Are you just getting started with beading, and need some help understanding bead and hole sizing? There are so many shapes and sizes of beads, all which can be used for different beading ideas, designs and projects! In this article, you will find tips on how to determine which is the right size bead and bead hole for your next jewelry-making project!
First, let's discuss how bead sizes are measured! In most cases, the measurement scale are applied to the beads, while the strand may be sold in inches. Beads are most commonly measured with a ruler or a caliper in millimeters (mm). To determine the size of the bead using a caliper, slide open the caliper against the bead, closing the tips to meet the size of the bead which will show an accurate measurement of the bead! To use a ruler to measure beads, finds ruler with centimeters (cm) and millimeters (mm).
Here's how to measure beads with a ruler:
The beads that are commonly measured in millimeters are gemstones, crystals, glass, metal, and wood bead varieties. For beads that are a briolette, teardrop or melon shape - the length is used as a measurement from the top to the bottom (perpendicular to the string/cord) of the bead and the width is measured from one end of the bead hole to the other (parallel to the string) from the widest part of the bead.
Depending on the type of jewelry you are looking to make, determining the best bead sizes for your project can be difficult! This guide will help you understand which size bead is best for your next jewelry project!
4mm size beads - These beads are best for creating dainty, delicate pieces of jewelry such as anklets, wrap bracelets and necklaces that are lightweight. When working with gemstones, the larger the stone the heavier the bracelet/necklace may be, so the 4mm sizes are ideal when it comes to creating very subtle jewelry pieces!
6mm size beads - This size is great for ideal bracelets and necklaces, especially when working with gemstones! The jewelry pieces are more of a statement than the 4mm size, however is slightly larger and ideal for pieces that you want to stand out, without being too flashy.
8mm size beads - This size is one of the best for bracelets because it creates a less bulky bracelet on the wrist, which can be heavy when working with gemstones. The ideal size for necklaces are 8mm, which create dramatic pieces without being too bulky and heavy.
10mm size beads - This size is nice for bracelets, although can be very heavy on the wrist if only working with gemstones. Using 10mm gemstones as an accent bead in this size will prevent pieces from looking too big, and from being very heavy.
12mm size beads - These sizes are ideal accent beads, or necklaces which work to create big bold, and statement jewelry pieces.
14mm size beads - Most commonly used for accents in jewelry pieces, 14mm can be a large bead on a creation since they can make a design heavy, but can be used as an accent on necklace and bracelets that compliment smaller beads and different colors/textures in a jewelry piece.
Once you have determined the best bead size for you project, refer to this bead per inch chart to determine how many beads you will need!
Now that we have determined which beads are best for your next project, let's look into the hole size of the bead, which will determine the stringing material needed for the beads you've chosen! The differences in the hole size of beads is often related to the method that is used in their production. For instance, glass beads are usually made from molds which include the hole size for the bead, so many shapes and sizes of glass beads will have a consistent hole size, typical around .5mm - .8mm. Like glass beads, crystals (which are also made of glass) have a similar production method that ensures a consistent and similar hole size that can vary based on the bead shape and size.
When it comes to gemstones there is a wider range and variety of the bead hole sizes since gemstones have different properties that determines how hard or soft a stone may be. Depending on the hardness of the stone, some gemstones can be drilled from a machine while softer stones may need to be drilled by hand to ensure their structural integrity. When working with gemstones, it is best to have a wide variety of sizes of stringing cord and materials to work with the various sizes of these gemstone bead holes.
When working with beads with larger sized holes, it is recommended to use a thicker stringing cord such as leather or wire to use on projects. Depending on the size and weight of bead you've selected, there is an ideal stringing material that'll help your creations stand the test of time! Consider elastic cord for these various bead size holes! The available sizes are in 0.7mm clear, 0.8mm clear (our most common size), and 1mm clear! These elastic cord remains in its original shape after multiple uses, and is the best for making jewelry to sell, or wear yourself! This elastic cord works with all kinds of beads, and recommend using a surgeons knot for a secured elastic bracelet.
Looking for Beads?
BeadsVenture offers a monthly beads subscription box that delivers monthly to your door with a boxful of beads (over $60 value for $30 only). Shop BeadsVenture Makers Box Now.
