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.
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
Click to open converter tool
Conversion Results
Millimeters:-
Fractional Inches:-
Decimal Inches:-
Size Comparison Results
Measurement
First Size
Second Size
Difference
Millimeters
-
-
-
Fractional Inches
-
-
-
Decimal Inches
-
-
-
Ear Gauge Size Reference:
Gauge Sizes: Standard body jewelry measurements from 8g to 2"
Conversions: Shows equivalent measurements in millimeters, fractional inches, and decimal inches
Comparison: Check "Compare Sizes" to see detailed differences between two gauge sizes
Precision: Accurate conversions for professional piercing and jewelry making
Omerica Organic Plug Wearing Styles
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*
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Extra Skinny
Perfect for: Very thin earlobes
Complete Measurement Chart
Extra Skinny
Millimeters
Decimal
Fraction
Wearable Length
6.0mm
0.24"
15/64"
Overall Length of Plug (below)
Double & Flat Flare
11.0mm
0.43"
7/16"
Single Flare
13.5mm
0.53"
17/32"
Top Hat
11.5mm
0.45"
29/64"
Double O-ring
13.0mm
0.51"
33/64"
No Flare
10.5mm
0.41"
13/32"
Skinny
Perfect for: Thin earlobes w/ moderate thickness
Complete Measurement Chart
Skinny
Millimeters
Decimal
Fraction
Wearable Length
7.0mm
0.28"
9/32"
Overall Length of Plug (below)
Double & Flat Flare
12.0mm
0.47"
15/32"
Single Flare
14.5mm
0.57"
9/16"
Top Hat
12.5mm
0.49"
1/2"
Double O-ring
14.0mm
0.55"
9/16"
No Flare
11.5mm
0.45"
7/16"
Average
Perfect for: Standard earlobe thickness - most popular choice
Complete Measurement Chart
Average
Millimeters
Decimal
Fraction
Wearable Length
8.0mm
0.31"
5/16"
Overall Length of Plug (below)
Double & Flat Flare
13.0mm
0.51"
1/2"
Single Flare
15.5mm
0.61"
5/8"
Top Hat
13.5mm
0.53"
17/32"
Double O-ring
15.0mm
0.59"
19/32"
No Flare
12.5mm
0.49"
1/2"
Thicker
Perfect for: Thicker earlobes requiring extra length for comfort
Complete Measurement Chart
Thicker
Millimeters
Decimal
Fraction
Wearable Length
9.0mm
0.35"
11/32"
Overall Length of Plug (below)
Double & Flat Flare
14.0mm
0.55"
9/16"
Single Flare
16.5mm
0.65"
21/32"
Top Hat
14.5mm
0.57"
9/16"
Double O-ring
16.0mm
0.63"
5/8"
No Flare
13.5mm
0.53"
17/32"
Big Lobes
Perfect for: Very thick earlobes requiring maximum length
Complete Measurement Chart
Big Lobes
Millimeters
Decimal
Fraction
Wearable Length
10.0mm
0.39"
25/64"
Overall Length of Plug (below)
Double & Flat Flare
15.0mm
0.59"
19/32"
Single Flare
17.5mm
0.69"
11/16"
Top Hat
15.5mm
0.61"
5/8"
Double O-ring
17.0mm
0.67"
21/32"
No Flare
14.5mm
0.57"
9/16"
Custom Sizing Available
Need custom measurements? We craft jewelry to your exact specifications
Our expert craftspeople create custom ear jewelry with precise measurements tailored to your unique anatomy. Whether you need longer wearable lengths, special flare configurations, or unique sizing combinations, we can accommodate your specific requirements.