Convert AWG gauge numbers to micrometers and find the corresponding wire thickness in µm from an American Wire Gauge value instantly.
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Gauge to Micron Formula
The following formulas are used to convert an American Wire Gauge (AWG) size into diameter in inches and thickness in micrometers.
Variables:
- d is the wire diameter in inches
- µm is the thickness or diameter in micrometers
- G is the AWG gauge number
To calculate the thickness in micrometers, multiply 127 by 92 raised to the power of (36 minus the gauge number) divided by 39.
What is Gauge to Micron Conversion?
Gauge to micron conversion is the process of translating a wire size given in American Wire Gauge (AWG) into an actual physical diameter expressed in micrometers. Because AWG is logarithmic, the difference between one gauge and the next is not linear. Larger gauge numbers correspond to thinner wire, while smaller gauge numbers correspond to thicker wire.
In the AWG system, 36 gauge is defined as 0.005 inch, which is equal to 127 µm. Every increase of 6 gauge sizes cuts the diameter by about half. This makes the formula especially useful when comparing wire sizes with metric specifications, engineering tolerances, and manufacturer datasheets.
How to Convert Gauge to Microns?
The following steps outline how to convert a gauge number into micrometers.
- First, determine the American Wire Gauge value (G).
- Next, use the formula µm = 127 × 92(36 − G)/39.
- Then calculate the exponent and multiply by 127 to find the thickness in micrometers.
- Finally, compare your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following values as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Gauge Number (G) = 20
Thickness (µm) = 127 × 92(36 − 20)/39 = 127 × 9216/39 ≈ 811.8 µm
So, a 20 AWG wire has a diameter of approximately 812 micrometers.
Gauge to Micron Conversion Table (AWG)
The table below lists several common AWG sizes with their approximate diameters in millimeters and micrometers.
| Gauge (AWG) | Diameter (mm) | Thickness (µm) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2.588 | 2,588 |
| 14 | 1.628 | 1,628 |
| 18 | 1.024 | 1,024 |
| 20 | 0.812 | 812 |
| 22 | 0.644 | 644 |
| 28 | 0.321 | 321 |
| 30 | 0.255 | 255 |
| 36 | 0.127 | 127 |
In practice, wire sizes are often listed in AWG on product labels and technical datasheets. Converting those gauge sizes into micrometers makes it easier to compare them with metric dimensions and other engineering measurements.