Direct answer: AWG (American Wire Gauge) and mm² (square millimeters, the IEC cross-sectional area) are two ways to size a conductor. AWG uses a reverse scale — the smaller the gauge number, the larger the wire; mm² states the actual area directly. Use the chart below to convert instantly: for example 12 AWG ≈ 3.31 mm², 24 AWG ≈ 0.51 mm², and 6 mm² ≈ 9–10 AWG. Always confirm ampacity and insulation with the relevant standard (UL, IEC) before finalizing a design.

Try it live: AWG ↔ mm² Converter & Wire Size Chart

1. AWG → mm² Conversion Table

AWG Cross-section (mm²) Diameter (mm)
40 0.0497 0.079
38 0.0824 0.102
36 0.127 0.127
34 0.202 0.160
32 0.324 0.203
30 0.510 0.255
28 0.810 0.321
26 1.31 0.404
24 2.08 0.511
22 3.31 0.644
20 5.26 0.812
18 8.37 1.024
16 13.3 1.291
14 21.2 1.628
12 33.6 2.053
10 53.5 2.588
8 84.9 3.264
6 133.4 4.115
4 212.8 5.189
2 337.7 6.544
1 426.7 7.348
1/0 (0) 537.4 8.251
2/0 (00) 677.4 9.266
3/0 (000) 853.6 10.40
4/0 (0000) 1075.7 11.68

2. mm² → Nearest AWG (IEC to AWG Quick Reference)

mm² Nearest AWG mm² Nearest AWG
0.2 24 10 7–8
0.34 22 16 5–6
0.5 20 25 3–4
0.75 18 35 2–1
1.0 17 50 0–1
1.5 15–16 70 00
2.5 13–14 95 000
4 11–12 120 0000
6 9–10 — —

3. Selection Notes (Don't Size on Area Alone)

  • Ampacity differs by standard: the same mm² carries different current under UL (60°C/75°C/90°C ratings) vs IEC (depending on insulation and installation method). The chart gives geometry, not a current rating — look up the relevant table.
  • Insulation thickness scales with size: larger conductors need thicker insulation/jacket for the same voltage class; don't assume a thin-wall PV or building wire fits a bigger core.
  • Stranding matters: fine-stranded cable (class 5/6) is more flexible than solid or class 1/2; for movable or vibration-prone runs prefer flexible stranding even at the same mm².
  • Shielding for signals: for data/control pairs, AWG alone doesn't capture pair twist, shield coverage or characteristic impedance — specify those separately.

4. Common Conversion Questions

  • 12 AWG to mm²? ≈ 3.31 mm² (a very common solar/branch-circuit size).
  • 24 AWG to mm²? ≈ 0.51 mm² (typical for low-current signal/telecom).
  • 6 mm² to AWG? ≈ 9–10 AWG.
  • 1.5 mm² to AWG? ≈ 15–16 AWG (building-wire staple).

FAQ

Q1: Is AWG bigger or smaller when the number is smaller?
A: Smaller number = bigger wire. AWG is a reverse logarithmic scale: 4 AWG is much thicker than 24 AWG. mm² is linear — bigger number = bigger area. That's why 12 AWG (3.31 mm²) is "smaller" than 6 mm² even though 6 > 3.31 in area.

Q2: Can I directly substitute mm² for AWG in a design?
A: Only as a starting point. Match the nearest area, then verify ampacity, insulation temperature rating and installation method against the applicable standard (UL or IEC). A close area can still have a different current rating.

Q3: Why does the same mm² have a range of nearest AWG?
A: AWG steps are fixed (every 3 steps ≈ 2× area), so IEC sizes like 1.5 mm² fall between 15 and 16 AWG. Pick the AWG whose area is ≥ your required mm², then confirm the current rating covers the load.

Q4: Does this chart apply to both solid and stranded wire?
A: The cross-sectional area is the same; only the physical diameter and flexibility differ (stranded is slightly larger in overall diameter). Ampacity is set by area and insulation, not by solid vs stranded of the same mm².

Q5: Where do I get a live, instant conversion instead of the table?
A: Use our AWG ↔ mm² Converter — enter any AWG, mm² or diameter and it returns the other two values and snaps to the nearest standard size.

Need a cable sized to your exact AWG/mm² spec? Chat with the engineer on WhatsApp → WhatsApp Inquiry