Ear Gauge Size Chart: From 20g to 2 Inches Explained
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Understanding Gauge Sizes
One of the most confusing aspects of ear stretching for beginners is the sizing system. Unlike most measurements, gauge numbers work backwards — the higher the gauge number, the smaller the jewelry. A 20g earring is tiny, while a 00g is quite large. Once you pass 00g, sizes switch to inches or millimeters.
This guide gives you a complete reference chart and explains what each size looks and feels like in practice.
Complete Ear Gauge Size Chart
| Gauge | Millimeters | Inches | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20g | 0.8mm | 1/32" | Standard earring size |
| 18g | 1.0mm | 5/128" | Common piercing size |
| 16g | 1.2mm | 3/64" | First stretch for many |
| 14g | 1.6mm | 1/16" | Noticeable but small |
| 12g | 2.0mm | 5/64" | Still easily hidden |
| 10g | 2.4mm | 3/32" | Getting visible |
| 8g | 3.0mm | 1/8" | Clearly stretched |
| 6g | 4.0mm | 5/32" | Visible gap when empty |
| 4g | 5.0mm | 3/16" | Point of no return for some |
| 2g | 6.0mm | 1/4" | Significant stretch |
| 0g | 8.0mm | 5/16" | Large, bold look |
| 00g | 10.0mm | 3/8" | Often considered point of no return |
| — | 12mm | 1/2" | Sizes switch to mm/inches here |
| — | 14mm | 9/16" | — |
| — | 16mm | 5/8" | — |
| — | 19mm | 3/4" | — |
| — | 22mm | 7/8" | — |
| — | 25mm | 1" | Very large, statement size |
| — | 32mm | 1 1/4" | — |
| — | 38mm | 1 1/2" | — |
| — | 50mm | 2" | Extreme stretching |
What Is the "Point of No Return"?
You'll often hear 00g (10mm) referred to as the "point of no return" — the size beyond which ears may not fully close if you remove your jewelry. This is a useful guideline, but it's not a hard rule. Genetics, how quickly you stretched, and how long you've worn large jewelry all play a role. Some people's ears shrink back from larger sizes; others see permanent change at smaller ones.
The safest approach: go slow, take care of your lobes, and make informed decisions at every stage.
How Many Sizes Can You Skip?
The short answer: none. Each size increase should be just one step at a time — for example, from 8g (3mm) to 6g (4mm), not from 8g directly to 4g (5mm). Skipping sizes dramatically increases the risk of blowouts, tearing, and permanent damage.
How Long Between Each Size?
A minimum of 4–6 weeks is recommended between each stretch. Many experienced stretchers wait 2–3 months, especially at larger sizes where the tissue is under more stress. The longer you wait, the stronger and more elastic your lobes become.
Finding Your Size at Vint'Age
All of our jewelry listings include both gauge and millimeter measurements so you always know exactly what you're ordering. Our range covers sizes from 1.2mm (3/64") all the way up to 76mm (3") — so whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced stretcher with large lobes, we have jewelry that fits.