1. What is Wire Gauge Resistance?

The resistance of a wire depends on its material (resistivity), length, and cross-sectional area. This calculator helps determine the resistance of a conductor based on these parameters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the resistance formula:

Where:

• \( R \) — Resistance in ohms (Ω)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of the material (Ω·m)
• \( L \) — Length of the wire (m)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the wire (m²)

Explanation: Resistance increases with length and decreases with cross-sectional area, proportional to the material's resistivity.

3. Importance of Resistance Calculation

Details: Calculating wire resistance is essential for designing electrical circuits, selecting appropriate wire gauges, and minimizing power losses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistivity (default is 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m for copper), length in meters, and cross-sectional area in square meters. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical resistivity for common materials?
A: Copper: 1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Aluminum: 2.65×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Gold: 2.44×10⁻⁸ Ω·m, Silver: 1.59×10⁻⁸ Ω·m.

Q2: How does temperature affect resistance?
A: Resistance increases with temperature for most conductors. The temperature coefficient must be considered for precise calculations.

Q3: How do I find cross-sectional area for standard wire gauges?
A: AWG tables provide diameter which can be converted to area using \( A = \pi r^2 \).

Q4: Why does resistance increase with length?
A: Longer wires offer more opposition to electron flow as electrons collide more frequently with the conductor's atoms.

Q5: What's the relationship between resistance and power loss?
A: Power loss in a wire is \( I^2R \), so higher resistance leads to more energy lost as heat.