This detailed guide will help you pick the right nose ring gauge size. As such, your nose piercing will not get hurt once it completely heals and is inserted with your favorite nose ring.
When your nose piercing has completely recovered completely (as affirmed by a respectable piercer), you’ll have a multitude of nose ring options.
Having said that, if this is your very first time purchasing nose-piercing pieces of jewelry, you may be unsurprisingly swamped. There are various sizes and designs to pick from, and it is critical to pick the right ones for the wellbeing of your earring.

Although it might appear daunting at first, once you understand your appropriate designs and sizes, you will definitely be able to easily buy your favorite nose accessories, even online, in a flash.
And here is a short rundown of nose ring gauge sizes, including how to determine your correct size and why the sizing is essential.
Basic Nose Ring Sizes on The Market

The normal nose ring gauge that is available on the market is either 18G or 20G. Besides, your stud earrings will most likely be between 1/4 inches and 5/16 inches in length. These are considered basic sizes that may differ based on your physiology.
So, once you get your nose pierced, your original jewelry length will be slightly longer to cater to any inflammation. And when the inflammation has subsided, you should see your piercer to get fitted for a smaller one. Bigger ones are more likely to become snagged, and they generally circle in your piercing, which may lead to difficulties all through recovery.
The size of your hoops would then be determined by your anatomical structures. Before you go shopping for nose hoops, consult with a trustable piercer about the smallest and biggest hoop sizes that your piercing could really solve.
Sizing is critical, and you should never compel pieces of jewelry into a piercing that starts to feel either too small or too big. This is discussed further down below.
Size Guide for Nose Rings

Once tailoring nose ring gauges, it is really important to remember that the chunkier the gauge is, the smaller the statistic would be. This implies that a nose ring size 22 standard measure is generally slimmer than a nose ring with a size 16 gauge. It may appear perplexing at first, but you will soon get used to it.
Common nose ring’s length and diameter in millimeters and inches
Nose ring length (in millimeters) | Nose ring length (in inches) |
38 mm | 1.5 inches |
25 mm | 1 inches |
24 mm | 15/16 inches |
22 mm | 7/8 inches |
19 mm | 3/4 inches |
16 mm | 5/8 inches |
14 mm | 9/16 inches |
13 mm | 1/2 inches |
11 mm | 7/16 inches |
9.5 mm | 3/8 inches |
8 mm | 5/16 inches |
6.4 mm | 1/4 inches |
4.7 mm | 3/16 inches |
Common nose ring gauge sizes in inches and millimeters
nose ring gauge sizes (Gauge) | nose ring gauge sizes (in Inches) | nose ring gauge sizes (in millimeters) |
00 G | 0.375 inches | 10.0 mm |
0 G | 0.312 inches | 8.0 mm |
2 G | 0.250 inches | 6.0 mm |
4 G | 0.204 inches | 5.0 mm |
6 G | 0.162 inches | 4.0 mm |
8 G | 0.125 inches | 3.0 mm |
10 G | 0.102 inches | 2.5 mm |
12 G | 0.082 inches | 2.0 mm |
14 G | 0.064 inches | 1.6 mm |
16 G | 0.050 inches | 1.2 mm |
18 G | 0.040 inches | 1.0 mm |
20 G | 0.032 inches | 0.81 mm |
22 G | 0.025 inches | 0.64 mm |
Make sure to check out our ring size converter calculator charts to ensure you are getting the most accurate nose ring gauge size conversion from inches to millimeters. This will help you find the right size for your nose ring to avoid discomfort or irritation.
What Is The Smallest Size Of Nose Ring That I Can Wear?
The 22 gauge is commonly known as the smallest nose ring gauge size available on the market right now. Basically, it has a width of around 0.6 mm. This nose piercing size is uncommon in the United States due to its thinness. In most instances, a 22 gauge nose ring must be handcrafted, and it may be personalized to fit the person wearing it.
In addition, such piercings are popular in certain parts of Europe, India, and the Middle East.
We suggest that you do not go any smaller than the ”standard” 22 gauge nose ring. This happens since smaller nose beams may induce your body to mistake it for foreign material, such as a piece of bone, and slowly push it out. Put another way, and the ring might change shape or easily slip out of your initial piercing.
Medium Nose Ring Gauge Size
If you’re curious to know the average nose ring gauge sizing, we will go over that right away. The basic nose ring size, as some of you might know, is 20 gauge, which is also the most typical size for other kinds of body jewelry, such as earrings and navel rings. Even so, if you require a chunkier gauge, then the 18 gauge nose ring is an option. It is ideal for wearing the nose piercing higher up the nostrils than some other dimensions.
Nose Ring Gauge Size: How to Pick the Right One?

