Ear gauge sizes can be confusing — the numbers run backwards (smaller number = bigger size), the system stops at 00g and switches to inches, and different sellers list jewelry in different units. The ear gauge size chart calculator above converts between every system instantly. Print the life-size reference and you can identify any unmarked plug or tunnel by laying it against the page.
This guide covers the full gauge chart, what each size is in millimeters and inches, how to identify unmarked jewelry, the typical stretching path, and the sizes used at different body locations.
How to use the ear gauge converter
Open the calculator and choose what you know — your current gauge size (like 6g, 0g, or 00g), millimeters, or inches. The tool returns every equivalent and shows the size visually. For sizes past 00g, just enter the fractional inch like 1/2″ or 5/8″ — the gauge system stops at 00g (10 mm) and inches take over from there.
Switch tabs for the Stretching Guide (planning your next size), By Body Part reference (different piercings stretch differently), or Print & Identify for the life-size printable chart.
Ear gauge size chart — full conversion table
This is the standard gauge size chart, compiled from industry sources used by Urban Body Jewelry, Custom Plugs, and major piercing retailers. Below 00g the gauge system ends and inch-based sizing continues.
| Gauge / Size | Millimeters | Inches (decimal) | Inches (fraction) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20g | 0.8 mm | 0.031″ | 1/32″ |
| 18g | 1.0 mm | 0.040″ | – |
| 16g | 1.2 mm | 0.047″ | 3/64″ |
| 14g | 1.6 mm | 0.063″ | 1/16″ |
| 12g | 2.0 mm | 0.079″ | 5/64″ |
| 10g | 2.4 mm | 0.094″ | 3/32″ |
| 8g | 3.2 mm | 0.125″ | 1/8″ |
| 6g | 4.0 mm | 0.157″ | 5/32″ |
| 4g | 5.0 mm | 0.197″ | 13/64″ |
| 2g | 6.5 mm | 0.256″ | 1/4″ |
| 0g | 8.0 mm | 0.315″ | 5/16″ |
| 00g | 10.0 mm | 0.394″ | 3/8″ |
| 7/16″ | 11.0 mm | 0.438″ | 7/16″ |
| 1/2″ | 12.7 mm | 0.500″ | 1/2″ |
| 9/16″ | 14.0 mm | 0.563″ | 9/16″ |
| 5/8″ | 16.0 mm | 0.625″ | 5/8″ |
| 11/16″ | 17.5 mm | 0.688″ | 11/16″ |
| 3/4″ | 19.0 mm | 0.750″ | 3/4″ |
| 13/16″ | 20.5 mm | 0.813″ | 13/16″ |
| 7/8″ | 22.0 mm | 0.875″ | 7/8″ |
| 15/16″ | 24.0 mm | 0.938″ | 15/16″ |
| 1″ | 25.4 mm | 1.000″ | 1″ |
| 1 1/4″ | 31.8 mm | 1.250″ | 1 1/4″ |
| 1 1/2″ | 38.1 mm | 1.500″ | 1 1/2″ |
| 1 3/4″ | 44.5 mm | 1.750″ | 1 3/4″ |
| 2″ | 50.8 mm | 2.000″ | 2″ |
Why is the gauge numbering backwards?
Gauge sizing comes from the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard — a wire-thickness scale originally developed in the 1800s for the cable industry. In AWG, smaller numbers mean thicker wires. Body piercing borrowed the system, so a 20g earring (0.8 mm) is much thinner than a 0g plug (8 mm). Once you pass 00g (10 mm), the gauge scale runs out and sizing switches to inches.
A useful mental rule: every two gauges roughly doubles the diameter. 14g (1.6 mm) → 10g (2.4 mm) → 6g (4 mm) → 2g (6.5 mm) — each step is about 1.5×.
Ear gauge size chart actual size (life-size reference)
The Print & Identify tab lets you print a life-size chart that you can lay any plug, tunnel, or piece of jewelry against to identify its size. This is the most accurate way to size unmarked jewelry — far more accurate than eyeballing a ruler at small dimensions where 1 mm differences matter.
