AWG to mm² Converter for Wire and Ferrules
Convert American Wire Gauge to conductor area, or convert metric cross-section back to AWG. Results keep mathematical values separate from nominal ferrule catalogue references.
For 1/0 and larger, the calculator uses 1/0 = gauge index 0, 2/0 = −1, 3/0 = −2 and 4/0 = −3.
Enter the conductor’s marked cross-section where possible. Do not estimate it from insulation diameter.
20 AWG conversion
Calculated equivalents and catalogue references serve different purposes. Confirm the conductor marking before selecting a ferrule.
Calculated area and ferrule catalogue labels
The table deliberately shows mathematical area and catalogue practice in separate columns. A nominal catalogue reference is not an exact geometric conversion.
| AWG | Calculated area | Common metric reference | Product catalogue note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 AWG | 0.518 mm² | 0.50 mm² | The Termnex product catalogue uses AWG 20 for 0.75 mm². |
| 18 AWG | 0.823 mm² | 0.75 mm², 1.00 mm² | 0.75 and 1.00 mm² both appear under AWG 18; the Termnex product catalogue labels 1.00 mm² as AWG 18. |
| 16 AWG | 1.309 mm² | 1.50 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 14 AWG | 2.081 mm² | 2.50 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 12 AWG | 3.309 mm² | 4.00 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 10 AWG | 5.261 mm² | 6.00 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 8 AWG | 8.366 mm² | 10 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 6 AWG | 13.302 mm² | 16 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 4 AWG | 21.151 mm² | 25 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 2 AWG | 33.631 mm² | 35 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
| 1/0 AWG | 53.475 mm² | 50 mm² | Same label in the Termnex product catalogue. |
Conversion is not the same as ferrule selection
AWG and metric ferrule catalogues are parallel sizing systems. They overlap, but do not create a universal one-to-one product mapping.
Calculated equivalent
The AWG formula calculates conductor area from gauge number. It is a geometric value, not a catalogue part number.
Catalogue reference
Ferrule catalogues group practical metric sizes under AWG labels. AWG 18 may appear against both 0.75 and 1.00 mm².
Final component choice
Confirm conductor marking, single or twin entry, terminal strip length, ferrule pin length and any required ferrule/tool approval.
AWG conversion FAQ
Why is AWG 18 shown against both 0.75 and 1.00 mm²?
AWG 18 has a calculated area of about 0.823 mm², between the two metric sizes. Major ferrule catalogues may list both nominal sizes under AWG 18. Use the conductor’s marked cross-section and the approved ferrule documentation rather than treating either catalogue line as an exact conversion.
Why does a calculated AWG value differ from the product catalogue?
The calculation describes conductor geometry. A product catalogue provides a nominal compatibility reference for a particular ferrule range. Those are different claims, so a value such as 1.00 mm² can calculate to 17.16 AWG while appearing as AWG 18 in a ferrule catalogue.
Why can a 0.50 mm² ferrule carry an AWG 22 catalogue label?
Termnex catalogue conventions are not universal conversion tables. This converter separately shows the mathematical area and common catalogue reference from the Termnex product label.
Can this converter determine the correct ferrule?
No. It identifies calculated and nominal cross-section references. Final selection also depends on conductor count, insulated or uninsulated construction, terminal entry, strip length, pin length, crimp profile and any required ferrule/tool approval.
What do 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 AWG mean?
They continue the AWG sequence below gauge 1. The calculator represents them internally as 1/0 = 0, 2/0 = −1, 3/0 = −2 and 4/0 = −3 before applying the standard AWG area formula.
Need a ferrule for a specific conductor?
Send the marked conductor size, number of conductors, terminal model, preferred pin length, quantity and destination for confirmation.