What hoop size do I need for my piercing?
Gauge, diameter and how to measure your piercing at home so you get it right the first time.
Picking the right hoop size for your piercing is key to a good fit and all-day comfort. A hoop that's too small pinches; one that's too big can snag or hang loose.
In this guide we explain what gauge and diameter mean, which sizes are used for each spot and how to measure your piercing at home.
Gauge and diameter: what each measurement means
A piercing hoop has two measurements:
- Gauge (G or mm): how thick the hoop's wire is, the part that goes through the hole. It has to match your piercing's gauge.
- Inner diameter (mm): the space inside the hoop, from one side to the other. It decides whether the hoop sits snug or loose.
Thickness is usually given in gauge (G), a system where the higher the number, the thinner the hoop.
Tap a gauge to see what it equals:
| Gauge | Millimeters | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 20 G | 0.8 mm | Lobe, fine earrings, nostril |
| 18 G | 1.0 mm | Lobe, some cartilage piercings |
| 16 G | 1.2 mm | Helix, tragus, daith, rook, conch |
| 14 G | 1.6 mm | Industrial, conch |
| 12 G | 2.0 mm | Stretched or thicker piercings |
Hoop size chart by piercing
Tap a spot on the drawing or pick your piercing:
| Piercing | Usual gauge | Usual inner diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Lobe | 0.8–1.2 mm | 8–12 mm |
| Helix | 1.2 mm | 8–10 mm |
| Tragus | 1.2 mm | 6–8 mm |
| Antitragus | 1.2 mm | 8 mm |
| Daith | 1.2 mm | 8–10 mm |
| Rook | 1.2 mm | 8 mm |
| Outer conch | 1.2–1.6 mm | 10–14 mm |
| Nostril (nose) | 0.8–1.0 mm | 6–8 mm |
| Septum | 1.2 mm | 8–10 mm |
These sizes are just a guide: every ear is different, so ideally measure your piercing before you buy.
How to measure your piercing at home
To find the diameter
To find the gauge
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Check your current piece. If you bought it at a studio or store, the gauge is usually listed.
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Measure the bar with a caliper. If you have a piece that fits you well, measure the thickness of the wire or bar.
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Ask your piercer. It's the surest way to know.
If you have a hoop you love the look of, measure its inner diameter with the ruler and use that same size.
Snug or loose hoop: which one to choose
| Fit | How it looks | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Snug | Hugging the edge of the ear | Minimalist look, healed piercings, everyday wear |
| Loose | With some space between hoop and ear | Hoops with charms or detailed designs, areas with more cartilage |
A snug hoop looks more subtle, but if it pinches it can be uncomfortable. If you're torn between two sizes, go for the bigger one.
Common mistakes when buying a piercing hoop
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Only looking at the diameter. If the gauge doesn't match your piercing, the hoop won't go in or will feel loose.
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Mixing up inner and outer diameter. Piercing sizes are almost always given as inner diameter.
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Thinking a higher gauge is thicker. It's the other way around: 20 G is thinner than 16 G.
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Choosing a hoop that's too small. It squeezes the cartilage and can irritate the area.
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Changing your jewelry before the piercing has healed. Wait until your piercer gives you the green light.
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Using the same size for every spot. A lobe hoop usually won't work for a tragus or daith.
Find your hoop by size
Once you know your gauge and diameter, choosing is so much easier. Explore our piercing hoops by size and, if you still don't know what your piercing is called, check out our guide to types of ear piercings.
Shop hoops by size