Selecting a nose ring for a real piercing could really appear to be a daunting task if you do not even understand what to look for. As such, we will go over how to choose the best nose ring gauge size in this section.
When it comes to nose rings, selecting the appropriate gauge size is crucial to ensure comfort and prevent complications. Check out this diamond stud earring size chart to assist you in determining the right gauge size for your nose piercing. Remember, a smaller gauge number means a thicker and more robust piece of jewelry, while a larger gauge number means a delicate and lighter piece of jewelry.
How do I decide the size of my nose ring gauge?
You are actually asking which nose ring gauge size is best for you if you have looked at the nose ring size chart in the preceding paragraphs. Visiting a piercing expert is the only specific way to figure out the correct hoop size for your nose ring. Even so, basic sizes might also be used to determine a suitable fit.
There are, in fact, different ways to tell if your nose piercing accessories fit the size, shape, and design of your nose bone. To begin, you should be capable of closing the hoop completely without feeling any stiffness all over your piercing.
To compensate for the inflammation, use a bigger nose ring gauge instantly after piercing your nose. And right after the inflammation has gone down, you could really size down and get a better-fitting nose ring.
Another thing to look for is whether the accessories on your nose ring stay put or keep moving around. Accordingly, a nose ring that keeps moving around within the piercing must be avoided because it indicates that it is not a great fit.
While putting on the nose ring, there ought to be little uneasiness or itchiness. The diameter you select will determine the precise position of the nose ring hoop on your nasal passages. A bigger size raises the ring towards your nose, whereas a smaller size lowers it.
How do you determine a nose ring gauge size?

