Plugs & Gauges Conversion Chart
Navigating body jewelry sizes can be tricky at first, but once you understand the gauge system, it’s a breeze! At Skin Metals, we make it easy to find the right fit for your piercings with our detailed gauge and millimeter conversion chart.
Gauge vs. Millimeter (mm)
Body jewelry sizes typically use two measurement systems:
- Gauge (ga) – Common in the U.S., gauge is used for measuring jewelry thickness.
- Millimeter (mm) – Often used internationally for precision measurements.
Understanding Gauge Sizes:
Gauge sizes can be confusing because they’re counterintuitive — the smaller the number, the larger the size. For example, a 20G is thinner than a 0G. The gauge system works by going down in number as the jewelry gets thicker. After 00G, sizes switch to fractions of an inch, making it easier to find the exact size.
Ear Gauge Sizes
Here’s a quick look at how gauge sizes correspond to millimeters:
| Gauge | Millimeters (mm) | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 18G | 1.0 mm | 5/128" |
| 16G | 1.2 mm | 3/64" |
| 14G | 1.6 mm | 1/16" |
| 12G | 2.0 mm | 5/64" |
| 10G | 2.4 mm | 3/32" |
| 8G | 3.2 mm | 1/8" |
| 6G | 4.0 mm | 5/32" |
| 4G | 5.0 mm | 3/16" |
| 2G | 6.0 mm | 1/4" |
| 0G | 8.0 mm | 5/16" |
| 00G | 10.0 mm | 3/8" |
| 11 mm | 11.0 mm | 7/16" |
| 12 mm | 12.0 mm | 1/2" |
| 14 mm | 14.0 mm | 9/16" |
| 16 mm | 16.0 mm | 5/8" |
| 19 mm | 19.0 mm | 3/4" |
| 22 mm | 22.0 mm | 7/8" |
| 25 mm | 25.0 mm | 1" |
| 28 mm | 28.0 mm | 1 & 1/8" |
| 32 mm | 32.0 mm | 1 & 1/4" |
| 35 mm | 35.0 mm | 1 & 3/8" |
| 38 mm | 38.0 mm | 1 & 1/2" |
| 41 mm | 41.0 mm | 1 & 5/8" |
| 44 mm | 44.0 mm | 1 & 3/4" |
| 47 mm | 47.0 mm | 1 & 7/8" |
| 51 mm | 51.0 mm | 2" |
How Do Ear Gauge Sizes Work?
Ear gauge sizes increase in even numbers: starting at 20G or 18G for standard piercings, and moving to 16G, 14G, 12G, and beyond. After 00G, sizes shift to fractions of an inch (such as 7/16", 1/2", and 3/4").
It’s important to note that the gauge system is non-linear, meaning that a stretch from 2G to 0G is much larger than from 8G to 6G. For this reason, many people prefer using millimeters to track their progress, as it offers more precision when gauging.
Why Gauge Sizes Are Backwards
Historically, the gauge system was designed to measure the thickness of wire. The lower the number, the thicker the wire. As jewelry sizing evolved, the system remained the same — with smaller numbers corresponding to thicker jewelry.
A Few Tips for Sizing and Stretching
- Gauge Sizes Can Vary: Different brands might size jewelry slightly differently, so check both gauge and millimeter measurements when purchasing.
- Stretching Carefully: The jump from 2G to 0G is a larger increase than from 8G to 6G. Be sure to take your time when stretching to avoid injury.
- Use Millimeters: Whenever possible, consider measuring your jewelry in millimeters to ensure accuracy.
Shop the Perfect Size
At Skin Metals, we mark all of our jewelry in both gauge size and millimeters, and we carry a wide range of sizes, including hard-to-find ones like 1G (7mm). Whether you’re shopping for plugs, tunnels, or barbells, we make it easy to find exactly what you need.
Shop now to find the perfect fit for your piercings!