Written 2003
SWG to AWG Conversion Chart for Chainmaille
Quick answer: SWG and AWG use the same gauge numbers for different wire thicknesses, and at the same number SWG wire is thicker. So a pattern written for 16 SWG steel rings won't fit 16 AWG precious metal rings. Find your SWG wire's diameter in the chart, choose the AWG gauge closest to it, then keep the same inner diameter.
Ferrous metals are usually gauged in SWG. Precious metals are usually gauged like ours, in AWG. To use our rings with a maille pattern developed on SWG rings, you'll need to do some conversions.
|
AWG |
mm |
in. |
SWG |
mm |
in. |
|
|
8 |
3.2639 |
0.1285 |
||||
|
10 |
2.5883 |
0.102 |
12 |
2.6416 |
0.104 |
|
|
12 |
2.0523 |
0.081 |
14 |
2.032 |
0.08 |
|
|
14 |
1.6281 |
0.064 |
16 |
1.6256 |
0.064 |
|
|
16 |
1.2903 |
0.051 |
18 |
1.2192 |
0.048 |
|
|
18 |
1.0236 |
0.040 |
19 |
1.016 |
0.04 |
|
|
19 |
0.9119 |
0.036 |
20 |
0.9144 |
0.036 |
|
|
20 |
0.8128 |
0.032 |
21 |
0.8128 |
0.032 |
|
|
21 |
0.7239 |
0.029 |
22 |
0.7112 |
0.028 |
|
|
22 |
0.6426 |
0.025 |
23 |
0.6096 |
0.024 |
|
|
23 |
0.5740 |
0.023 |
24 |
0.5588 |
0.022 |
|
|
24 |
0.5105 |
0.020 |
25 |
0.508 |
0.02 |
SWG and AWG: common questions
What's the difference between SWG and AWG?
Both are wire gauge systems. SWG (Standard Wire Gauge) is the British system, usually used for steel and other ferrous wire. AWG (American Wire Gauge) is the system usually used for precious metals, and it's the one we use for every ring we make.
Is 18 SWG the same as 18 AWG?
No. At the same gauge number, SWG wire is thicker than AWG wire, so swapping one for the other changes how a weave sits. Always convert by wire diameter, not by gauge number.
Can I use a steel chainmaille pattern with your precious metal rings?
Yes. Convert the pattern's wire to the closest AWG gauge with the chart above, and keep the ring's inner diameter as close as you can so the weave keeps its shape. Our weave ring size pages already list tested AWG sizes, so if your weave is there you can skip the math.
What gauges do Urban Maille rings come in?
We make precision jump rings in true AWG from 8g to 26g, in seven wire shapes, all saw cut by hand since 2003. Browse all our jump rings.
