How to Measure Ear Gauges | Complete Guide to Body Jewelry Sizing

How to Measure Ear Gauges & Stretched Piercings

Complete guide to accurately measuring your ear gauges, plugs, and tunnels for perfect jewelry sizing. Learn professional techniques used by piercers worldwide.

Required Tools:

  • Digital calipers (most accurate)
  • Ruler with millimeter markings
  • Good lighting or flashlight
  • Clean hands and jewelry
  • Mirror (optional but helpful)
  • Saline solution for cleaning
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Isopropyl alcohol for sanitizing

Pro Tip: Digital calipers provide the most accurate measurements for body jewelry sizing. Invest in a quality pair for consistent results.

Step 1: Safe Jewelry Removal

  • Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap
  • Clean jewelry with saline solution or jewelry cleaner
  • Gently remove plugs, tunnels, or eyelets
  • Place jewelry on clean, flat surface

Step 2: Digital Caliper Measurement

  • Open calipers and zero/calibrate if needed
  • Place jewelry between caliper jaws
  • Measure diameter (widest part) of jewelry
  • Close calipers gently until touching both sides
  • Read measurement on digital display
  • Record in millimeters for accuracy

Step 3: Ruler Alternative Method

  • Place jewelry on ruler against millimeter markings
  • Align one edge with zero mark
  • Read where opposite edge lines up
  • Convert to inches if needed (divide mm by 25.4)

Why This Method Works: Measuring existing jewelry eliminates guesswork and provides the most reliable sizing reference for new purchases.

Step 1: Preparation

  • Remove all jewelry and wait 10-15 minutes for swelling to reduce
  • Clean area with saline solution
  • Ensure good lighting for clear visibility

Step 2: Visual Assessment

  • Use mirror to gauge approximate size
  • Compare to known objects (coins, jewelry) for reference
  • Note any irregularities in piercing shape

Step 3: Gentle Physical Measurement

  • Use clean calipers or measuring tool
  • Very gently place tool across opening
  • Never force or stretch tissue
  • Measure smallest diameter of opening
  • This gives your current gauge size

Important: This method requires extreme care. Never force measurements or cause pain to your piercing.

Step 1: Professional Tools

  • Gauge measuring cards with pre-cut holes
  • Gauge wheels or pin gauges
  • Body jewelry sizers from reputable suppliers

Step 2: Test Fit Method

  • Start with smaller sizes and work up
  • Gently test if jewelry slides through easily
  • Don't force anything that doesn't fit comfortably
  • Correct size should slide through without resistance

Professional Advantage: These specialized tools are designed specifically for body jewelry measurement and provide consistent, reliable results.

Safety Guidelines for Ear Gauge Measurement

Before Measuring - DO:

  • Always wash hands before handling jewelry
  • Clean all tools with isopropyl alcohol
  • Use proper lighting to see clearly
  • Work slowly and carefully

During Measuring - DON'T:

  • Never force measurements causing pain
  • Don't measure swollen/irritated piercings
  • Avoid unsanitized tools or dirty hands
  • Don't rush the measurement process

After Measuring - DO:

  • Clean piercing area with saline solution
  • Sanitize jewelry before reinserting
  • Document measurements for reference
  • Consult professional if unsure

Red Flags - Stop and Seek Professional Help

  • Pain during measurement
  • Bleeding or discharge
  • Significant swelling
  • Signs of infection (heat, redness, pus)
  • Tearing or damage to piercing

"My measurement doesn't match standard sizes"

  • Double-check technique - ensure measuring diameter, not circumference
  • Verify tools are calibrated correctly
  • Consider jewelry wear - older pieces may be undersized
  • Account for material expansion with moisture

"I get different measurements each time"

  • Ensure consistent technique - measure same part each time
  • Check tool accuracy - calibrate digital calipers
  • Account for ear swelling - measure same time daily
  • Consider piercing irregularities - not all openings are perfectly round

"My piercing seems between sizes"

  • Always size down for comfort and healing
  • Consult professional piercer for advice
  • Consider stretching goals - where do you want to be?
  • Take your time - rushing causes damage

Final Tips for Maximum Accuracy

  • Measure multiple times and use the average
  • Measure both ears - they may be different sizes
  • Keep measurement log to track changes over time
  • Use most accurate tools available
  • When in doubt, go smaller rather than larger
  • Consider professional measurement for important decisions

When to Consult a Professional Piercer

First-Time Measuring

  • Get professional guidance for accurate initial measurements
  • Learn proper technique from experienced piercer
  • Understand your specific piercing characteristics

Unusual Measurements

  • Sizes that don't match standard gauge charts
  • Irregularly shaped or damaged piercings
  • Significant size differences between ears

Stretching Plans

  • Professional advice for safe stretching progression
  • Custom stretching timeline based on your anatomy
  • Guidance on appropriate jewelry materials and styles

Problem Piercings

  • Any signs of damage or irregularities
  • Healing complications or infection concerns
  • Difficulty inserting or removing jewelry

Remember: Accurate measurement is crucial for ear health and proper jewelry fit. Professional piercers have specialized training and tools to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Need Help Finding the Right Size?

