A theoretical discussions was presented on the coupling-current loss in a superconducting sub-cable composed of three or seven multifilamentary wires. Approximate expressions for the induced loss by the application of a changing transverse magnetic-field were given as functions of the sub-cable parameters such as the thickness of the outer sheath inside the wire and the degree of the compaction or the solder-filling of the sub-cable. According to the present results, increase of the loss per unit volume of a sub-cable due to the first-stage cabling is not so large as predicted by Campbell's theory which is applicable only to a special type of sub-cable composed of many strands.