Question: what is 12 gauge wire?
Answer: The diameter of solid 12 AWG wire is approximately 0.0808 inches (2.053 mm), and 14 AWG is 0.0641 inches (1.628 mm). Therefore, 12 AWG wire is about 26% thicker and has 59% more cross-sectional area than 14 AWG wire. ... For example, in the gauge system used for steel music wire, a bigger number means a bigger wire!