Electrical mathQuestion 801 of 1506

Why was the circular mil unit created?

  1. To measure wire length
  2. To measure wire weight
  3. To measure wire resistance in ohms per metre of length
  4. To remove the need for π and the radius when finding wire area
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Correct answer: To remove the need for π and the radius when finding wire area

The unit is sized for circles so the formula is simple.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 12.2: Conductor Size

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026