Buying a nose ring should be fun—not confusing. But if you’re shopping for the first time, you’ll probably run into questions like:
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What size nose ring should I get?
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What’s the standard nose ring size in mm?
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How do I measure nose ring size?
Don’t worry. This guide walks you through everything in simple language, so you can buy jewelry that actually fits and feels good.
Why Size Matters for Nose Rings
The size you choose affects how your jewelry sits on your nose.
A good fit should feel:
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light
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comfortable
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secure
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natural
A wrong fit might:
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poke you
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flip outward
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feel too tight
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cause irritation
So let’s break down the sizing step by step.
1. Gauge: The Thickness of the Jewelry
Gauge simply means how thick the metal is.
Your piercing hole only fits the size it was pierced with, so this number is important.
Most common gauges for nose piercings:
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20G (0.8 mm) — this is the standard nose ring size in mm
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18G (1.0 mm) — slightly thicker
If you’re unsure what gauge you have:
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check your current nose ring
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ask your piercer
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look at your aftercare card if you saved it
Keeping the same gauge helps your piercing stay healthy.
2. Hoop Diameter: How Big the Ring Looks
If you’re buying a hoop, the number you need is the diameter.
This measurement decides how tight or loose the ring sits on your nose.
Common hoop sizes:
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8 mm — small and snug
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9 mm — a comfortable middle size
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10 mm — a little more space
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11–12 mm — a bigger, more open look
If you’re asking, “What size nose ring should I get for a hoop?”:
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Want a close fit? → 8–9 mm
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Want a looser look? → 10–12 mm
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Don’t know? → 9 mm works for most people
Everyone’s nose shape is different, so your perfect size may not match someone else’s.

3. Stud Length: The Fit for Nose Studs
If you prefer studs, you’ll look at the post length.
Most people wear:
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6 mm — standard nose ring size
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7 mm — if you have thicker skin or more room
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8 mm — less common, but helpful for swelling or deeper piercings
A good stud lies flat on your nose without lifting or sticking out.
4. How to Measure Nose Ring Size at Home
Here’s a simple way to check your size if you want to measure it yourself.
For Studs
Use a small ruler.
Measure the distance from the piercing hole to the inside wall of your nostril.
Most people fall between 6–7 mm.

For Hoops
Measure the distance from your piercing hole to the bottom edge of your nostril.
Then multiply that number by 2.
Example:
If the space is 4 mm → your hoop size is 8 mm.
This quick method helps you find the right fit without needing any special tools.
5. How to Know if Your Nose Ring Is the Wrong Size
You might need a different size if:
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your hoop flips upward
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your stud won’t sit flat
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the jewelry presses into your skin
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the ring moves too much
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the piercing feels irritated Once you know your gauge, your post length, and the diameter you prefer, you can choose jewelry that fits comfortably and looks great.
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