The Complete Gauge Size Guide: Easy Chart for Every Piercing

This guide breaks everything down in a simple, beginner-friendly way. Whether you’re shopping for ear gauge sizes, lip rings, or checking a gauge size chart, this is your easy place to start.

What Does “Gauge Size” Mean?

Gauge (G) is the measurement used to describe how thick piercing jewelry is.
It applies to lots of styles, including:

• Double lip ring piercing jewelry

• Labret studs

• Hoop nose rings

• Ear tunnels and plugs

• Cartilage studs

• Belly rings

For safe, comfortable jewelry, you must know your correct gauge.

Gauge Sizes in Order (Smallest to Thickest)

Here is the basic gauge order:

20G → 18G → 16G → 14G → 12G → 10G → 8G → 6G → 4G → 2G → 0G → 00G

Remember:

• 20G is thin like a normal stud earring.

• 00G is thick and close to 10mm.

The lower the number → the thicker the jewelry.

Ear Gauge Sizes (in mm)

(SEO keyword included: Ear gauge sizes in mm)

This is the same sizing system used for ear gauge sizes in order, gauge sizes jewelry, and body piercing jewelry charts.

Ear Gauge Size Chart (Explained Simply)

This chart helps beginners see the size jump between gauges:

• 20G–16G → thin starter piercings (nose, lip, ear studs)

• 14G–12G → common for cartilage, nipple, belly

• 10G–8G → early stretch sizes

• 6G–00G → advanced stretching levels

If you want me to make a visual “ear gauge size chart with pictures,” I can create one in your style.

What Jewelry Uses What Gauge?

Lip Piercing Jewelry (Double Lip Ring Piercing)

Most lip piercings use:

• 16G (1.2mm)

• 14G (1.6mm)

This includes:

• Labret studs

• Flat-back lip jewelry

• Double lip ring piercing combos

• Circular barbells

Standard Ear Piercings

• Normal earlobe: 20G or 18G

• Cartilage: 16G

Perfect for studs, hoops, and basic earrings.

Stretched Ears

If you're stretching, you’ll move through multiple gauge sizes slowly.
Use a gauge sizes chart so you don’t skip sizes.

How to Choose the Right Gauge

Here’s what I recommend:

✔ Ask your piercer (safest)

They know exactly what was used during your piercing.

✔ Check your current jewelry

If it fits well and doesn’t hurt, match that gauge.

✔ Don’t force thicker jewelry

That can tear your piercing and cause infections.

Tips for Safe Jewelry Sizing

• Go up one gauge at a time if stretching.

• Use titanium or surgical steel to avoid irritation.

• If you feel pain, swelling, or bleeding—stop and size down.

• For lip jewelry, make sure the bar is long enough to leave room for swelling.

Most Popular Gauge Sizes by Piercing Type

Understanding gauge sizes in order makes shopping so much easier.
Once you know your size, you can confidently choose:

• hoops

• labrets

• double lip piercing jewelry

• studs

• tunnels

• barbells

And keep your piercings safe with the right fit.