Wire Gauge Voltage Drop Calculator
Ensure efficient power delivery and prevent performance issues by calculating the voltage drop across electrical wires. Select the correct wire gauge for your application.
What is Voltage Drop?
Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage that occurs when electrical current flows through a wire. This happens due to the resistance of the wire material and increases with longer distances and higher currents.
Why Does It Matter?
- Reduces efficiency and wastes energy as heat
- Can cause equipment to malfunction or operate poorly
- May create fire hazards in extreme cases
- Shortens the lifespan of electrical components
| AWG Size | Copper Resistance (Ω/1000ft) | Aluminum Resistance (Ω/1000ft) | Current Capacity (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 2.525 | 4.14 | 15 |
| 12 | 1.588 | 2.607 | 20 |
| 10 | 0.999 | 1.64 | 30 |
| 8 | 0.628 | 1.03 | 40 |
| 6 | 0.395 | 0.648 | 55 |
| 4 | 0.249 | 0.408 | 70 |
| 2 | 0.157 | 0.257 | 95 |
| 1/0 | 0.098 | 0.161 | 125 |
| 2/0 | 0.078 | 0.128 | 145 |
| 4/0 | 0.049 | 0.081 | 195 |
Voltage Drop Calculator: Choose the Right Wire Gauge Every Time
If you’re working on an electrical project—whether it’s installing LED lighting, wiring up solar panels, or setting up a workshop—one thing you can’t afford to ignore is voltage drop. That’s where our easy-to-use Voltage Drop and Wire Gauge Calculator comes in.
This free online tool helps you calculate the voltage drop, power loss, and the best wire size for your needs. No more guesswork, no more burnt wires—just clean, efficient power delivery.
🔌 What Is a Voltage Drop and Why Should You Care?
Voltage drop occurs when the voltage at the end of a wire run is lower than at the source. This happens due to wire resistance and can:
- Cause lights to dim or flicker
- Reduce the performance of appliances
- Waste energy as heat
- Even lead to dangerous overheating
That’s why calculating the correct wire size is crucial, especially for long-distance runs or high-current setups.
⚡ Meet the Wire Gauge Voltage Drop Calculator
Our tool makes it super simple to figure out the perfect wire size. Here’s what it does:
- ✅ Calculates voltage drop based on voltage, current, distance, wire material, and tolerance
- ✅ Gives you the recommended wire gauge (AWG) to meet your voltage drop limits
- ✅ Displays helpful data like power loss, delivered voltage, and more
- ✅ Supports both copper and aluminum wires
- ✅ Works in feet or meters
Try it yourself here 👉 Wire Gauge Calculator
🧮 How It Works – Inputs You Provide
You simply enter:
- System Voltage (e.g., 12V, 120V, 240V)
- Current Draw in Amps
- One-way Distance (feet or meters)
- Wire Material (Copper or Aluminum)
- Maximum Allowed Voltage Drop (%)
Click “Calculate” and voilà—you get:
- Recommended AWG wire size
- Exact voltage drop in volts and percent
- Power loss in watts
- Delivered voltage at the end of the run
📊 Example Output (Based on Tool)
Let’s say you have a 12V system, drawing 10A over 50 feet. The tool might recommend:
- Recommended Gauge: 6 AWG
- Voltage Drop: 0.36V
- Percent Drop: 3%
- Power Loss: 3.6W
Much easier (and safer) than estimating it yourself!
🧠 Bonus: Why This Matters for DIYers & Professionals Alike
Whether you’re:
- Wiring up a tiny home
- Running cable to your garage or shed
- Setting up a home solar system
- Or building an RV electric layout
This tool saves time and prevents costly mistakes.
🔗 Related Tools You’ll Love
Looking for more helpful calculators? Check out:
And for a deeper technical dive into voltage drop standards, you can visit trusted resources like NEC Guidelines on Voltage Drop and Engineering Toolbox.
✅ Conclusion
The Wire Gauge Voltage Drop Calculator is your go-to solution for safe, efficient electrical setups. It’s beginner-friendly, fast, and incredibly accurate—perfect for anyone who values precision and safety.
Don’t leave your wiring to chance. Try our voltage drop calculator today and get it right the first time.
Hey, I’m Vipul 👋 I run Armadore.com, where I share cool tools, reviews, and simple guides to make tech easy and useful. If you like smart shortcuts and AI-powered stuff, you’re in the right place.