How do I use the conductor resistance and weight calculator?

Select the wire material (e.g., Copper, Aluminum, Silver), enter the wire diameter in millimeters, specify the wire length in meters, and the calculator will compute the wire resistance (R), cross-sectional area (A), and weight (m).

What formulas are used in the calculations?

The cross-sectional area is calculated using A = π × (d/2)². The wire resistance is R = ρ × L / A, where ρ is the resistivity of the material, L is the wire length, and A is the cross-sectional area. The wire mass is m = (A × L × ρ_m) / 1000, where ρ_m is the material density.

How does wire resistance affect electrical circuits?

Wire resistance contributes to voltage drop and power loss in electrical circuits. Higher resistance can lead to inefficient energy use and potential overheating, especially over long distances.

What materials are available in the calculator?

The calculator includes common materials such as Copper, Aluminum, Silver, Gold, Nichrome, Constantan, Manganin, Platinum, Beryllium, Tungsten, Iron, Steel, Nickel, and Brass.

Can I convert between wire gauge and diameter?

Yes, the calculator provides a conversion table for wire gauge to diameter and cross-sectional area, including American Wire Gauge (AWG) equivalents.

Conductor Resistance and Weight Calculator

Unit system:

Wire material:

Diameter:

Length:

Temperature, °C:

This online calculator helps you determine the resistance, cross-sectional area, and weight of a wire based on its size and material. It’s a handy tool for designing electrical circuits, especially for long transmission lines. Wire resistance affects voltage drop, which should also be considered.

Table of Contents

How to Use the Calculator

Select the wire material — the calculator applies the appropriate resistivity and density.
Enter the wire diameter in millimeters.
Specify the wire length in meters.
Get the results: Wire resistance $ R $, Cross-sectional area $ A $, Wire weight $ m $.

Formula Symbols

$ \rho $ — resistivity of the material, Ω·mm²/m
$ L $ — wire length, m
$ d $ — wire diameter, mm
$ A $ — cross-sectional area, mm²
$ R $ — wire resistance, Ω
$ \rho_m $ — material density, g/cm³
$ m $ — wire weight, kg

Formulas

Cross-sectional area:

$$
A = \pi \cdot \left( \frac{d}{2} \right)^2
$$

Wire resistance:

$$
R = \rho \cdot \frac{L}{A}
$$

Wire volume (in mm³):

$$
V = A \cdot (L \cdot 1000)
$$

Wire mass:

$$
m = \frac{V}{1000} \cdot \frac{\rho_m}{1000}
$$
Converts mm³ to cm³ and g to kg

Example Calculation

Given:

Material: Copper
Diameter: 1.8 mm
Length: 12 m

Then:

$$A = \pi \cdot (0.9)^2 \approx 2.54 \, \text{mm}^2$$

$$R = 0.0172 \cdot 12 / 2.54 \approx 0.0812 \, \Omega$$

Mass:

$$V = 2.54 \cdot 12000 = 30480 \, \text{mm}^3 =
$$
$$
= 30.48 \, \text{cm}^3$$

$$m = 30.48 \cdot 8.96 / 1000 \approx 0.273 \, \text{kg}$$

Wire Cross-Section to Diameter Conversion Table

Area, mm²	Diameter, mm	Diameter, inches	AWG
0.25	0.56	0.022	24
0.60	0.87	0.034	20
0.80	1.01	0.040	19
1.20	1.24	0.049	17
1.80	1.52	0.060	16
2.80	1.88	0.074	14
4.50	2.40	0.094	12
6.50	2.88	0.113	10
11.00	3.73	0.147	8
17.00	4.65	0.183	6
27.00	5.81	0.229	4
36.50	6.74	0.265	2
52.00	8.05	0.317	1/0
68.00	9.35	0.368	2/0
92.00	10.81	0.425	3/0
125.00	12.60	0.496	4/0
155.00	14.00	0.551	250 kcmil

Resistivity of Common Materials

Material	Resistivity (Ω·mm²/m)	Density (g/cm³)
Copper (Cu)	0.0175	8.96
Aluminum (Al)	0.0285	2.70
Steel (Carbon)	0.11 – 0.15	7.85
Brass	0.065 – 0.09	8.45 – 8.70
Nickel (Ni)	0.070	8.90
Iron (Fe)	0.10	7.87
Silver (Ag)	0.0168	10.50
Gold (Au)	0.0225	19.30
Tin (Sn)	0.118	7.30
Tungsten (W)	0.056	19.25
Constantan	0.495	8.90
Manganin	0.435	8.40

👉 Resistivity values are at 20 °C. Values are approximate and may vary with purity and material condition.

Notes

Results are for a single conductor. For a two-wire line, double the length.
Suitable for cable cores, winding wires, and busbars.
Temperature effects, insulation, and coating are not included — only pure metal.