Convert between AWG, millimeters, and inches — with typical jewelry-making use cases per gauge.
AWG
18.0
Diameter (mm)
1.024 mm
Diameter (in)
0.0403 in
Typical use
Standard jump rings, ear wires, light wire wrap
American Wire Gauge (AWG) runs backwards: smaller number = thicker wire. A 10 AWG wire is thick structural; 30 AWG is fine beading wire.
In jewelry, 22 AWG is common for wire-wrapped loops and chain links, 18 AWG for jump rings that don't distort, 14 AWG for sturdy bangle forms.
d_in = 0.005 × 92^((36 − AWG) ÷ 39)