How a Gauge-to-Millimetre Converter Works: Wire Formula and Lookup Tables
A gauge number is not a direct thickness, so a converter combines one formula with several lookup tables. For American Wire Gauge, diameter in millimetres equals 0.127 multiplied by 92 raised to the power of (36 minus AWG) divided by 39, which yields roughly 2.05 mm for 12 AWG. Sheet metal uses the agreed Manufacturers Standard Gauge table instead of a formula, and its millimetre values differ by metal, such as 16 gauge copper versus 16 gauge brass. Needle gauges are also fixed by an international standard, so they are best handled with a lookup table. The author notes that gauge numbers run inversely to thickness in all three systems, which can look like a bug to new users unless explained.
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