What Is the Voltage Drop for 2 AWG at 113A and 25 Feet?

2 AWG copper carrying 113 amps over 25 feet on a single-phase / DC circuit drops 1.1 volts (0.9134% on a 120V source). This sits within the 3% branch target and the 5% feeder+branch total target that NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note 4 cites. Both are planning targets, not code requirements.

2 AWG, 113A, 25ft · single-phase / DC
1.1 V drop (0.9134% on 120V)
On 120V circuit0.9134%
On 240V circuit0.4567%

Circuit basis: This uses the single-phase / DC round-trip formula (factor of 2) for the voltage drop across the two circuit conductors. For a three-phase line-to-line run use the three-phase version of the page (append ?type=3ph). Switch to the three-phase version →

2 AWG
1.10V (0.91%)

Assumes a 120V source on a single-phase / DC circuit. Use the circuit-basis link above to switch between single-phase/DC and three-phase.

Voltage Drop Formula (single-phase / DC)

Vdrop = (2 × L × I × R) ÷ 1000

(2 × 25 × 113 × 0.194) ÷ 1000 = 1.1 V

DC and single-phase AC use the round-trip factor of 2. Current travels out to the load on one conductor and returns on another.

For a three-phase circuit at the same amps and distance, see the three-phase version (uses √3 instead of 2, so the drop is about 13.4% lower).

Percentage

%VD = (Vdrop ÷ Vsource) × 100

On 120V: (1.1 ÷ 120) × 100 = 0.9134%
On 240V: (1.1 ÷ 240) × 100 = 0.4567%

How This Estimate Changes with Run Length and Gauge

Gauge Check

2 AWG clears the 3% drop target at these inputs. A smaller conductor may also meet it with less margin. See the minimum gauge for this load and distance.

Impact of Distance

Voltage drop is proportional to distance. Here is 2 AWG at 113A at different distances:

DistanceDrop (V)% on 120V% on 240VNEC (120V)
25ft1.1V0.9134%0.4567%OK
50ft2.19V1.83%0.9134%OK
75ft3.29V2.74%1.37%OK
100ft4.38V3.65%1.83%Caution
150ft6.58V5.48%2.74%Past 5%
200ft8.77V7.31%3.65%Past 5%
300ft13.15V10.96%5.48%Past 5%

Same Run, Different Wire Gauges

How does wire gauge affect voltage drop for 113A at 25 feet on 120V single-phase / DC? Only gauges whose branch-circuit OCP cap is at or above the 113A load are listed, since thinner gauges would fail the ampacity check before drop even matters.

GaugeDrop (V)% on 120V% on 240V3% Target (120V)
2 AWG1.1V0.9134%0.4567%OK
1 AWG0.8701V0.7251%0.3625%OK
1/0 AWG0.6893V0.5744%0.2872%OK
2/0 AWG0.5464V0.4553%0.2276%OK
3/0 AWG0.4328V0.3607%0.1803%OK
4/0 AWG0.3435V0.2863%0.1431%OK

Frequently Asked Questions

2 AWG carrying 113A over 25ft has a 1.1V drop (0.9134% on 120V). Reference: 0.4567% on 240V.
Voltage drop is proportional to distance. The formula multiplies by 2 × the distance (out and back). Doubling the run doubles the drop.
On 120V, this run sits at 0.9134%, which is within the 3% branch and 5% feeder+branch total drop targets. NEC 210.19(A) Informational Note 4 cites 3% for branch circuits and 5% for total feeder+branch drop as performance recommendations, not hard code requirements.
Same wire, same amps, same distance: the volts dropped are identical. But the percentage is worse on 120V because the drop is a larger fraction of the source voltage. This run would be 0.4567% on 240V versus 0.9134% on 120V.
2 AWG already sits within the 3% branch-circuit drop target at these inputs (0.9134% on 120V). Going to a larger gauge is only useful if you want more headroom for future load growth, longer runs, or tighter drop targets like the 5% feeder+branch total recommendation used in sensitive or motor-heavy installations.
This calculator provides estimates for reference purposes only. Always consult a licensed electrician and verify compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local electrical codes before performing any electrical work.