What Gauge Is a Standard Earring? Complete Ear Piercing Size Chart
When you are shopping only from piercing jewellery stores, the sizes are somewhat confusing. You may see the numbers like 16G, 18G or 6mm, 8mm and more. These numbers are merely the thickness and lengths. So let’s simplify the jewellery sizing with this piercing guide to make buying jewellery more fun.
Whether you have a lobe piercing, helix ear piercing, piercing tragus, piercing conch, or another type of ear piercing, this guide will help you shop with more confidence.
What Does Earring Gauge Mean?
Thickness. Gauges simply are how thick your piercings would be. They run backwards, meaning a small number is more thicker than a larger number.
For example:
- 16G is thicker than 18G.
- 18G is thicker than 20G.
- 20G is thinner than 18G.
So, when people ask what gauge the earrings, they are asking how thick the earring post is. For instance, the difference between 16g vs 18g earring sizes is small, but your piercing post can feel it.
- 16G jewellery is usually around 1.2mm thick.
- 18G jewellery is usually around 1.0mm thick.
As the 16G is thicker, it is best for cartilage piercings. This gives more support to your ear stack. An 18G, on the other hand, is best for lobes, nostril or smaller cartilage piercings. If your piercing was done at 18G, do not force a 16G earring into it. It may feel tight or painful.
Cartilage Piercing Length vs Diameter
Gauge is only one part of sizing. You also need to understand piercing length and diameter.
Piercing Length
- Length usually matters for studs, flat backs, and barbell earrings.
- The length is the wearable part of the bar. It does not include the decorative top or the backing.
- Fresh piercings often need a slightly longer post because the area may swell.
Piercing Diameter
- Diameter usually matters for hoops.
- The piercing diameter is the inner space inside the hoop.
- This is important because the hoop must fit around your ear comfortably.
- For hoops, always check the inner diameter. Do not guess based only on the photo.
What Gauge Is a Standard Earring?
Many people ask what gauge is a standard earring because most regular earrings do not clearly show the gauge. For regular lobe earrings, the standard earring gauge is usually 20G or 18G.
The regular earring gauge can vary by brand, but 20G and 18G are the most common for everyday lobe earrings.
Earring Gauge Size Chart
Lobe Piercing Gauge Size
A lobe piercing gauge is usually 20G or 18G. For a simple lobe piercing, you can wear many styles, including studs, hoops, huggies, and small earrings. Some people also prefer flat back stud earrings because they sit more smoothly.
Helix Piercing Gauge Size
A common question is what gauge is a helix piercing. Many helix piercings are done at 16G or 18G. The most common helix gauge size is often 16G. For a fresh helix piercing, a flat back stud is often a good choice. Once healed, many people switch to cartilage hoop earrings for a snug, stylish look.
Tragus Piercing Gauge Size
A tragus ear piercing is placed on the small piece of cartilage in front of the ear canal. Most tragus piercings are 16G or 18G. Common tragus earrings include flat back studs, tiny gemstone studs, and simple labret-style jewellery. Many people choose tragus stud earrings because they sit neatly and do not move too much.
Conch Piercing Gauge Size
A piercing conch sits in the middle part of the ear cartilage. Many conch piercings are done at 16G. At first, a flat back stud is often used. After healing, some switch to a hoop. A conch hoop needs the right piercing diameter because it must fit around the outer edge of your ear.
Rook Piercing Gauge Size
A rook piercing is placed in the fold of cartilage above the daith area. Common rook piercing jewellery includes curved barbells and small hoops in 16G size. Some people wear a rook piercing hoop after healing. The hoop should not feel tight or press into the ear. If it does, the diameter may be too small.
Daith Piercing Gauge Size
A piercing daith sits in the inner fold of the ear. Again, the usual daith size is 16G, the same as other cartilage piercings. Common daith earrings include clicker hoops, captive bead rings, and curved barbells. Since the daith area is tucked inside the ear, fit is very important.
Forward Helix and Upper Ear Piercings Gauge Size
A forward helix piercing sits near the front upper part of the ear. This area is small, so 16G to 18G are usually best. Many people choose forward helix earrings like tiny studs, flat backs, or small decorative tops.
An upper ear piercing can include helix, flat, forward helix, and other cartilage placements. Since upper ear cartilage can be sensitive during healing, a size from 18G to 20G is more fitting.
Anti-Tragus Piercing
An anti tragus piercing is placed above the lobe, opposite the tragus. A size of 16G is best for it. This piercing depends a lot on ear anatomy. Some people may not have enough space for it, so it is best to ask a piercer before planning this piercing.
So here you are having and understaning of the earring gauge size. It makes shopping for jewellery much easier. Once you know your gauge, length, and diameter, you can choose earrings that feel better and fit better.