WireSizing
Wire gauge reference & calculator

About WireSizing

WireSizing.com is a free wire gauge reference and sizing tool. All wire specifications on this site are calculated from published standards and formulas — no data is copied from other sources.

Data Sources

Our calculations are based on the following standards and references:

AWG Dimensions: ASTM B258 — Standard Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors

Ampacity: NEC (NFPA 70) Table 310.16 — Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors

Metric Sizes: IEC 60228 — Conductors of Insulated Cables

Resistivity: ASM International Metals Reference Book, CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics

Wire Properties: Calculated from first principles using material resistivity, density, and geometric formulas

Key Formulas

AWG Diameter: d(n) = 0.005 × 92(36−n)/39 inches

Cross-sectional Area: A = π/4 × d²

Resistance: R = ρ × L / A (where ρ = resistivity)

Voltage Drop: Vdrop = 2 × I × R × L (single phase)

Weight: W = A × ρmaterial × L

Skin Depth: δ = √(ρ / (π × f × μ0))

Disclaimer

This site is for informational and reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional electrical engineering advice. Always consult a licensed electrician and follow local building codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC) for actual electrical installations.

Ampacity values shown are based on specific conditions (30°C ambient, not more than 3 current-carrying conductors in raceway). Actual ampacity may be lower due to ambient temperature, conduit fill, bundling, and other derating factors per NEC 310.15.

Contact

Questions, corrections, or suggestions? Email us at [email protected].