Use the following wire gauge chart to determine the diameter (in inches or millimeters) of different wire sizes. It's important to keep in mind, the larger the number wire gauge size, the smaller the diameter of the wire. The most commonly used sizes for wire wrapping are 20 to 24g. You can check out our selection of wire here.
WIRE GAUGE | DIAMETER (INCHES) | DIAMETER (MM) |
12 | .080" | 2.06 |
14 | .064" | 1.62 |
16 | .050" | 1.30 |
18 | .040" | 1.02 |
20 | .032" | 0.82 |
21 | .028" | 0.73 |
22 | .025" | 0.64 |
24 | .021" | 0.51 |
26 | .016" | 0.41 |
28 | .012" | 0.32 |
30 | .010" | 0.25 |
32 | .008" | 0.20 |
Wire Gauge Descriptions
26g - extra fine - for very small and delicate projects
24g - fine - for pearls & most gemstones - easy to work with
22g - medium - fairly universal for glass beads, fits some pearls and gemstones
20g - medium heavy - great for earwires, clasps or larger beads
18g - heavy - often good for chainmaille or when you want a heavier look
16g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wires around
14g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wire around
12g - very heavy - hard to work with, good for rings and buckles