Coil Wrap Calculator
Calculate coil resistance for any build type. Supports round wire, twisted, parallel, Clapton, fused Clapton, and ribbon wire. Get recommended wattage ranges and target resistance suggestions.
Coil Types Explained
Round Wire
The classic and most straightforward build. Single strand of wire wrapped around a mandrel.
BeginnerTwisted
2-4 wires twisted together before wrapping. More surface area, slightly higher resistance than parallel.
IntermediateParallel
Multiple wires wrapped side by side. Halves resistance per additional strand.
IntermediateClapton
Core wire wrapped with thinner outer wire. Excellent flavor from increased surface area.
AdvancedFused Clapton
Multiple core wires wrapped together. Lower resistance than single Clapton, even better flavor.
AdvancedRibbon/Flat
Flat wire with rectangular cross-section. More surface area than round wire of similar mass.
IntermediateWire Materials ReferenceResistivity values are at room temperature (20°C)
| Material | Resistivity | TC Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanthal A1 | 1.45 Ω·mm²/m | No | Most popular. Great for beginners, wattage mode only. |
| Kanthal A | 1.39 Ω·mm²/m | No | Similar to A1, slightly lower resistance. |
| Kanthal D | 1.35 Ω·mm²/m | No | Lower resistance Kanthal variant, faster ramp-up. |
| Nichrome N80 | 1.09 Ω·mm²/m | No | Fast ramp-up, popular for flavor builds. |
| Nichrome N60 | 1.11 Ω·mm²/m | No | 60% nickel nichrome, slightly higher resistance than N80. |
| Nichrome N70 | 1.08 Ω·mm²/m | No | 70% nickel nichrome, balanced properties. |
| SS316L | 0.75 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | Most popular SS. Works in wattage and TC modes. |
| SS304 | 0.71 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | Common food-grade SS, slightly lower resistance than 316L. |
| SS317L | 0.79 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | Higher molybdenum content, corrosion resistant. |
| SS430 | 0.60 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | Ferritic SS, magnetic, good for TC. |
| Nickel Ni200 | 0.10 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | TC MODE ONLY - Do not use in wattage mode |
| Titanium Grade 1 | 0.54 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | TC MODE ONLY - Releases toxic oxide above 650°C |
| Titanium Grade 2 | 0.56 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | TC MODE ONLY - Releases toxic oxide above 650°C |
| NiFe30 (Resistherm) | 0.32 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | TC MODE ONLY - Advanced users |
| NiFe48 | 0.48 Ω·mm²/m | Yes | TC MODE ONLY - Advanced users |
Wire Gauge Reference (AWG)
| AWG | Diameter (mm) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 20 AWG | 0.812 mm | Low resistance, high power builds |
| 22 AWG | 0.644 mm | Low resistance, high power builds |
| 24 AWG | 0.511 mm | General purpose |
| 26 AWG | 0.405 mm | Versatile, popular for most builds |
| 28 AWG | 0.321 mm | Versatile, popular for most builds |
| 30 AWG | 0.255 mm | MTL, high resistance builds |
| 32 AWG | 0.202 mm | MTL, high resistance builds |
| 34 AWG | 0.160 mm | MTL, high resistance builds |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the number of wraps I need?
Use our 'Target Resistance' mode. Enter your desired resistance, select your wire material and gauge, and the calculator will tell you how many wraps you need. You can also experiment with different combinations to find the best setup.
What's the best wire gauge for building coils?
24-26 AWG is most popular for single coil and dual coil builds. Thicker wire (22-24 AWG) heats slower but holds more heat. Thinner wire (26-28 AWG) heats faster but can burn out quicker. 28-32 AWG is typically used for wrapping Claptons.
What's the difference between twisted and parallel coils?
Twisted coils have wires twisted together before wrapping, which slightly increases resistance due to the longer wire path. Parallel coils have multiple wires running side-by-side, which divides resistance (2 parallel wires = half the resistance).
What wire material should I use?
Kanthal A1 is best for beginners - durable and easy to work with. Nichrome heats faster. Stainless Steel works in both wattage and TC modes. Ni200 and Titanium are TC-only materials - never use in wattage mode.
What inner diameter should I use?
2.5-3mm is most common. Smaller diameters (2-2.5mm) work better for MTL with tighter airflow. Larger diameters (3-3.5mm) are better for DTL builds and hold more cotton for juice absorption.
How do Clapton coils affect resistance?
The wrap wire on a Clapton adds minimal resistance because the current mainly flows through the core. That said, Claptons have much higher mass and surface area, so they need more wattage but produce better flavor.