Ear Gauge Size Chart

What is a 00 gauge plug?  Why do some people call them 1/2 inch and others call them 13mm?  Welcome to the world of ear gauge sizing.   We know that sizing the gauge of your ears might be confusing. If you are new to the world of ear stretching we want you to understand all the terms when it comes to gauges and ear sizing.  We will provide you with the proper ear stretching size chart to help you find the proper body jewelry.

A gauged ears size chart is essential for anyone stretching their ears safely. Understanding ear stretching sizes in both gauge (G) and millimeters (mm) helps you move up gradually while avoiding damage. Whether you’re just starting at 16G or working toward larger sizes like 00G or beyond, this ear gauge size chart will guide you through each step.

What is an Ear Gauge?

The term gauge is actually a measurement.  Some people refer to ear plugs as gauges, but in reality, it is a term referring to the size of your plug.  It is important to know the gauge system.  Gauge sizes for your ear start at a higher number and go to a low number.  This system of going from the higher number to the lower number was started because of the British and can be found in a few other industries. Measuring your ear gauge size is one of those industries. Most standard piercings begin at 20 gauge or 18 gauge.  If you are starting to stretch your ear this is typically the beginning point.  Your first stretch for your ear will typically be at 14 gauge and then 12 gauge.  You work your way up to 00 gauge.

When you look at the "Ear Gauging Size Chart" you will see that after 00 gauge you start to move into inches.  So after 00 gauge, the next increment would be 7/16 inch plugs.  Now the term "gauge sizes" will be no more and you will refer to your stretch size increments in either millimeters or inches.

The fact that ear stretching is done all around the world some of the terms used for ear gauge sizing can be confusing.  There are basically three units of measurement that people use while stretching their ears.  Most people use either GAUGE, MILLIMETERS, or INCHES.  

Most people in the USA use Gauges in the smaller sizes and then inches in the larger sizes.  It is easier to convert from gauge to mm.  Confusion will start to set in because most all plugs are actually made in millimeters. In order to speak in the American language, the plugs need to be converted to inches.  This has always been a hot topic (especially when it comes to 1/2").

How do I know the gauge size of my plugs?

The easiest way to know what gauge size your ears are is to measure your current plugs that fit in your ears. If you have a double flare plug that means measuring the gauge size inside the plug. If you have a single flare plug it is a little easier to measure since most the wearable area of the single flare plugs is the same gauge size. One of the most common ways to measure your current stretched ears is to buy yourself a digital caliper. They are a pretty cheap tool that will give you an exact measurement. The other easy thing to do is to pop into your local piercers shop and have him or her measure your stretched ears for you. Honestly though they will probably just use the same caliper that you can purchase.

Which ear gauge size should I purchase online?

When looking online you will see a variety of different types of plugs to choose from. Each one will have a different ear gauge size available. The most common plugs we sell are our double flare plugs. When you purchase the plug you will be purchasing the size for the inner measurement of the plug. So if you have 00 gauge ears you would purchase the 00 gauge double flare plugs. This means the inner diameter of the plug will be 00 gauge and there will be a outer flare that will be a little larger than this (typically 2mm).

What about Saddles and Coffins? What ear gauge size is correct?

We often here our customers say that they prefer to purchase a coffin that is a smaller gauge size than their normal round plug gauge size. While this is perfectly ok that is not how we measure our ear gauge size for shaped plugs like coffins or teardrops. We measure these gauge sizes so if you normally wear a 00 gauge round plug you would also purchase a 00 gauge coffin or teardrop. Your stretched ears are typically not used to the shape size change. So they might take a little bit longer to get into your stretched ears.

What Ear Gauge Sizes do you have available?

We sell a wide variety of gauge sizes for your stretched ears. Whether you are just starting off or have been having stretched ear for years we have your gauge sizes in mind. If you just started stretched your ears you will start off at a lower gauge size like 12 gauge or 8 gauge. We also have the larger sizes all the way up to 40mm. We do tend to stick to the most common gauge sizes as we do not want our artwork to sit on the shelves, but occasionally we add to are larger size. We do understand that some people have larger sizes like 50mm, but we have not had a lot of success selling these larger plugs and tunnels.

We always recommend using a professional piercer, buy our ear stretching kit is a great way to start stretching your ears.  Please remember to always move slowly when stretching your ears. For more information please click... Stretch your ears Slowly

Gauge Size for other body piercings

Most all body jewelry has the same gauge measuring system as we have talked about above.  Measuring nose piercing, septum piercings, ear piercings and others follows the same gauge sizes as ear gauge sizes. Using a calipers you would measure the external diameter.  For more information about measuring nose piercings or septum piercings click here

If you have any questions about ear gauge sizes please email us at twofeatherinfo@gmail.com

FAQ's

1. What is a gauged ears size chart?

A gauged ears size chart is a reference guide that shows the different ear stretching sizes, typically listed in both gauge (G) and millimeters (mm). It helps you understand how to safely move from one size to the next.

2. How do ear gauge sizes work?

Ear gauge sizes work in reverse order—smaller numbers mean larger sizes. For example, 16G is smaller than 8G. Once you reach 0G, sizes are usually measured in millimeters instead of gauges.

3. What is the standard ear gauge size progression?

The standard progression follows gradual increases such as 16G → 14G → 12G → 10G → 8G → 6G → 4G → 2G → 0G → 00G, and then continues in millimeters beyond that.

4. How long should I wait between ear stretching sizes?

Most people should wait at least 4–6 weeks between smaller sizes and longer (6–8+ weeks) for larger sizes. Proper healing time helps prevent blowouts and irritation.

5. What size is 00 gauge in millimeters?

00 gauge is typically around 10mm, though some charts may list it slightly differently. Always double-check millimeter measurements when stretching.

6. Is it better to follow gauge sizes or millimeters?

Millimeters are more precise, especially at larger sizes. Many experienced stretchers prefer using millimeters once they pass sizes like 0G or 00G.

7. What is the safest way to stretch your ears?

The safest method is slow, gradual stretching using proper jewelry like single flare glass or stainless steel plugs. Avoid skipping sizes or forcing jewelry through your ears.

8. Can I skip sizes when stretching my ears?

Skipping sizes is not recommended. It increases the risk of tearing, blowouts, and long-term damage. A size chart helps you follow a safe progression.

9. What size do most people stop stretching their ears?

Common stopping points include 0G (8mm), 00G (10mm), and 1/2 inch (12mm), but it depends on personal preference and style.

10. What happens if I stretch my ears too fast?

Stretching too quickly can cause pain, swelling, blowouts, and permanent damage. Following a gauged ears size chart helps reduce these risks.