When you first start buying piercing jewelry, all the numbers—gauges, millimeters, lengths—can feel confusing. Whether you have a tongue piercing, a belly button ring, a nose stud, or something else, this will help you understand what size usually fits best.
What Is a Barbell? (Quick Explanation)
A barbell is a straight or curved metal bar with small balls or ends that screw on. It’s one of the most common jewelry types used in body piercings because it stays secure and fits comfortably in many areas of the body.
1. Standard Tongue Bar Length (MM)
The most common tongue piercing size is:
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Gauge: 14G
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Length: 16 mm
Your piercer usually starts with 16 mm to allow for swelling.
After healing, many people switch to 14 mm for a tighter, more comfortable fit.
If the bar is too short: it can pinch your tongue.
If it’s too long: it may hit your teeth or move too much.
2. Simple Tongue Bar Sizes Chart
| Gauge | Common Lengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 14G | 16 mm, 14 mm | Most standard for tongues |
| 12G | 16–18 mm | Used for stretched piercings |
| 16G | 10–12 mm | Small or specialty piercings |
This chart is only a guide—your tongue thickness decides the final fit.
3. Quick “Body Candy Style” Size Overview
This is an easy, all-body chart similar to what big jewelry sites provide, but simplified:
Ear Lobe & Cartilage
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16G–18G
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6–8 mm bar length
Eyebrow
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16G
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8–10 mm bar length
Navel / Belly Button
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14G
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10 mm bar length
Tongue
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14G
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14–16 mm bar length
Nipple
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14G
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12–16 mm bar length
These are the sizes most people start with.
4. Nose Stud Bar Length — Is 5 mm Standard?
A lot of nostril piercings work well with a 5 mm post.
It’s one of the most common bar lengths for:
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L-bend nose studs
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Screw-style studs
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Flat-back nose jewelry
Some people with thicker skin may need 6–7 mm, but 5 mm is the usual starting point.
5. Body Piercing Jewelry Size Basics
To pick the right barbell, you’ll see three main measurements:
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Gauge – how thick the bar is
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Length – the distance between both ends
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Diameter – used for hoops and rings
Choosing the right size is important because the wrong bar can cause irritation, bumps, or pressure on the skin.
6. Belly Button Ring Size Chart (Beginner Friendly)
| Piercing Type | Gauge | Bar Length |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Belly Piercing | 14G | 10 mm |
| Deep Navel | 14G | 11–12 mm |
| Floating Navel | 16G–18G | 6–8 mm |
| Pregnancy Flexible Bar | 14G | 18–30 mm (plastic PTFE) |
If you’re unsure what to buy, 14G × 10 mm is the safest default.
7. Tips for Choosing the Right Barbell Size
Here are some simple rules to make this easier:
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Stick to the same gauge your piercer used
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Only switch to a shorter bar after swelling is gone
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Titanium is the safest metal for sensitive skin
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Measure your old jewelry before buying more
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If anything feels tight, pokes your skin, or moves too much, you may need a different size
Correct sizing keeps your piercing healthy and comfortable long-term.
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