In AWG sizing, what happens to the cross-sectional area as the gauge number increases?

In AWG sizing, what happens to the cross-sectional area as the gauge number increases?

• A. It increases
• B. It decreases
• C. It stays the same
• D. It varies with temperature

Answer: (B)

In AWG, larger numbers mean thinner wires. The cross-sectional area is proportional to the diameter squared, so when the diameter gets smaller, the area gets smaller even more. Therefore, as the gauge number increases, the cross-sectional area decreases. This is the fundamental relationship used in AWG sizing; it doesn’t stay the same, and isn’t set by temperature.

In AWG, larger numbers mean thinner wires. The cross-sectional area is proportional to the diameter squared, so when the diameter gets smaller, the area gets smaller even more. Therefore, as the gauge number increases, the cross-sectional area decreases. This is the fundamental relationship used in AWG sizing; it doesn’t stay the same, and isn’t set by temperature.