Written by AWG is the acronym for the American Wire Gauge. Previously known as Brown & Sharpe Gauge. The smaller the AWG number, the larger the conductor.
There are 40 electrical conductor sizes from 36 AWG through 0000 AWG. Starting from the smallest size, 36 AWG, each successive size is approximately 1.26 times larger than the previous AWG size.
Table 8 of Chapter 9 in the NEC® lists conductor sizes commonly found in the electrical industry. Conductor sizes through 0000 AWG are shown using the AWG designation. Conductors larger than 0000 AWG are shown in circular mil area. The 1.26 relationship between sizes is easily confirmed in Table 8 by checking conductor sizes 4 AWG through 0000 AWG.
