Wire Gauge Converter
AWG / SWG, diameter & area
This tool is for instrument and audio wiring. Convert between AWG, SWG, metric/imperial wire diameter and cross-sectional area to compare sizes when buying or planning cable runs.
All calculations assume a solid round copper conductor geometry only—not ampacity or safety ratings. Follow national codes and manufacturer data for those.
American Wire Gauge—common on North American and many instrument/audio cables.
Note: -3 = 4/0, -2 = 3/0, -1 = 2/0, 0 = 1/0.
British Standard Wire Gauge—still seen on older gear and spec sheets.
SWG and AWG numbers do not match; SWG 10 is much thicker than AWG 10.
Convert mm diameter and mm² area—handy for IEC and national cable specs.
Use whichever value you trust; if both are filled, diameter wins and area is recalculated for a round conductor.
When a nameplate or US cable spec shows inch or kcmil, convert to mm / mm².
If diameter and area are both entered, area (kcmil) wins and diameter is derived from geometry.
Tips:
- For effects patch cables / internal instrument wiring, AWG often falls around 18–24; use this tool to relate AWG and mm².
- This tool does not show max current—that depends on insulation rating, ambient temperature, and bundling. For critical installs, follow IEC / NEC and manufacturer guides.