Area is approximate metallic conductor area, not cable outside diameter.

Worked examples

12 AWG shown beside a metric datasheet12 AWG is about 3.31 mm2 of conductor area. Use that for cross-reference notes, then check ampacity and terminals through the U.S. workflow.

4/0 AWG equipment lead review4/0 AWG is about 107 mm2. The metric area does not replace the cable datasheet, lug range, or installation ampacity review.

Assumptions. Balanced load and line-to-line voltage assumptions behind this chart.

Values are nominal area conversions and rounded for chart use.
The chart does not describe insulation thickness, cable jacket diameter, compact stranding, or ampacity.
Metric area labels on equipment documents may be rounded differently by manufacturers.

Code and standard notes. Planning limits that should be checked before final equipment selection.

Do not use metric area conversion alone to replace NEC conductor sizing, terminal temperature rating, listing, or manufacturer instructions.

How to use this chart

1Use it for translation, not approvalUse the chart to translate conductor area between AWG and mm2 when reviewing drawings, labels, submittals, or purchasing notes.

2Keep ampacity out of the conversionAfter the area is cross-referenced, use the proper ampacity, terminal, insulation, and equipment checks before approving an installation choice.

3Attach the original unitRecord whether the source was AWG, kcmil, circular mils, or a metric area so later reviewers can see which value was converted.

Worksheet checklist. Record source basis, review gaps, and assumptions before using the chart result.

Record the document sourceMark whether the value came from a U.S. drawing, cable schedule, manufacturer datasheet, procurement quote, or field label.
Note the conversion purposeWrite whether the conversion is for drawing review, equipment documentation, purchasing comparison, spare-parts matching, or rough identification.
Check installation limits separatelyBefore the value becomes a real conductor choice, check ampacity, temperature rating, insulation, listing, lug range, and local AHJ expectations.

Common mistakes to avoid. Review these before turning chart current into an equipment decision.

Treating the closest mm2 value as a direct replacement for an AWG conductor without checking installation conditions.
Using conductor metal area as if it were finished cable diameter for conduit fill or tray spacing.
Dropping the original AWG value from the record and leaving only a rounded metric approximation.

Frequently asked questions

These answers explain how to use the chart without turning a quick reference into a final design decision.

Is the nearest mm2 value automatically equivalent?

No. The nearest area value is only a cross-reference. U.S. conductor selection still depends on conductor type, insulation, ampacity, terminations, equipment listing, and installation conditions.

Is mm2 the same as cable outside diameter?

No. mm2 describes metal area. Physical fit in conduit, tray, glands, or lugs depends on finished outside dimensions from the product datasheet.

Why keep circular mils in the table?

Circular mils are still useful in U.S. voltage-drop and conductor-area work, so showing both area systems helps document the same conductor basis.