If you are just a beginner to beading, and you want to know what bead sizes are suitable for your jewelry project. This article will systematically introduce the size of various beads.
First, let’s learn how to measure the size of the beads. The most common measurement method is to use a vernier caliper to measure in millimeters (mm). During the measurement, we slide the vernier caliper to fit the beads to measure the most accurate bead size.
1、As shown in the picture, clamp the bead with the “outer measuring jaw” under the vernier caliper.
2、If your hand cannot fix the vernier caliper, you can tighten the bolt numbered 4 in the figure by hand so that the caliper cannot slide left and right.
3、Read the measured value of the vernier caliper, which is the diameter of the bead. Look at the position of “0” on the secondary ruler, which determines the first two digits.
The bottom of the tool is called the outer claw to measure the diameter of the bead, and the top of the tool is called the inner claw to measure the diameter of the bead hole.
Only the use of vernier calipers in our daily work is mentioned here. It can measure the size of beads more accurately. If you are interested, you can take a look here: How to Use a Vernier Caliper
As shown in the picture below, there is also an electronic vernier caliper, which is more convenient to use.
How to use a vernier caliper to measure the bead sizeAfter learning to use this tool, you can easily measure the size of gemstone, crystals, glass, metal beads.
The size of the beads you use for jewelry making will depend on the design you want to create and the materials you are using. Here are some general guidelines:
2-3 mm size beads: The beads are very small, generally the same size as sesame or rice grains, and the holes are also very small. Small bead has many functions. In addition to being used to make dainty jewelry, it can also be used to prevent friction between bigger beads, increase the beauty of the bracelet, and adjust the length and size of the bracelet. And as an excellent gasket, they are very effective in bead embroidery. For bead weaving and micro-macrame, the smallest bead size is typically 15/0 (2mm) and can go up to 8/0 (3.5mm).
4-5mm size beads: This type of beads can be used to make multi-ring bracelets, matching beads for waist chains, necklaces, etc. 5mm beads can also be used to make buddha beads bracelets.
6mm size beads: This size of beads is suitable for exquisite women’s single circle bracelets. When used with 6mm size, it will make the overall effect very personal and very suitable for jewelry that wants to stand out without losing its flashy.
8mm size beads: This size is currently the most popular on the market and is also the most suitable for gemstone bracelets or gemstone necklaces. The design made with beads of this size will be noticeable and very flashy.
10mm size beads:This size is also suitable for making bracelets, but the finished gemstones bracelets are relatively heavy for female and generally more popular with male customers.
Most of beads in the market are sold as stran and common length of the strand is 38-40CM (15-15.5 inches).
Here is a list of bead size and bead quantities in a bead strand for your reference:
Beads Size(MM)Bead Quantity per StrandStrand Length2mmApprox 190 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches3mmApprox 127 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches4mmApprox 95 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches5mmApprox 78 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches6mmApprox 65 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches7mmApprox 54 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches8mmApprox 48 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches9mmApprox 40 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches10mmApprox 38 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches12mmApprox 31 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches14mmApprox 28 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches16mmApprox 25 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inches18mmApprox 22 Pcs38-40cm/ Approx 15.5 inchesNormally one strand will allow you to make two simple bracelets. In case there are some beads that do not meet your requirements, it is recommended to buy few extra beads.
If you want to make a customised bracelet for someone, you will need to know:
The average length of a stretch bracelet is 7 inches, but they can vary in size from 6 to 8 inches.
For women, if you are working with bead size 4mm, average bracelet length is 6.5-7 inches.
if you are working with bead size 6mm/8mm/10mm, average bracelet length is 7 inches.
if you are working with bead size 12mm, average bracelet length is 7.5-8 inches.
For men, you will have to add 1- 2 beads tipically.
It’s important to measure your wrist to determine the right size for you. Keep in mind that the size of the bead will also affect the weight and drape of your finished piece. So, choose your bead size accordingly. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right bead size for your jewelry making project is to experiment and see what you like best. This table may help you. Click to head to the Bracelet size guide.