Our sizing experts are here to help you find the perfect fit for your stretched ears. Get personalized recommendations based on your measurements.

Contact Our Sizing Experts
Ear Gauge Size Chart - Complete Guide | Omerica Organic

Omerica Ear Gauge Size Chart

Complete sizing guide from 8 gauge to 2 inches

Everything made to order - Custom sizes available upon request

Gauge mm Inches Gauge mm Inches
8g 3.2 mm 0.129" 7/8" 22.2 mm 0.875"
6g 4.1 mm 0.162" 15/16" 23.8 mm 0.938"
4g 5.1 mm 0.204" 1" 25.4 mm 1.0"
1/4" 6.3 mm 0.25" 1 1/16" 26.9 mm 1.063"
2g 6.5 mm 0.258" 1 1/8" 28.5 mm 1.125"
1g 7.3 mm 0.289" 1 3/16" 30.2 mm 1.188"
0g 8.2 mm 0.325" 1 1/4" 31.7 mm 1.25"
00g 9.2 mm 0.365" 1 5/16" 33.3 mm 1.313"
3/8" 9.5 mm 0.375" 1 3/8" 34.9 mm 1.375"
10mm 10.0 mm 0.394" 1 7/16" 36.5 mm 1.438"
7/16" 11.1 mm 0.438" 1 1/2" 38.1 mm 1.5"
1/2" 12.7 mm 0.5" 1 9/16" 39.7 mm 1.563"
9/16" 14.2 mm 0.563" 1 5/8" 41.3 mm 1.625"
5/8" 15.8 mm 0.625" 1 3/4" 44.4 mm 1.75"
11/16" 17.4 mm 0.688" 1 7/8" 47.6 mm 1.875"
3/4" 19.0 mm 0.75" 1 15/16" 49.2 mm 1.938"
13/16" 20.6 mm 0.813" 2" 50.8 mm 2.0"

Custom Orders & Sizing

  • Made to Order: All ear gauges are crafted individually for each customer
  • Quality Guarantee: Each piece is carefully crafted to your exact specifications
  • Custom Sizes Available: Need a size not listed? We can create custom measurements between any sizes shown
  • Request Custom Sizing: Contact us with your specific measurements for personalized pairs

Important Stretching Notes

  • Always stretch gradually and allow proper healing time between sizes
  • Measurements are precise but may vary slightly between manufacturers
  • Consult with a professional piercer for stretching guidance
  • Never skip sizes when stretching your ears

Ear Gauge Size Converter

and Comparison Tool

Omerica Organic Plug Wearing Styles

  • Ear gauge double flare wearing style.

    Double Flare

    Double flare style has two smooth flares, one on each side. Flares are larger than the wearing size, so keep that in mind when ordering them. *most popular*

  • Ear gauge flat flare wearing style.

    Flat Flare

    This style has flat flare on each side and has a flat wearing surface. This style is great for stretchy lobes that require larger flares.

  • Ear gauge single flare wearing style.

    Single Flare

    This style has a smooth flare on one side and an o-ring on other side. All plugs that require o-ring, have a groove cut in them to fit the o-ring nice and snug.

  • Ear gauge top hat wearing style.

    Top Hat

    This style has a flat flare on one side with an o-ring on other side. Looks like a top hat! All plugs that require o-rings have a groove cut in them to fit the o-ring nice and snug.

  • Ear gauge double o-ring wearing style.

    Double O-ring

    This style has o-ring on both the sides. All plugs that require o-rings have a goove cut in them to fit the o-ring nice and snug.

  • Ear gauge no flare wearing style.

    No Flare

    This style has absolutely no flares. It is totaly flat and is not intended for anyone that is prone to having their plugs fall out of their ears.

Omerica Organic Ear Gauge Sizing Guide - Professional Body Jewelry Measurements

Wearing Lengths

Professional Ear Gauge Sizing Guide

Find the perfect fit for your ear jewelry with precise measurements