The American wire gauge chart

The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standardized wire gauge measurement system used predominantly in North America. It is a logarithmic stepped system, where wire diameter and gauge are inversely related. Gauge refers to the number of times a wire has been drawn and stretched through progressively smaller dies during manufacturing. A 10 gauge wire, for example, has been drawn through ten dies, decreasing its diameter each time.

AWG standardizes wire sizes so recyclers can easily identify and select the right gauge and corresponding properties (tensile strength, load strength, size, etc.) for different baling applications.

American wire gauge chart in inches and mm

Here is the American wire gauge chart for steel wire in relation to the gauges we carry.

AWG gauge

Diameter in inches

Diameter in millimeters

9

0.1144

2.906

10

0.1019

2.588

11

0.0907

2.304

12

0.0808

2.052

13

0.0720

1.828

14

0.0641

1.628

Every AWG gauge corresponds to a specific diameter, as shown in the chart. Larger gauges have smaller diameters, while smaller gauges have larger diameters. 

The general rule of thumb is for every 6 gauge decrease, the wire diameter doubles.

Check out our baling wire gauge guide for more information regarding wire gauge and tensile strength.

What’s the difference between AWG and SWG?

British standard wire gauge (SWG) and AWG are both wire gauge systems used to measure the diameter of wire. SWG is an old British wire measurement system that was commonly used in the past. 

Both systems serve a similar purpose, but AWG is more widely used today and is recognized as the standard in North America for categorizing wire of all types. 

Because gauges are different diameters across AWG and SWG, don’t confuse the two. 

Gauge

AWG Diameter (in)

AWG Diameter (mm)

SWG Diameter (in)

SWG Diameter (mm)

9

0.1144

2.905

0.1443

3.665

10

0.1019

2.588

0.1285

3.264

11

0.0907

2.305

0.1144

2.906

12

0.0808

2.052

0.1019

2.588

13

0.0720

1.828

0.0907

2.305

14

0.0641

1.628

0.0808

2.052

How to choose wire gauge size

Wire gauge is important because baling wire thickness determines how well a wire can handle the pressure and weight of the materials being baled, ultimately impacting the strength, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the baling process.

Wire size choice is influenced by factors such as the type of materials being baled (cardboard, plastic, metal), the type of baling equipment used, and the size and density of bales.

To choose the correct size wire for your baler, it is important to consult your baling machine manufacturer. Here is a list of common wire gauges used for baling recyclables across the most popular baler styles:

Vertical balers

  • Cardboard: 12–14 gauge
  • Newspaper: 12–13 gauge
  • Plastic shrink wrap: 13–14 gauge
  • Other plastics: 12–13 gauge
  • Foam: 11 gauge

Horizontal balers

  • Cardboard: 11–13 gauge
  • Newspaper: 12–13 gauge
  • Plastic shrink wrap: 11–12 gauge
  • Other plastics: 11–12 gauge
  • Foam: 11 gauge

Auto-tie balers

  • Cardboard: 10–12 gauge
  • Newspaper: 10–12 gauge
  • Plastic shrink wrap: 10–12 gauge
  • Other plastics: 10–12 gauge
  • Foam: 10–11 gauge

Baling wire products we offer

Baling Wire Direct sells the following high-quality baling wire products.

Baling Wire FAQ

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