Wire Gauge Sizes and Conversion Charts

Working with wire to make Chain Maille can be confusing at first. The reason for this is because there are many ways to measure the gauge of wire. The two most popular ways to measure are A.W.G. (American Wire Gauge) also known as Brown & Sharpe. And S.W.G. (Standard Wire Gauge). S.W.G. is used outside of the United States. Many tutorials on Chain Maille use the S.W.G. If your working with A.W.G. you will need to convert your sizes. The Aspect Ratio of a Jump Ring will also have to be considered in making some Chain Maille Designs. Below is a conversion chart you can use to help figure out which size wire to use in your Chain Maille Designs.

10	0.1019	2.5883	0.128	3.2512
12	0.0808	2.0523	0.104	2.6416
14	0.0641	1.62814	0.080	2.0320
16	0.0508	1.29032	0.064	1.6256
18	0.0403	1.02362	0.048	1.2192
19	0.0359	0.91186	0.040	1.016
20	0.0320	0.8128	0.036	0.9144
21	0.0285	0.7239	0.032	0.8128
22	0.0253	0.64262	0.028	0.7112

Inch to Metric Conversion Chart :
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1/16" - 1.5875mm
5/64" - 1.984375mm
3/32" - 2.38125mm
7/64" - 2.778125mm
1/8" - 3.175mm
9/64" - 3.571875mm
5/32" - 3.96875mm
11/64"- 4.365625mm
3/16" - 4.7625mm
13/64"- 5.159375mm
7/32" - 5.55625mm
1/4" - 6.35mm
9/32" - 7.14375mm
5/16" - 7.9375mm
11/32"- 8.73125mm
3/8" - 9.525mm
7/16" - 11.1125mm
1/2" - 12.7mm
9/16" - 14.2875mm
5/8" - 15.875mm

Below is a chart that can be used to convert Imperial jump ring sizes to metric.
Let's say you found a pattern that calls for a 5/32" I.D. (inner diameter) jump ring. By taking a look at the chart, 5/32" is equal to 3.96875mm. We can round this up to 4mm to get an equivalent I.D. Generally this method will work as a starting point in converting most Imperial sizes to metric. Most Chain Maille patterns have an "aspect ratio" range that would still allow you to assemble the pattern. But please keep in mind that every metal has it's own unique property that cause a certain amount of spring back when wound around a mandrel or dowel. How much a metal springs back determine the final I.D. of the jump ring. Ex: Stainless Steel is much harder than Sterling Silver, therefore Stainless Steel will spring back more than the softer metal (Sterling Silver). Also the temper of the metal will affect the I.D. of the final jump ring size. Ex: Full Hard Sterling Silver wire will spring back more than Dead Soft Sterling Silver wire when wound around a mandrel.