Calculate the appropriate wire gauge (AWG) based on current, distance, and acceptable voltage drop.
Wire Gauge
12 AWG
Voltage Drop
2.38 V
Drop %
1.98%
Max Amps
20 A
Diameter
2.053 mm
Proper wire sizing is critical for electrical safety and efficiency. Undersized wire can overheat and cause fires, while oversized wire is unnecessarily expensive. This calculator helps you find the minimum wire gauge that meets NEC (National Electrical Code) requirements.
The NEC recommends keeping voltage drop below 3% for branch circuits and 5% total for feeders plus branch circuits. Excessive voltage drop can cause equipment to malfunction and waste energy.