To use the printable: print the page at 100% scale (not “fit to page”). Lay your jewelry on or next to each black circle until you find the match. The circle that matches your jewelry’s diameter tells you the gauge.
Stretching ear gauges — typical sizes and progression
Ear stretching is a slow process. Each new size requires the previous size to fully heal first — typically 4–8 weeks between stretches for lobes. Skipping sizes (e.g. going from 8g straight to 4g) dramatically increases the risk of “blowouts” — where the inner skin tears through and creates permanent scar tissue.
A typical lobe-stretching path:
- 18g / 16g — Standard ear piercing. Fully heal (6+ months) before any stretching.
- 14g (1.6 mm) — First stretch. Notable from a close inspection but subtle.
- 12g (2.0 mm) — Still very subtle to anyone but you.
- 10g (2.4 mm) — Visible up close.
- 8g (3.2 mm) — First “obviously stretched” size.
- 6g (4.0 mm) — Visible from a distance.
- 4g (5.0 mm) — Common popular stopping size.
- 2g (6.5 mm) — Quarter inch — major milestone.
- 0g (8.0 mm) — Lots of jewelry available at this size.
- 00g (10.0 mm) — End of the gauge scale.
Past 00g, sizes use inches: 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, up to 1″ and beyond. The Stretching Guide tab walks through your specific next-step path with healing-time guidance.
Ear gauge sizes after 00g
A common confusion is what happens after 00g. The standard gauge scale ends at 00g (10 mm / 3/8″) and sizing switches to inches:
- 7/16″ ≈ 11 mm (the first size past 00g)
- 1/2″ ≈ 12.7 mm (a common stopping point)
- 5/8″ ≈ 16 mm
- 3/4″ ≈ 19 mm
- 7/8″ ≈ 22 mm
- 1″ ≈ 25.4 mm
- 1 1/4″ ≈ 31.8 mm
- 1 1/2″ ≈ 38.1 mm
- 2″ ≈ 50.8 mm
Past 1″, custom jewelry options narrow significantly — most retailers stock standard sizes through 1″ or 1 1/4″, and bigger sizes require specialty or custom-made jewelry.
Gauge sizes for different body piercings
Different piercings have different typical gauge ranges. Generally, the thicker the tissue and the better the blood supply, the easier it is to stretch:
| Piercing | Typical start | Common range | Extended (rare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earlobe | 18g | 14g–2g | Up to 2″+ |
| Conch | 14g | 14g–8g | 6g–2g |
| Helix / cartilage | 16g | 16g–14g | 12g–10g |
| Septum | 16g | 16g–10g | 8g–0g |
| Nostril | 20g | 20g–18g | 16g–14g |
| Tongue | 14g | 14g | 12g–8g |
| Navel | 14g | 14g | 12g–10g |
| Nipple | 14g | 14g–12g | 10g–4g |
Cartilage piercings stretch slowly and risky. Cartilage doesn’t have the same blood supply as soft tissue, so it’s much more likely to scar, thin, or fail to heal. Many piercers won’t stretch cartilage piercings (helix, daith, rook) at all — and those who do recommend waiting 4–12 months between sizes.
How to figure out your current gauge size
If you have jewelry but don’t know its size:
- Use the Print & Identify tab — print the life-size chart and match your jewelry against each circle. This is the most accurate method.
- Use a digital caliper — measure across the widest part of a plug or tunnel. Match the mm reading to the chart above.
- Take it to a piercer — most piercing studios will measure your jewelry for free.
- Compare against known jewelry — if you have another piece you know the size of, hold them side-by-side.
What size to buy if you’re between gauges
If your stretched piercing measures between two standard sizes — for example, 5 mm exactly, between 4g (5.0 mm) and 2g (6.5 mm) — go with the smaller size. Jewelry that’s slightly too small will be tight but won’t damage your ear. Jewelry slightly too large can stretch you to a new size unintentionally or cause discomfort.
