Cable Cross Section Calculator

Calculate wire cross-sectional area for stranded cables

Cable Cross Section Calculator

Compliant with IEC 60228 Standards

Results:

Cross-Sectional Area: 0.00

Area in mm²: 0.00

Area in cm²: 0.00

Area in in²: 0.00

Calculation Details

How to Use the Calculator

Step 1: Count Strands

  1. Examine the cable cross-section
  2. Count the total number of individual strands
  3. Enter this value in the "Number of Strands" field
  4. Ensure accurate counting for precise results

Step 2: Measure Diameter

  1. Use calipers or micrometer for accuracy
  2. Measure diameter of a single strand
  3. Enter measurement in millimeters
  4. Take multiple measurements for consistency

Step 3: Calculate & Convert

  1. Select desired output units
  2. Click "Calculate" to get results
  3. View results in multiple units
  4. Use calculation details for verification

Cable Cross Section Fundamentals

Stranded Cables

Stranded cables consist of multiple thin wires:

  • Better flexibility than solid conductors
  • Reduced skin effect at high frequencies
  • Improved fatigue resistance
  • Total area = sum of individual strand areas

Cross-Sectional Area

  • Determines current carrying capacity
  • Affects voltage drop calculations
  • Critical for cable sizing
  • Measured in mm², cm², or circular mils

Key Formula:

Cross-Sectional Area: A = n × d² × π / 4

Simplified: A = 0.7854 × n × d²

Where: n = number of strands, d = strand diameter

Cable Sizing Guidelines

Current Capacity
  • Larger cross-section = higher current capacity
  • Consider ambient temperature
  • Account for bundling factors
Voltage Drop
  • Larger area reduces voltage drop
  • Critical for long cable runs
  • Affects system efficiency

Calculation Formulas

Cross-Sectional Area:
A = n × d² × π / 4

Simplified Formula:
A = 0.7854 × n × d²

Where:
A = Cross-sectional area
n = Number of strands
d = Diameter of single strand

Example Calculation

Stranded Cable Example:

Number of strands (n): 19

Strand diameter (d): 0.4 mm

A = 0.7854 × 19 × (0.4)²

A = 0.7854 × 19 × 0.16

A = 2.39 mm²

Result: 2.39 mm² cross-sectional area

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