Have you ever ordered a new piece of piercing jewelry that looked perfect online, only to find out that it doesn’t quite fit? The size could very well be the reason. Although piercing holes are small, there are many different sizes of piercing jewelry. The right size depends on the placement of your piercing, the thickness of the jewelry and how much room your anatomy needs.
Luckily, you can often check the size of your current jewelry yourself. In this blog, we’ll explain what to look out for and how to measure your piercing jewelry as accurately as possible.
Why Are Piercings Available in Different Sizes?
Not every piercing is placed in the same way, and every body is different. A helix piercing, for example, requires different dimensions than a navel piercing or septum. The thickness of the jewelry can also vary.
That’s why piercing jewelry comes in different thicknesses, lengths and diameters. These measurements are usually given in millimeters (mm).
For example:
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Thickness: the thickness of the bar or ring, such as 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm or 1.6 mm.
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Length: the length of a straight barbell, such as 6 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm.
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Diameter: the inner diameter of a ring, such as 6 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm.
The size you need depends on both the type of piercing and your individual anatomy.
How Do You Know Which Size Your Piercing Is?
The easiest way to determine the correct size is to measure your current jewelry. If you have a piece that fits well and feels comfortable, it’s a great starting point.
The best tool for this is a caliper, which allows you to measure much more accurately than with a regular ruler.
1. Measure the Thickness of the Jewelry
For a barbell, measure the thickness of the bar itself, not its length.
A piercing bar, for example, might be 1.2 mm thick. This measurement is sometimes also referred to as the gauge of the jewelry.
Make sure you only measure the part of the jewelry that actually passes through the piercing channel. The ball, gemstone or other end of the jewelry does not count.
2. Measure the Length of a Bar
For a straight barbell or flatback, measure the length of the bar between the ends.
With a flatback, measure from the back of the flatback to the underside of the top. Do not include the top itself in your measurement.
This is important because a 6 mm bar is not the same as an 8 mm bar. Even a few millimeters can make a noticeable difference when it comes to piercing jewelry.
3. Measure the Diameter of a Ring
With a ring, you need to measure the inner diameter. Measure from one inner edge of the ring straight across to the opposite inner edge.
A ring with a 6 mm diameter is therefore smaller than an 8 mm ring.
The diameter determines how much space the ring takes up around your piercing. A ring that is too small may feel tight, while a larger ring will have more room to move.
What Size Do You Need for Each Piercing?
Unfortunately, there is no single standard size that works for everyone. Even two people with the same type of piercing may need different sizes.
As a general guideline, these are some of the most common sizes:
| Piercing | Common Thickness | Common Length / Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Helix | 1.0–1.2 mm | 6–8 mm length |
| Flat | 1.0–1.2 mm | 6–8 mm length |
| Tragus | 1.0–1.2 mm | 6–8 mm length |
| Conch | 1.0–1.2 mm | 6–10 mm length |
| Lobe | 0.8–1.2 mm | 6–8 mm length |
| Nose | 0.8–1.0 mm | 6–8 mm length |
| Septum | 1.0–1.6 mm | 6–10 mm diameter |
| Lip | 1.0–1.2 mm | 6–10 mm length |
| Navel | 1.6 mm | 8–12 mm length |
| Nipple | 1.6 mm | 10–16 mm length |
These are common sizes and not fixed standards. The correct size varies from person to person and depends on factors such as your anatomy, piercing placement and any swelling. Whenever possible, measure your current, well-fitting jewelry before choosing a new piece.
Can You Measure a Piercing Without Removing the Jewelry?
Yes, but it can be a little more difficult. You can try measuring the length or diameter with a ruler while the jewelry is still in your piercing. Keep in mind that this is less accurate.
One useful tip is to take a close-up photo of your piercing and place a ruler next to the jewelry. This can make it easier to estimate the proportions.
Even better, use a caliper. This allows you to check whether your bar is, for example, 6, 7, 8 or 10 mm long.
Be Careful With Healing or Swollen Piercings
Measuring your jewelry is especially useful when your piercing is fully healed and you are wearing a piece that fits well.
Is your piercing still healing, irritated or swollen? Then the size you need may temporarily be different. A piece of jewelry that has enough room during the healing process may end up being too long once the swelling goes down.
On the other hand, you should never choose a bar that is too short simply because it looks better. There needs to be enough room for your anatomy and any potential swelling.
For a new or irritated piercing, it’s therefore best to ask a professional piercer for advice.
Why Is Choosing the Right Size So Important?
Well-fitting piercing jewelry should feel comfortable without moving around unnecessarily or putting pressure on the tissue.
A bar that is too short can put pressure on the tissue and, in some cases, may become too tight or start embedding. A bar that is too long can move around more than necessary, which may cause irritation.
The same applies to rings. A ring that is too small can create too much tension, while a ring that is much too large can move around more easily and get caught on clothing or hair.
Choosing the right size is therefore important not only for the appearance of your piercing, but also for comfort.
Still Not Sure Which Size You Need?
Not sure which size to choose? It’s better not to guess. First, check the size of the jewelry you are currently wearing and that fits well. If you can’t determine the size yourself, a professional piercer can easily measure your jewelry and piercing for you.
AllOver tip: Keep a note of the sizes of your favorite piercing jewelry. That way, you won’t have to measure everything again the next time you want to buy a new piece, and you’ll know exactly which size to look for.
The Right Size Makes All the Difference
Piercing jewelry may look small and simple, but a difference of just a few millimeters can have a big impact on the fit. By carefully measuring the thickness, length or diameter of your current jewelry, you can make it much easier to choose a new piece that fits your piercing.
And if you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask a professional piercer for advice. That way, you can avoid buying the wrong size and keep your piercing comfortable.
