Amp to Wire Size Calculator

Q: What size wire can handle amps?

The answer depends on the following variables: System amperage and voltage. Distance between feeder and equipment. Wire material. We recommend you check the Omni Calculator's amp-to-wire size calculator for a direct result.

Q: Can 6 AWG wire carry 70 amps?

It depends on the conditions. A 6 AWG copper wire typically has a rated current capacity of 55 to 65 amps under standard conditions (such as residential wiring with typical insulation and temperature ratings). In some specific cases, such as higher-quality insulation, shorter lengths, or certain installation methods, it may be allowed to carry close to 70 amps, but this is not the default assumption.

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Arturo Barrantes

Arturo Barrantes is a versatile professional who transitioned from mechanical engineering to finance and then to software development. Currently working as an AWS Senior Developer at Indra, he combines his diverse expertise to create practical financial calculators. Arturo is passionate about financial education in Latin America and has spoken at multiple conferences on personal finance and investment strategies. See full profile

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Wojciech Sas, PhD

Wojciech SasPhD, Institute of Physics in Zagreb

Wojciech, PhD, is a physicist at the Institute of Physics in Zagreb, investigating materials under extreme conditions such as low temperatures and high pressures. He specializes in experimental work, including participation in Large-scale User Facilities such as synchrotrons. Wojciech uses his experience and knowledge to create calculators in physics, math, and statistics categories. In his free time, he likes swimming, playing board games, and looking for meteors while stargazing. See full profile

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The amp to wire size calculator will help you determine the appropriate electrical wire for your new connection. Keep reading to find out how to size your cables.

Want to understand the math behind the result? Jump to the How to calculate wire size section below.

Have quick doubts? Check the FAQs for common wiring questions and rules of thumb.

How to calculate the wire size based on the system amperes?

The following information is required before we start:

The amperage at which your system will run: It can be direct current or alternate current (single-phase or three-phase).
System configuration: Single-phase / Three-phase.
The system voltage.
Wire size material since it affects the electrical resistivity.
Distance between your energy source and the equipment you want to energize.
Allowed voltage drop per the equipment requirements.

Once we have it all, we will use the following formula:

A = \frac{2\times I \varrho L \times \phi}{V \times \%\text{drop}}

where:

$\%\text{drop}$ — Allowable voltage drop, in %.
$V$ — Source voltage, measured in volts.
$I$ — System current, measured in amperes.
$\varrho$ — Resistivity of the conductor material, measured in ohmmeters;
$L$ — Length of the wire, measured in meters; and
$\phi$ — Phase factor, 1 for DC / AC single phase and $\sqrt{3}/2$ for AC three-phase.
$A$ — Cross-sectional wire area measured in square meters.

The result will be expressed in mm² (if using the metric system).

It is common for wires to indicate their size in AWG (American Wire Gauge) units. Do not worry; our Amp to wire size calculator also provides results in AWG.

How do you use this amp to wire size calculator?

To find the desired wire size:

Verify your connection: DC or AC single/three-phase.
Specify the voltage source and define the system amperage.
Define the wire material you will use, the operating temperature, and the voltage drop.
Finally, input the length of your cable (remember, it's a one-way distance).

As a result, the amp to wire size calculator will indicate the cross area of the cable you need to install.

Other useful tools like the amp to wire size calculator

Since you already know how to size a wire based on the required amperes in the system, you can take a look at other calculators:

FAQs

How do I calculate amp wire size?

You can use Omni Calculator's amp to wire size tool or do the following:

For AC single phase: Get the amperage of your system, the one-way length of the cables you want to install, and wire material resistivity.
Multiply all the above values and multiply the result by two.
Divide the previous result by the voltage drop in the system.
The final result represents the cable area you need. Now go to an AWG chart and select your cable.

What size wire can handle amps?

The answer depends on the following variables:

System amperage and voltage.
Distance between feeder and equipment.
Wire material.

We recommend you check the Omni Calculator's amp-to-wire size calculator for a direct result.

Can 6 AWG wire carry 70 amps?

It depends on the conditions. A 6 AWG copper wire typically has a rated current capacity of 55 to 65 amps under standard conditions (such as residential wiring with typical insulation and temperature ratings). In some specific cases, such as higher-quality insulation, shorter lengths, or certain installation methods, it may be allowed to carry close to 70 amps, but this is not the default assumption.

How many amps can a 14-gauge wire carry?

A 14 AWG copper wire is generally designed to carry a current of 15 amps in standard residential electrical installations. This is why circuits wired with 14-gauge copper are protected by a 15-amp circuit breaker or fuse, which prevents overheating and fire hazards.