UNIT CONVERTER

Electronics engineering requires constant switching between imperial and metric units. PCB designers in the US commonly work in mils (thousandths of an inch), while component datasheets and IPC standards often specify dimensions in millimeters. This converter handles the most frequent conversions you'll encounter in day-to-day design work.

The AWG (American Wire Gauge) system is the standard for wire sizing in North America. Each AWG step represents a consistent change in wire cross-section — going up 3 AWG numbers roughly halves the cross-sectional area and doubles the resistance. Understanding the relationship between AWG and metric mm² is essential when working with international suppliers or European specifications.

Copper weight in PCB fabrication is specified in ounces per square foot (oz/ft²). One ounce of copper spread over one square foot produces a foil thickness of approximately 1.4 mil (35 µm). Knowing the exact thickness is critical for trace width calculations, impedance control, and current-carrying capacity analysis.

For aerospace and defense applications, accurate unit conversion is not just convenience — it's a quality requirement. MIL-STD and IPC specifications are unforgiving about dimensional tolerances. Calpak USA's engineering team works with both imperial and metric systems daily. Contact us if you need design support.