Understanding gauge sizes in order is essential for savvy shoppers, especially when selecting jewelry, wires, or needles. This shopping guide breaks down gauge sizes, helping you confidently find the perfect fit for your needs. Whether you’re buying body jewelry, crafting supplies, or home improvement tools, mastering gauge sizes will ensure smarter, more satisfying purchases every time.

Gauge Sizes in Order: Size Comparison Table

Below is a comprehensive comparison table that outlines the common types of gauge sizes in order, their measurements in different units, and their usual applications in body jewelry:

Gauge Size (G)	Millimeters (mm)	Inches (in)	Common Applications	Notes
20G	0.8	0.032	Standard ear lobe, nostril, eyebrow	Smallest commonly used gauge
18G	1.0	0.04	Ear lobe, cartilage, nostril	Common for starter piercings
16G	1.2	0.05	Ear, nose, lip, cartilage	Mildly larger for stability/healing
14G	1.6	0.064	Tongue, navel, nipple, cartilage	Ideal for piercings requiring strength
12G	2.0	0.08	Ear stretching, septum, industrial	First step for stretching
10G	2.4–2.5	0.10	Ear stretching	Early stage in stretching
8G	3.0–3.2	0.12–0.13	Ear stretching	Noticeable: start of larger look
6G	4.0	0.16	Ear stretching	Transition to bolder gauges
4G	5.0	0.20	Ear stretching	Popular in moderate stretching
2G	6.0–6.5	0.24–0.26	Ear stretching	Entry to more permanent stretching
0G	8.0	0.32	Ear stretching	Common large size, semi-permanent
00G	9.3–10.0	0.36–0.39	Ear stretching	Major milestone; after this, inches
7/16″	11.0	0.437	Larger ear stretching	Measurements switch to inches/mm
1/2″	12.7–13.0	0.5–0.51	Larger ear stretching	Varies by manufacturer (see notes)
9/16″	14.0	0.562	Larger ear stretching
5/8″	16.0	0.625	Larger ear stretching
3/4″	19.0	0.75	Very large ear stretching
7/8″	22.0	0.875	Extra large ear stretching
1″	25.0	1.0	Extra large ear stretching
Upwards	28mm+	>1.1″	Advanced/extreme stretching

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Everyday Usage of Gauge Sizes in Order

Gauge sizes refer to the thickness (diameter) of body jewelry such as earrings, plugs, tunnels, and other piercings. The term “gauge” is used primarily in the body jewelry world to classify jewelry pieces by thickness, making it easy to match jewelry to your existing piercing or to proceed with safe ear stretching.

Why Use Gauge Sizes?

• Precision: Gauges provide an objective, standardized way to measure jewelry thickness.
• Safety: Ensuring your jewelry and your piercing match in size matters greatly for your health and comfort.
• Compatibility: Most piercing and stretching kits, jewelry, and even professional advice reference gauge sizes.

Common Places Gauge Sizes Are Used:

• Ear lobes: The most common site for stretching and plugging.
• Nose (nostril/septum): Typically uses 20G–16G.
• Cartilage: Usually between 18G and 14G.
• Tongue, lip, eyebrow, nipple, navel: Variably between 16G and 14G.

As you stretch your ears or select jewelry, it’s essential to understand and use gauge sizes appropriately to avoid confusion and ensure correct fit and healing.

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Benefits of Understanding and Using Gauge Sizes Accurately

Choosing the right gauge size is not just about aesthetics. There are key health and lifestyle benefits:

1. Prevents Tearing and Injury

Competently sizing your jewelry prevents over-stretching, tears, or “blowouts,” which can cause permanent tissue damage.

2. Encourages Proper Healing

Matching jewelry size to your piercing and stretching up one gauge at a time allows the skin to heal in stages, reducing infection and scar risk.

3. Personalization

Using gauges enables you to select the size and look that matches your style—whether you want subtle or bold, temporary or permanent.

4. Easy Sizing Across Jewelry Types

Gauge systems apply to a wide range of jewelry, so you’re able to select appropriate pieces for all your piercings.

5. Universal Language

Gauge sizing is recognized by piercers, manufacturers, and retailers, making it easy to shop worldwide and get the correct fit every time.

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How to Choose the Right Gauge Size for Your Needs

1. Identify Your Current Size

• For new piercings, ask your piercer for your current gauge.
• For stretched lobes, use a digital caliper or sizing tool to measure your jewelry’s diameter.

2. Consider Your Goals

• Are you keeping your piercing size as-is? Choose jewelry in your current size.
• Stretching your ears? Move up by one gauge at a time. Do not skip sizes, especially at or beyond 2g–0g.

3. Choose Materials Wisely

• Initial stretches: Surgical steel, glass, or titanium are safest and easiest to clean.
• Later stages: Wood and silicone plugs (only after full healing).

4. Use a Gauge Size Chart

A chart simplifies the process and prevents mistakes. Always check both millimeters and inches, especially because actual plug sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer.

5. Pay Attention to Measurement Conventions

• In the US: Gauge is used for smaller sizes, then inches for larger.
• Globally: Most jewelry is made to millimeter specifications, so always double-check conversions if buying internationally.

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Tips, Advice, and Best Practices for Choosing and Using Gauge Sizes in Order

1. Stretch Slowly

Never rush the stretching process. Move up only one gauge at a time, and wait until your tissue is fully healed—often 4 to 8 weeks (sometimes longer)—before stretching again.

1. Use Appropriate Lubrication

When stretching, use non-petroleum-based lubricants (jojoba oil, emu oil, or specific stretch balms) to prevent skin tears and reduce friction.

