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
- Examine the cable cross-section
- Count the total number of individual strands
- Enter this value in the "Number of Strands" field
- Ensure accurate counting for precise results
Step 2: Measure Diameter
- Use calipers or micrometer for accuracy
- Measure diameter of a single strand
- Enter measurement in millimeters
- Take multiple measurements for consistency
Step 3: Calculate & Convert
- Select desired output units
- Click "Calculate" to get results
- View results in multiple units
- Use calculation details for verification
How to Calculate Cable Cross Section
Practical walkthrough of the stranded-conductor area formula and accuracy checks
1. Know the Core Formula
The cross-sectional area of a stranded cable comes from the sum of each strand area.
A = 0.7854 x n x d²
Use the same units for every measurement and keep the coefficient rounded to four decimals for quick calculations.
2. Capture Accurate Inputs
Count every strand, including fillers, and measure strand diameter at several points to avoid errors from ovality.
n = strand count, d = strand diameter (mm)
Re-measure if variation exceeds your micrometer's repeatability.
3. Run the Calculation
Multiply strand count by the squared diameter, then by 0.7854. The calculator automates this while retaining unit conversions.
Area outputs: mm², cm², and in²
Compare the displayed steps with your hand calculation to validate the inputs.
4. Validate Against Standards
Cross-check the result with IEC 60228 nominal values for the conductor class you're using.
Confirm tolerance band before finalizing size
Flag any large deviation as a potential measurement or catalog issue.
5. Adjust for Installation
Consider derating for ambient temperature, bundling, and grouping in trays or conduits.
Higher temperature -> lower current capacity
Use conservative assumptions when sizing for continuous loads.
6. Document Your Inputs
Record the strand count, measured diameter, and selected units alongside the calculated area.
Traceable inputs prevent mis-sized cable approvals
Share the step-by-step output as a verification record for reviews.
Real-Life Example
A 300 mm² single-core copper cable measures approximately 19.6 mm in conductor diameter.
A = 0.7854 x 1 x (19.6)²
Calculation: (19.6)² = 384.2; 0.7854 x 384.2 = 301.6 mm².
Result: The measurement aligns with the 300 mm² rating; confirm insulation and installation derating separately.
Cable Cross Section Table
Reference values for common stranded constructions and their approximate areas
| Strands x Diameter (mm) | Calculated Area (mm²) | Approx. AWG | Typical Ampacity* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 x 0.30 | 0.49 | 24 | 0.6–2 A |
| 7 x 0.50 | 1.37 | 20 | 2–5 A |
| 19 x 0.41 | 2.52 | 16 | 6–10 A |
| 19 x 0.52 | 4.02 | 14 | 10–15 A |
| 37 x 0.45 | 5.91 | 12 | 15–25 A |
| 61 x 0.46 | 10.16 | 10 | 25–35 A |
| 91 x 0.50 | 17.90 | 8 | 40–55 A |
| 127 x 0.46 | 21.23 | 7 | 55–70 A |
*Ampacity values are indicative for typical copper conductors in free air; verify against local code and installation conditions.
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