For tapers and stretching jewelry, always size at your current gauge or one step up — never two sizes larger.
FAQ section (single box)
What is the largest ear gauge?
The largest commonly available ear gauge in standard jewelry is 2 inches (about 50.8 mm). Past 2″, custom jewelry becomes essential — most retailers stock up to 1″ or 1 1/4″. Stretching past 2″ requires significant time and care.
What is the smallest ear gauge?
A standard ear piercing is usually 20g (0.8 mm) or 18g (1 mm). Anything thinner is rare except in some delicate fashion earrings. Most stretching starts at 14g (1.6 mm), one of the most common starting points.
What gauge is a standard ear piercing?
A standard pierced ear is usually 18g or 20g — about 1 to 0.8 mm in diameter. This is what most piercing guns and most regular earrings use. The smaller decorative earrings sometimes sold for casual wear may even be 22g.
What does 00g mean?
00g (“double zero gauge”) is the largest size in the standard gauge scale — equal to 10 mm or 3/8 of an inch. Past 00g, sizing switches from gauges to fractional inches (7/16″, 1/2″, 5/8″, etc.).
Can I skip gauge sizes when stretching?
No. Skipping sizes (for example, going from 8g straight to 4g) dramatically increases the risk of blowouts, tissue tearing, and scarring. Each gauge step is roughly a 25–50% increase in diameter — large stretches that need their own healing time. Always go one size at a time.
How long should I wait between stretches?
4–8 weeks minimum for lobes between each gauge, only after the previous size has fully healed. Cartilage piercings (helix, conch) need 4–12 months between stretches. Some people wait longer for cleaner results — there’s no rush, and slower stretching produces better long-term outcomes.
What is a 4g ear gauge in mm?
4g = 5.0 mm (about 0.197″ or 13/64 inch). It’s a common stopping point for stretched lobes — visibly stretched from a distance but still moderate. The next size up is 2g (6.5 mm).
What is a 0g ear gauge in mm?
0g = 8 mm (about 0.315″ or 5/16 inch). It’s a major milestone in lobe stretching, with a large selection of jewelry available at this size.
What is an 8g ear gauge in mm?
8g = 3.2 mm (1/8 inch). It’s often considered the first “obviously stretched” size — clearly larger than normal earring size when seen up close.
What is a 6g ear gauge in mm?
6g = 4 mm (about 0.157″ or 5/32 inch). It’s the next step after 8g and is the first size that’s visible from a moderate distance.
How do I measure my ear gauge?
The most accurate method is to print our life-size chart at 100% scale and lay your jewelry against each circle until you find the match. Alternatively, use a digital caliper to measure the diameter in millimeters and look up the result on the chart above. Eyeballing a measurement on a regular ruler is unreliable at gauge dimensions.
What’s the difference between a plug and a tunnel?
A plug is a solid cylinder that completely fills the stretched piercing. A tunnel is a hollow version of the same shape — you can see through the hole. Both come in the same gauge sizes; the difference is purely aesthetic.
Can I shrink my ear back down after stretching?
Up to about 2g (6.5 mm), most lobes will shrink back close to normal if you remove the jewelry and let them heal. Past that point — especially beyond 0g — the lobe is unlikely to return to its original size without surgical repair. The “point of no return” varies between people; cartilage piercings and other parts almost always retain visible scarring.
What are the actual mm sizes for each gauge?
The standard chart: 20g = 0.8 mm, 18g = 1 mm, 16g = 1.2 mm, 14g = 1.6 mm, 12g = 2 mm, 10g = 2.4 mm, 8g = 3.2 mm, 6g = 4 mm, 4g = 5 mm, 2g = 6.5 mm, 0g = 8 mm, 00g = 10 mm. Past 00g, sizes are in inches: 7/16″ (11 mm), 1/2″ (12.7 mm), 5/8″ (16 mm), 3/4″ (19 mm), 1″ (25.4 mm).
Note: This page provides reference information only. For personalized advice on stretching, healing concerns, or any piercing-related health questions, consult an experienced professional piercer.