Metric-to-AWG Conversion Chart
AWG is the American standard used to define the cross-sectional areas and diameters of solid, round electrical wire. The system is built around the wire drawing process — raw copper is pulled through a series of dies, each one reducing the wire to a smaller size, and the number of dies needed to reach the final diameter determines the AWG designation.
There is no straightforward way to convert AWG directly to metric measurements. The tables below show close approximations between AWG and metric sizes to help guide your selection.
Metric to AWG Conversion Table
Metric Size (mm2 cross-sectional area) | AWG Wire Gauge Size |
|---|---|
500 | 1000MCM |
400 | 750MCM, 800MCM |
300 | 600MCM |
240 | 450MCM, 500MCM |
185 | 350MCM, 400MCM |
150 | 300MCM |
120 | 250MCM |
95 | 4/0 |
70 | 2/0, 3/0 |
55 | 1/0 |
50 | 1/0 |
35 | 2,1 |
25 | 4 |
16 | 6 |
10 | 8 |
6 | 10 |
4 | 12 |
2.5 | 14 |
1.5 | 16 |
1 | 18 |
0.75 | 19 |
0.5 | 20 |
0.38 | 21 |
0.05 | 30 |
0.08 | 28 |
0.14 | 26 |
0.25 | 24 |
0.34 | 22 |
AWG to Metric Conversion Chart
AWG Wire Gauge Size | Metric Size (mm2 cross-sectional area) |
|---|---|
1000MCM | 500 |
750MCM, 800MCM | 400 |
600MCM | 300 |
450MCM, 500MCM | 240 |
350MCM, 400MCM | 185 |
300MCM | 150 |
250MCM | 120 |
4/0 | 95 |
2/0, 3/0 | 70 |
1/0 | 55 |
1/0 | 50 |
2,1 | 35 |
4 | 25 |
6 | 16 |
8 | 10 |
10 | 6 |
12 | 4 |
14 | 2.5 |
16 | 1.5 |
18 | 1 |
19 | 0.75 |
20 | 0.5 |
21 | 0.38 |
30 | 0.05 |
28 | 0.08 |
26 | 0.14 |
24 | 0.25 |
22 | 0.34 |
Require Exact Dimensions?
The values provided in these tables are for reference only and may not represent exact conversions. For projects requiring precise metric dimensions, please refer to the official product datasheets and technical specifications.
If you need support with measurements or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Understanding Metric Cable Sizes and the AWG Standard
Metric cable sizes are commonly used in Europe and many international markets, while AWG (American Wire Gauge) is the standard measurement system widely used in the United States and Canada.
The conversion between metric sizes and AWG helps engineers, installers, and solar professionals select the correct conductor size, ensuring electrical safety, current-carrying capacity, and proper voltage drop performance in photovoltaic systems.
Why Metric–AWG Conversion Is Important for Solar Cable Selection
Selecting the correct cable size is critical in solar installations, especially in photovoltaic (DC) applications where efficiency and reliability are essential. A metric-to-AWG conversion chart allows installers to accurately compare cable sizes, current-carrying capacity (ampacity), and conductor resistance.
This helps ensure compliance with standards such as UL, IEC, and NEC, while improving overall system performance and long-term durability.
Applications of Metric and AWG Conversion in Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Metric-to-AWG cable conversion is widely used in solar panel wiring, battery energy storage systems, photovoltaic combiner boxes, inverters, and industrial electrical installations.
Whether selecting UL PV cables, photovoltaic cables, or DC solar cables, understanding the relationship between metric cross-sectional area and AWG sizes simplifies:
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Cable selection and procurement
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International project compatibility
-
Technical communication between global suppliers and contractors
Overall, this conversion helps streamline electrical design, improve engineering accuracy, and ensure more efficient implementation of solar energy systems.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our cable or wire products, or if you’re looking for a quote, contact us at (86) 572 2121 732 or through our online form.
