standard bead size chartstandard bead size chart

Bead and Necklace Size Charts


Whether you’re a novice bead jewelry maker or just shopping for necklaces, these bead and necklace size charts and links to related articles can help you.

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bead and necklace size charts - lapis, onyx, and silver
"Lapis, Onyx, and Silver" by Sheila Sund. Licensed under CC By 2.0.

Beads per Inch

Bead SizeBeads per InchBeads per 16"Beads per 24"
2 mm12.5200300
3 mm8.3133200
4 mm6.25100150
5 mm580120
6 mm4.26699
7 mm3.65786
8 mm3.135075
10 mm2.54060
12 mm2.13350

standard bead size chart

Cord Conversion Chart

Silk is the traditional beading cord. Its strength and flexibility are unmatched for any other material its size. Nylon and polyester cords are replacing silk. They have nearly the same strength and a longer life.

A number or a letter defines cord size. The size used depends on the size of your beads. Larger, heavier beads require a stronger cord.

The codes represent smaller, lighter capacity cords (A, 1) to larger, heavier capacity cords (FF, 8).

SilkABCDEFFF
Nylon11.523458
bead and necklace size charts - glass, silver, and nylon
"Necklace for My Oma's 90th Birthday," green glass and silver beads on nylon thread, by Jessica Spengler. Licensed under CC By 2.0.

Necklace Lengths

Choker14 to 16 inches, falls to hollow of neck
Princess18 inches
Matinee20 to 24 inches, falls to the crown of the bust
Opera28 to 32 inches
RopeAnything more than 32 inches

necklace size chart

Additional Information

For more information on beads and necklace size, nomenclature, and instructions for making them, consult these articles:

If you're looking for ideas for bead jewelry, here is a list of gemstones that can be used as very attractive beads, whether faceted, carved, or natural.

bead and necklace size charts - turquoise and wood beads
"White Wood and Turquoise Necklace," blue turquoise focal piece, green turquoise cylinder beads, and white wood beads, by Natalia. Licensed under CC By 2.0.

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