Chainmail wire gauge chart

This is the reference you want open when you are choosing wire. It lists the gauges used in chainmail in both major systems, with diameters in millimetres and inches, and what each is usually used for. If you are not sure why there are two columns, read SWG versus AWG.

The chart

Higher number means thinner wire. Going down two gauge numbers roughly adds a quarter to a third to the diameter.

What each size is used for

12 SWG and thicker. Heavy armour work and decorative pieces. Hard to bend by hand, and you will want a vise or specialised pliers. Few beginners need it.

14 SWG. Strong, substantial mail for armour, belts and heavy bracelets. It is hard on hands in steel. In aluminum it is practical. Expect large inside diameters, 3/8 inch and up.

16 SWG. The workhorse. Common for European 4-in-1 bracelets, coifs and armour pieces, and the standard for many scale mail projects. 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch inside diameters are the usual choices. Typical aspect ratios are 3.9 and 4.9 respectively.

18 SWG. A good size for jewellery and fine work. 3/16 inch gives 3.9 and 1/4 inch gives 5.2. Comfortable to handle and it still looks substantial.

20 SWG. Fine jewellery and delicate weaves. Rings are small and the work is slow, but the result is elegant. 1/8 and 5/32 inch inside diameters are common.

22 SWG and thinner. Very fine work, usually in precious metals. You will want magnification.

Choosing a ring size from the chart

Choose the gauge by the use, then choose the inside diameter from the aspect ratio the weave needs. A short worked example:

• You want a European 4-in-1 bracelet that feels sturdy. Pick 16 SWG (1.626 mm).
• A target AR of 3.9 gives an inside diameter of 3.9 times 1.626, about 6.35 mm, which is 1/4 inch.
• Check against the weave range in aspect ratio explained. 3.9 sits inside 3.0 to 4.5.

The calculator runs this in both directions.

Metal changes the feel

Gauge sets thickness, but metal sets weight and stiffness. 16 SWG in aluminum is light and soft. The same size in stainless steel is heavy and springy. See the metals guide.

Measuring wire you already have

Use a caliper. Clamp it on the wire, not the cut end, and read the diameter. Compare to the chart. If it falls between two numbers you probably have a different system, so check both columns.