Wire Gauge Calculator

Your details

Size mode finds the gauge for a target drop. Check mode reports the drop of a gauge you pick.
A
Distance from the source to the load. The current travels out and back, so it is counted accordingly.
Nominal system voltage. The target drop is taken as a percentage of this.
V
Aluminum has about 64% higher resistivity, so it needs a larger conductor for the same drop.
Single-phase and DC count the run twice (out and back); three-phase uses a √3 line-to-line factor.
The maximum loss you will allow along the cable, as a percent of supply voltage.
Currency
Suggested gaugeWithin recommended drop
10 AWG
Cross-section5.26mm²
Voltage drop2.95V
Voltage drop2.46%
Voltage at the load117.1V
Conductor resistance0.1966Ω
Total conductor length60m
2.46% %
Tight<2Recommended2-3Acceptable3-5Too high5+

Use about 5.26 mm² of copper, roughly 10 AWG.

  • This copper size keeps the drop to about 2.46%, well placed against your target.
  • The cross-section grows in direct proportion to both current and run length, so a longer run needs a fatter wire.
  • A larger conductor (lower AWG number) has less resistance, so it loses less voltage and runs cooler.

Next stepThis sizes for voltage drop only. Confirm the same wire also meets the ampacity (heat) rating for your wiring method and code.

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