How can you find the circular mil cross section area of a wire?

The circular mil cross-section area of a wire is found by squaring the diameter of the wire when the diameter is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). The formula for calculating the circular mil area is:

Area (circular mils) = (Diameter in mils)²

By squaring the diameter, you obtain the area in circular mils, which is a unit specifically used in electrical engineering to convey the cross-sectional area of round wires. This measurement is crucial for determining the current-carrying capacity of the wire as well as its resistance and other electrical characteristics.

Using the diameter measured in mils ensures the calculation remains consistent with industry standards, as electrical wire sizes are often specified in this unit. Thus, finding the area by squaring the diameter is the correct and accepted method for calculating the cross-section of a wire in circular mils.