Which is bigger, 2 AWG or 3 AWG?

Two AWG is bigger than 3 AWG. Wire size climbs as the gauge number falls, and the ladder continues past 1 AWG into the aught sizes, 1/0 through 4/0, then switches to kcmil for anything larger.

In amperage terms at 75C copper: 3 AWG carries 100 amps, 2 AWG 115. Aluminum 2 AWG lands at 90, which Table 310.12 stretches to 100 for dwelling services, the familiar 2-2-2-4 cable.

Every step of the offbeat AWG scale changes diameter by about 12 percent and area by 26.

Both sizes are real products, but 2 AWG dominates shelves; odd sizes exist mostly in engineered feeders.

The AWG calculator converts any gauge to diameter, area, and ampacity in one view.