Have you ever found yourself staring at a gauge size, thinking, “Wait—what does 00G even mean?” You’re not alone. Stretching your ears can be exciting, but figuring out the right size and avoiding mistakes can be frustrating if you don’t have the right chart or guidance.
Whether you’re a total beginner, a curious parent, or someone upgrading to bigger plugs, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ear gauge size charts. By the end, you’ll understand how the sizing system works, what to expect at each step, and how to stretch safely — with zero guesswork.
What Is an Ear Gauge?
Understanding the Basics
The term “gauge” refers to the thickness or diameter of the jewelry you wear in your ear piercing. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the size. Sounds backward, right? It is — and it’s a common point of confusion.
Gauge sizes are most commonly measured in:
- G (Gauge): This is the standard sizing system in the U.S.
- Inches and millimeters: Used globally or for larger sizes past 00G.
Let’s break this down.
Ear Gauge Size Chart (with Downloadable PDF)
Here’s a detailed ear gauge size chart for reference. This can help you measure or purchase the right jewelry at every stage of your ear stretching journey.
| Gauge (G) | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 20G | 0.032″ | 0.8 mm |
| 18G | 0.040″ | 1.0 mm |
| 16G | 0.051″ | 1.3 mm |
| 14G | 0.064″ | 1.6 mm |
| 12G | 0.081″ | 2.0 mm |
| 10G | 0.102″ | 2.5 mm |
| 8G | 0.129″ | 3.2 mm |
| 6G | 0.162″ | 4.0 mm |
| 4G | 0.204″ | 5.0 mm |
| 2G | 0.258″ | 6.5 mm |
| 0G | 0.325″ | 8.2 mm |
| 00G | 0.365″ | 9.3 mm |
| 1/2″ | 0.500″ | 12.7 mm |
| 9/16″ | 0.562″ | 14 mm |
| 5/8″ | 0.625″ | 16 mm |
| 3/4″ | 0.750″ | 19 mm |
| 7/8″ | 0.875″ | 22 mm |
| 1″ | 1.000″ | 25 mm |
| 1-1/8″ | 1.125″ | 28 mm |
| 1-1/4″ | 1.250″ | 32 mm |
| 1-3/8″ | 1.375″ | 35 mm |
| 1-1/2″ | 1.500″ | 38 mm |
Why Use Gauges Instead of Just Inches or mm?
The gauge system originated in industrial metal sizing. Over time, the body modification community adopted it. Even though inches or millimeters are more intuitive, gauge sizing remains the most common way to communicate ear stretching sizes, especially up to 00G.
Once you pass 00G, most people switch to inch or millimeter-based sizing.
The Benefits of Using a Size Chart
- Accuracy: Avoids buying jewelry that doesn’t fit.
- Consistency: Helps you progress gradually, which is healthier for your lobes.
- Prevention: Reduces the risk of tears, blowouts, and infections.
- Convenience: Enables better communication with piercers or jewelry sellers.
How to Stretch Your Ears Using the Gauge System
Step-by-Step Safe Stretching Guide
- Start with a healed piercing: Usually 20G to 18G.
- Wait 4–6 weeks between sizes: Allow tissue to rest and heal.
- Use taper tools or double-flared plugs: But NEVER force them in.
- Lubricate with jojoba oil or vitamin E: It reduces friction and irritation.
- Clean everything: Sterilize jewelry, wash hands, and clean lobes.
- Go slow: Jumping sizes can lead to permanent damage.
Real-Life Example: Sam’s Journey
“I started at 16G and was so impatient. I jumped to 10G in 2 weeks, and boom — blowout! It took 3 months to heal, and I had to downsize. Now I wait 6 weeks between sizes, and I’m at 00G with no problems.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping sizes (e.g., going from 12G to 8G)
- Not waiting long enough between stretches
- Using poor-quality acrylic jewelry (especially for fresh stretches)
- Stretching infected or irritated ears
- Sleeping in tapers
Tips for Choosing the Right Jewelry
| Material | Best For |
|---|---|
| Surgical Steel | Daily wear, polished look |
| Titanium | Hypoallergenic, great for healing |
| Glass | Safe and smooth for stretching |
| Silicone | Only for fully healed ears |
| Wood | Lightweight and breathable |
Myths and Misconceptions
- “I can stretch fast if I don’t feel pain.”
Not true. Pain is not the only sign of damage. - “I can downsize later if I regret it.”
Not always. After 2G–0G, your ears may not shrink back without surgery. - “Tapers are fine to wear as jewelry.”
Tapers are only tools — not meant for long-term wear.
Gauge Size Conversion Tips
If you shop from international or online retailers, you’ll often see:
- Metric sizes in millimeters
- Imperial sizes in inches
Always double-check the conversion before ordering. Use our downloadable chart as a cheat sheet when shopping!
Trends in the World of Ear Stretching
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Bamboo and stone plugs are on the rise.
- Custom Plugs: Artists create custom-sized and engraved plugs.
- Minimalist Stretching: Small gauges with subtle, sleek designs are trending.
- Stretching Kits: Pre-packaged kits offer step-by-step sizing tools.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What’s the smallest gauge size?
The smallest is usually 20G (0.8 mm), standard for new piercings.
How big is 00G?
00G is 0.365 inches or 9.3 mm — a common stopping point for many.
What gauge size will close back up?
Most piercers agree that up to 2G (6.5 mm) has a good chance of shrinking if left alone. Anything beyond that may stay open.
Can I skip sizes when stretching?
No. Skipping sizes can cause tearing, blowouts, or permanent damage.
How long should I wait between stretches?
The safest rule is 4–6 weeks — longer if you feel resistance or irritation.
What size is considered “too big” to reverse?
Typically, anything beyond 0G to 00G may not return to its original shape.
Are ear gauges reversible?
Partially. If you stretch slowly and stop before 2G, your ears may close. Beyond that, you’ll likely need surgery to reverse.
Final Thoughts: Stretch Smart, Stay Informed
Stretching your ears is more than a style choice — it’s a journey. Like any body modification, it deserves patience, knowledge, and care. A solid understanding of the ear gauge size chart can help you stretch safely, shop smartly, and avoid painful mistakes.
Whether you’re sizing up for the first time or exploring your next step, this guide and the downloadable chart are your go-to tools.
Take it slow. Listen to your body. And remember — every size tells your story.
You should know about this:
Ski Boot Size Chart: Everything You Need to Know (With PDF)