14 BWG to MM: Tube Thickness

14 BWG equals 2.108 mm (0.083 inch) wall thickness. BWG 14 is one of the most commonly specified tube gauges for shell-and-tube heat exchangers, boiler economizers, and process coolers in the oil and gas industry. The 14 BWG to mm conversion is a frequently searched reference because BWG 14 represents a practical balance between pressure rating and heat transfer efficiency.

The 14 BWG wall thickness applies regardless of the tube outside diameter. Whether the tube is 3/4”, 1”, or 2” OD, the BWG 14 wall thickness remains 2.108 mm.

14 BWG Tube Dimensions by OD

The following table shows tube dimensions and weights for BWG 14 wall thickness across common tube outside diameters:

Tube OD (inch)	Tube OD (mm)	Wall (mm)	ID (mm)	Weight (kg/m)
3/8”	9.525	2.108	5.309	0.392
1/2”	12.700	2.108	8.484	0.559
5/8”	15.875	2.108	11.659	0.727
3/4”	19.050	2.108	14.834	0.894
7/8”	22.225	2.108	18.009	1.060
1”	25.400	2.108	21.184	1.230
1-1/4”	31.750	2.108	27.534	1.570
1-1/2”	38.100	2.108	33.884	1.900
2”	50.800	2.108	46.584	2.570
2-1/2”	63.500	2.108	59.284	3.240
3”	76.200	2.108	71.984	3.910

Key Specifications for 14 BWG Tubes

Property	Value
Gauge designation	BWG 14 (Birmingham Wire Gauge 14)
Wall thickness (inch)	0.083”
Wall thickness (mm)	2.108 mm
SWG 14 equivalent	0.080” / 2.032 mm (different value)
Common materials	Carbon steel (ASTM A179, A214), stainless steel (ASTM A213), copper alloys
Reference standard	ASTM A450
TEMA class	Suitable for Class R, C, and B exchangers
Maximum pressure rating	Depends on material and OD (consult ASME BPVC Section VIII)

Common Applications

BWG 14 tubes are widely used in:

• Shell-and-tube heat exchangers (TEMA Class R for refinery service): 3/4” and 1” OD tubes with BWG 14 walls are the standard selection for general hydrocarbon service
• Boiler economizers: carbon steel tubes per ASTM A178 or A214
• Process coolers and condensers: stainless steel or copper-nickel tubes where moderate pressure and corrosion resistance are required
• Feed water heaters: alloy steel tubes per ASTM A213

Common Mistake

Confusing BWG 14 (2.108 mm) with SWG 14 (2.032 mm). The difference of 0.076 mm may seem small, but it affects the tube ID, pressure rating, and fit within the tubesheet hole. Heat exchanger tube-to-tubesheet joints are precision-machined, and using the wrong wall thickness can cause rolling or welding failures. Always verify whether the specification calls for BWG or SWG. See the complete BWG vs SWG comparison for all gauge values.

Read the full guide to BWG/SWG tube sizes