Size Guide
Find general gauge, post-length and hoop-diameter references below. Sizes vary with anatomy, placement angle and jewelry design. Match your established gauge and use individual measurements; never force a thicker piece into a smaller piercing.
These tables are general references, not initial-jewelry prescriptions. For a new, healing, swollen or irritated piercing, ask a qualified professional piercer for an individual fitting.
Understand the measurements
- Gauge: the thickness of the part that passes through the piercing.
- Post length: the wearable space, excluding the decorative end and back disc.
- Ring diameter: the inside width of the ring.
Gauge conversion
| Gauge | mm | Inches | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22G | 0.6 mm | 0.024" | Extra-fine nostril |
| 20G | 0.8 mm | 0.032" | Lobe, nostril |
| 18G | 1.0 mm | 0.040" | Lobe, cartilage |
| 16G | 1.2 mm | 0.047" | Cartilage, lip, septum |
| 14G | 1.6 mm | 0.063" | Navel, nipple, tongue |
| 12G | 2.0 mm | 0.079" | Stretched lobe, nipple |
| 10G | 2.4 mm | 0.094" | Stretched lobe |
| 8G | 3.2 mm | 0.126" | Stretched lobe |
Length & diameter conversion
| mm | Inches | Fraction |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 0.20" | 3/16" |
| 6 mm | 0.24" | 1/4" |
| 8 mm | 0.31" | 5/16" |
| 10 mm | 0.39" | 3/8" |
| 12 mm | 0.47" | 1/2" |
| 14 mm | 0.55" | 9/16" |
| 16 mm | 0.63" | 5/8" |
| 19 mm | 0.75" | 3/4" |
Inch and fractional values are approximate. Use the dimensions stated for the specific product.
Ear piercing size references
| Location | Typical Gauge | Post Length | Ring Diameter | Common Styles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lobe | 18G 20G | 5 – 8 mm | 6 – 10 mm | Flat-back stud, huggie, small hoop |
| Upper / Stacked lobe | 18G | 6 – 8 mm | 6 – 8 mm | Flat-back stud, mini huggie |
| Helix | 16G 18G | 6 – 10 mm | 7 – 10 mm | Flat-back stud, clicker, seamless ring |
| Forward Helix | 16G 18G | 6 – 8 mm | — | Flat-back stud |
| Flat | 16G | 6 – 10 mm | — | Flat-back stud |
| Tragus | 16G 18G | 6 – 8 mm | 6 – 8 mm | Flat-back stud, small clicker |
| Conch | 16G 14G | 6 – 10 mm | 10 – 14 mm | Flat-back stud, large hoop / ring |
| Daith | 16G | — | 8 – 10 mm | Clicker, heart ring, seamless ring |
| Rook | 16G | 6 – 10 mm | 8 – 10 mm | Curved barbell, clicker |
| Snug / Anti-tragus | 16G | 6 – 8 mm | — | Curved barbell, flat-back stud |
| Industrial | 14G 16G | 30 – 38 mm | — | Industrial barbell |
Nose & septum size references
| Location | Gauge | Length / Diameter | Styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nostril | 20G 18G | Post: 6.5–8mm Hoop: 6–10mm |
L-bend stud, nose screw, hoop, flat-back |
| High Nostril | 18G 20G | Post: 6–8mm | Flat-back labret |
| Septum | 16G 14G | Diameter: 8–10mm | Clicker, seamless ring, circular barbell |
| Bridge (Erl) | 16G 14G | Length: 12–14mm | Curved barbell |
Lip & tongue size references
| Location | Gauge | Post Length | Styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labret (center lower) | 16G 14G | 8–10mm | Flat-back labret, ring |
| Monroe / Madonna | 16G | 6–8mm | Flat-back labret |
| Medusa (philtrum) | 16G | 6–10mm | Flat-back labret |
| Vertical labret | 14G 16G | 10–14mm | Curved barbell |
| Snake bites (pair) | 16G 14G | 8–10mm | Flat-back labret (pair) |
| Tongue (center) | 14G | 14–18mm | Straight barbell |
Eyebrow size references
| Location | Gauge | Length / Diameter | Styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eyebrow (vertical) | 16G 18G | 8–10mm | Curved barbell, CBR, seamless ring |
| Anti-eyebrow | 16G 14G | 6–8mm | Surface barbell, curved barbell |
Navel & nipple size references
| Location | Gauge | Length / Diameter | Styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navel (belly button) | 14G | Length: 10mm (range 8–12mm) | Curved barbell (banana), dangle |
| Floating / Reverse navel | 14G | Length: 8–10mm | Curved barbell (top facing down) |
| Nipple | 14G 12G | Length: 14–16mm Diameter: 12–16mm |
Straight barbell, CBR, clicker |
How to measure hoop size · How to measure piercing jewelry · Return to the Piercing Academy