1. Avoid Skipping Sizes

Jumping sizes increases the risk of microtears, scarring, and blowouts. For the big sizing gaps (notably 2g to 0g or 0g to 00g), intermediate sizes like 1g or 9mm/7mm plugs can make the transition easier.

1. Pick the Right Jewelry Style

2. Single flare: Easier to insert, great for healing stretches.

3. Double flare: Only for fully healed piercings.

4. Tunnels vs. plugs: Tunnels are lighter and ventilated; plugs are solid.

5. Prioritize High-Quality Materials

Always buy from reputable sources and prioritize biocompatible materials to avoid allergic reactions or infections.

1. Measure Carefully

Use a digital caliper or ask a professional to measure both your current jewelry and your lobe to ensure an accurate fit, considering possible flare differences.

1. Maintain Cleanliness

Clean both your jewelry and ears regularly with saline solution. Avoid alcohol-based products that can dry the skin.

1. Monitor for Complications

Look out for signs of infection, blowout, or hypersensitivity. If you notice swelling, redness, or pus, downsize and seek professional advice.

1. Don’t Force Stretches

If a new gauge doesn’t go in with gentle pressure, wait longer, massage the lobe to improve elasticity, and try again later.

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Technical Gauge Size Specifications Comparison Table

This table compares technical features and measurements at popular sizes used in ear stretching.

Gauge Size	Diameter (mm)	Diameter (inches)	Common Jewelry Types	Notable Sizing Gaps	Millimeter “in-between” sizes
20g	0.8	0.032	Earrings, nostril studs	N/A	N/A
18g	1.0	0.04	Ear studs, starter rings	N/A	N/A
16g	1.2	0.05	Cartilage, lip, nose	N/A	N/A
14g	1.6	0.064	Tongue, nipple, navel	N/A	N/A
12g	2.0	0.08	First stretching size	N/A	N/A
10g	2.5	0.10	Early stretching/plugs	N/A	N/A
8g	3.2	0.13	Plugs, tunnels	N/A	N/A
6g	4.0	0.16	Plugs, tunnels	N/A	N/A
4g	5.0	0.20	Plugs, tunnels	N/A	N/A
2g	6.0–6.5	0.24–0.26	Plugs, tunnels	1g (7mm) gap between 2g–0g	7mm
0g	8.0	0.32	Plugs, tunnels	9mm an option between 0g–00g	9mm
00g	9.3–10.0	0.36–0.39	Plugs, tunnels	Moves into fractional sizes	See below
7/16″	11.0	0.437	Plugs, tunnels	After 00g, direct mm/inch	11mm
1/2″	12.7 (13.0)	0.5 (0.51)	Plugs, tunnels	Variation in “half-inch” mm	12mm, 12.7mm, or 13mm
9/16″	14.0	0.562	Plugs, tunnels	N/A	N/A
5/8″	16.0	0.625	Plugs, tunnels	N/A	N/A
3/4″	19.0	0.75	Plugs, tunnels	N/A	N/A
7/8″	22.0	0.875	Plugs, tunnels	N/A	N/A
1″	25.0	1.0	Plugs, tunnels	After this, only mm/inch	N/A

Note: After 00g (usually 10mm), inch and mm sizing take over, and “gauge” terminology is no longer used. Manufacturers may differ slightly—always confirm mm for precise fit.

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Conclusion

Choosing the correct gauge size for your piercing or stretching journey is vital for both style and health. Understanding the gauge system means you can select body jewelry that fits perfectly, heals smoothly, and expresses your personality.

• Start with your current size and move upward one gauge step at a time if you’re stretching.
• Use reliable measurement tools or a professional to ensure accuracy.
• Select quality materials and suitable jewelry styles for your comfort and safety.
• Always check both millimeter and inch equivalents—especially for large sizes, as size definitions may vary.
• Be patient, stretch slowly, and care for your ears meticulously at every stage.

With these best practices in mind, you’ll enjoy a safer, more enjoyable stretching experience and stylish, well-fitting jewelry for years to come.

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FAQ

1. What is the difference between gauge, millimeter, and inch measurements?
   Gauge is a numbering system where higher numbers indicate thinner jewelry; millimeters and inches refer to the actual diameter. After 00g (usually 10 mm), sizes are typically listed in mm or inches only.

2. Which gauge size should I start with for ear stretching?
   Most initial ear piercings are 20g, 18g, or 16g. For stretching, many start at 14g or 12g, depending on the original piercing.

3. Can I skip gauge sizes when stretching my ears?
   No, skipping sizes increases the risk of injury, scarring, and blowouts. Always stretch up one gauge at a time and wait until the tissue has fully healed.

4. How do I measure my current gauge size?
   Use a digital caliper or visit a professional piercer. Measure the thickest point of your current jewelry (excluding flares).

5. Why are some half-inch plugs called 12mm, 12.7mm, or 13mm?
   There is manufacturing variance. 1/2″ equals 12.7mm, but some brands round up or down. Always check the exact mm measurement to avoid sizing issues.

6. What is the “point of no return” in ear stretching?
   Usually at 2g (6mm)—beyond this size, your ears are much less likely to shrink back to normal if you remove the jewelry.

7. What materials are best for safely stretching my ears?
   Surgical steel, titanium, or glass are best for new stretches. Acrylic and silicone are suitable only after full healing.

8. Why is the jump from 0g to 00g considered a big stretch?
   Because the size difference is larger than between other steps (about 2mm instead of 1mm), increasing the risk of tissue damage if rushed.

9. How long should I wait between stretching up gauge sizes?
   Typically 4–8 weeks, sometimes more, depending on your body’s healing. Always make sure the tissue is fully healed before sizing up.

10. My new plugs won’t fit—what should I do?
    Never force jewelry. Wait, massage your ears to promote elasticity, and retry when they are fully healed, or consult a professional for sizing advice.

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