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Wire Gauge Resistance Calculator

Use our wire gauge resistance calculator to find wire resistance by AWG, length, and material with a simple formula and example.

R = ρ × L ÷ A
Enter the one-way distance; select "Round-trip" above if the circuit needs a return path.
Wire Resistance — Formula & Reference
TermValue / Meaning
R = ρ × L ÷ AWire resistance in ohms (Ω)
Copper resistivity (ρ)1.724 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C (annealed)
Aluminum resistivity (ρ)2.82 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C
A (round wire)A = πd² ÷ 4, from the standard AWG diameter table
⚠ Resistivity values are referenced at 20°C; no temperature correction is applied. Enter the one-way length and choose "Round-trip" only if you have not already included the return path in your entered length.
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A wire gauge resistance calculator helps you find wire resistance fast. It uses wire size, wire length, and wire type. This can help you check voltage loss and power loss in a circuit.

We developed this calculator so users can easily calculate wire gauge resistance. It can help with home wiring, DC circuits, low voltage work, and many electrical jobs.

Wire Gauge Resistance Formula

The core wire gauge resistance formula is:

R = ρ × L ÷ A

R is resistance in ohms. ρ is wire resistivity. L is wire length. A is wire area.

For a round wire, use:

A = π × d² ÷ 4

Here, d means wire diameter. So, a small wire has more resistance. A long wire also has more resistance.

For AWG wire, you can use the known wire area or a wire gauge resistance chart. Wire tables show DC resistance for many AWG sizes. They also show that resistance can change with wire type and heat.

How to Use Online Wire Gauge Resistance Calculator

  1. Enter the wire gauge, such as 18 AWG or 12 AWG.
  2. Enter the wire length.
  3. Pick the length unit.
  4. Select the wire material, if shown.
  5. Click Calculate to see the wire resistance.

The calculator then gives the result based on your inputs. This makes it a handy wire length resistance calculator for quick work.

Example Wire Gauge Resistance Calculation

Suppose you need the resistance of 20 meters of 12 AWG copper wire.

The 12 AWG area is about 3.31 mm². Use copper resistivity of about 1.724 × 10⁻⁸ Ω·m at 20°C.

R = ρ × L ÷ A

R = (1.724 × 10⁻⁸ × 20) ÷ (3.31 × 10⁻⁶)

R ≈ 0.104 Ω

So, the wire has about 0.104 ohms of resistance for a 20 m one-way length.

If the current path goes 20 m out and 20 m back, the total length is 40 m. The total resistance is then about 0.208 Ω.

Wire Gauge and Resistance

AWG numbers work in reverse. A lower AWG number means a larger wire. A larger wire has less resistance for the same length and material.

For example, 12 gauge wire has less resistance than 18 gauge wire over the same length. This is why wire size matters when you plan a circuit.

A wire gauge size and resistance calculator saves time. You don't need to hunt through a chart for each job. It can also help you compare wire sizes before you build a circuit.

Final Verdict

A wire gauge resistance calculator gives a quick way to find wire resistance. The key is simple: resistance rises with length and falls as wire area grows. For real wiring, also check heat, conductor type, and cable data.

FAQs

What is the resistance of 18 gauge wire?

The value depends on the material and length. Enter the 18 AWG size and full wire length for a correct result.

How do I calculate resistance per foot wire gauges?

Use resistance per foot from a trusted wire table. Then multiply it by the wire length. Make sure the table uses the same wire type and heat level.

Does wire gauge affect resistance?

Yes. A larger wire has more metal area. This lowers resistance. A smaller wire has less area and higher resistance.

Can I calculate wire resistance by gauge?

Yes. An AWG wire resistance calculator uses the selected gauge, material, and length to find resistance.

Is wire diameter used in resistance calculation?

Yes. Wire diameter resistance calculation can give the cross-section area. You can then use the resistance formula to find resistance.