DC Wire Size Calculator
Find the correct wire gauge for your DC circuit based on current, voltage, distance, and acceptable voltage drop.
Circuit Parameters
A
Max continuous current in the circuit
m
Distance from source to load (one way)
System Voltage
3%
1%3%5%10%
3% is recommended for most DC circuits. 5% for non-critical runs.
Custom Wire (Optional)
Recommended Wire Size
Wire Size
10
mm² (8 AWG)
Voltage Drop
0.32
V (2.6%)
Power Loss
9.5
W
Max Rating
55
A
All Wire Sizes
| Wire Size | AWG | V-Drop | Drop % | Power Loss | Max A | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mm² (8 AWG) | 8 | 0.32 V | 2.6% | 9.5 W | 55 A | ✓ |
| 16 mm² (6 AWG) | 6 | 0.20 V | 1.6% | 5.9 W | 75 A | ✓ |
| 25 mm² (4 AWG) | 4 | 0.13 V | 1.1% | 3.8 W | 100 A | ✓ |
| 35 mm² (2 AWG) | 2 | 0.09 V | 0.8% | 2.7 W | 130 A | ✓ |
| 50 mm² (1/0 AWG) | 1/0 | 0.06 V | 0.5% | 1.9 W | 170 A | ✓ |
| 70 mm² (2/0 AWG) | 2/0 | 0.04 V | 0.4% | 1.4 W | 210 A | ✓ |
| 95 mm² (3/0 AWG) | 3/0 | 0.03 V | 0.3% | 1.0 W | 255 A | ✓ |
| 120 mm² (4/0 AWG) | 4/0 | 0.03 V | 0.2% | 0.8 W | 300 A | ✓ |
| 0.5 mm² (20 AWG) | 20 | 6.26 V | 52.2% | 187.9 W | 5 A | ✗ |
| 0.75 mm² (18 AWG) | 18 | 4.18 V | 34.8% | 125.3 W | 7.5 A | ✗ |
| 1.0 mm² (17 AWG) | 17 | 3.15 V | 26.3% | 94.5 W | 10 A | ✗ |
| 1.5 mm² (16 AWG) | 16 | 2.11 V | 17.5% | 63.2 W | 15 A | ✗ |
| 2.5 mm² (14 AWG) | 14 | 1.26 V | 10.5% | 37.8 W | 20 A | ✗ |
| 4.0 mm² (12 AWG) | 12 | 0.79 V | 6.6% | 23.7 W | 30 A | ✗ |
| 6.0 mm² (10 AWG) | 10 | 0.52 V | 4.4% | 15.7 W | 40 A | ✗ |
Ampacity ratings assume single-core cable in free air at 30°C ambient with 90°C insulation rating. Derate for bundling, higher ambient temperatures, or lower-rated insulation.