Other variables, in addition to gauge size, should influence your final choice. And one of these concerns is the length of the nose ring design.
Generally speaking, your nose bolt’s length, commonly recognized as the “wearable exterior,” is the zone that you wear within the piercing. It runs from the bottom of the jewel to the curve, contour, or headlight of the nose ring. Accordingly, the typical nose ring’s length is generally 6mm, but based on the width of your nasal tissue, you can pick rings with a length of either 5 mm or 7 mm.
Another consideration is the kind of nose ring you want to wear. You could always pick between nose hoop rings and nose studs. So, let’s now take a look at some of the most popular types of nose piercings:
- L-post
- Nose septum clicker
- Stud or nose bone
- Seamless hoop
- Circular barbells or curved barbells
- Beaded nose hoop
- Fishtail nose stud or nose pin
Different Nose Stud Designs
Nose studs are available in various styles. Which sort you want is largely determined by your individual preferences. Before making an investment in a high-quality item of nose piercing accessories, it is always a smart option to try out various styles. In the end, 14k gold choices will last a long life, and you desire to be sure it is the right item for you.
L-Shaped Prong
Like you might expect, this kind of nose stud is molded just like an L. To add, simply input the prong at a 90o angle through the earring and spin it to protect the pieces of jewelry.
Twist Prong
Generally speaking, this sort of nose stud resembles the loops on a rivet. Purely spin the pieces of jewelry into place to add.
Bone Prong
The bone prong, as a few of you might know, is the most basic nose stud, consisting of a plain prong with a subtle clit at the close that is a little bit bigger than the measurement of your nose piercing. Start pushing the pieces of jewelry into the piercing to input. Since this kind of prong slightly extends the piercing when it goes in, it must only be worn in a completely recovered piercing.
Stud with a Flat Back
In fact, these are the sole studs on this rundown that could be worn in other earrings, specifically ear meniscus and lip piercings. Basically, they are prong earrings with a pinned plain back, similar to cartilage earrings. Force the prong all through the earring and screw the rear into the prong to add. This is, accordingly, the most stable stud, but it may be challenging to insert, particularly if your nostrils are kind of tiny or small.
Take your nose piercing to the next level by exploring different nose stud designs such as sparkly jewels, minimalist shapes, and unique designs. Elevate your style game by checking out these 20 Perfect Stud Girl Outfit Ideas that will complement your nose stud perfectly and make you feel confident and stylish.
Nostril Hoop Styles
Whereas streamlined hoops appear to be among the most famous, there is an equitably broad array of hoop designs suitable for a nose piercing.
Seamless Hoops
Basically, these are distinguished by their almost streamlined appearance. Add the earrings by contorting the edges apart (don’t ever pull them off from each other), inserting the jewelry through the earring, and then contorting the edges into place once more. A lot of people struggle to input these earrings by themselves, so you may need to see a piercer for assistance.
Segment Hoops or Clickers
These kinds of piercings, just like seamless hoops, are specifically designed to conceal any lines. They are, even so, simpler to input by yourself. These are either detachable pieces that open for implantation or segments that totally exit the ring.
Captive Bead Rings
Basically, this kind of widely known hoop design features a hoop that is sealed with a snap-in bead. The bead could be constructed from a variety of substances, making it a popular option for individuals who want to add a very little sense of style to their nose piercing.
Circular Barbells
2 screwed beads come to an end on a kind of prong with the shape of a horseshoe adorn circular barbells. And once you see them, you will notice that the 2 beads make it more distinctive than some other hoop designs, making your nose piercing absolutely outstanding.
And once you’ve decided on a design, you should think about what kind of earrings you desire for your nose piercing. Here are a few prevalent alternatives:
- Color diamonds;
- Silver jewelry; and
- Gold-plated metal jewelry
How to Measure the Size of a Nose Ring?
Generally speaking, there are 3 primary methods for determining a nose ring size. A printed gauge card, micrometer, or caliper could always be used.
Various sorts of nose piercings necessitate distinct methods of measurement. Luckily, you could always utilize a caliper to measure the inner diameter of your nose piercing or the gauge width. To avoid ruining your nose piercing, use extra care when clamping the fangs on it. Arrange the caliper to mm and evaluate the inner diameter of your nose piercing using the inside fangs.
In addition, a micrometer is commonly useful for determining the size of your nose piercing. Even so, it is a costly device that you may not have at your home. Optionally, put the ring on the mm part of a straight ruler and qualify the mm within the ring.
Why Is Nose Size Crucial?
It occurs on a regular basis; somebody else takes the time to completely recover their piercing flawlessly, then buys their very first jewelry, only to grow a piercing bulge some few days later.
Only because your nose piercing has healed does not mean it is no longer vulnerable to injury. Wearing jewelry that is too small is among the most common reasons for causing harm to a recovered piercing.
If you select either a hoop or a stud that is way too small, it would then definitely pull against the piercing pit, frequently resulting in piercing wobbles or even other problems.
If your hoop or stud, on the flip side, is way too large, it may snag and start tearing or otherwise destroy your piercing gaps.
Never let your nose piercing suffer after months of recovery. Before buying new jewelry, consult with your piercer to verify that you are selecting the correct jewelry sizes.
Choosing the right nose ring gauge size does not have to be as difficult as it appears. Purely go to a respectable piercer and also get your personalized jewelry specifications, and everything should be okay.
To ensure comfort and optimum healing process after getting a nose piercing, the size of the nose ring gauge has to be appropriate. You can measure nose size by following the guide on how to measure your body for clothing sizes. Knowing your nose size will help you avoid complications such as irritation, infection, and discomfort.
How Do You Decide The Size Of a Nose Ring Gauge?
Generally speaking, your nose ring gauge is the thickness of the metal. Keep in mind that smaller figures are always chunkier. A 18 gauge (or 1.0 centimeters) nose hoop, for instance, is generally thicker than a 22 gauge (or 0.64 centimeters) nose hoop.
It is critical to ensure that you are purchasing the appropriate measure. Do not attempt to insert a heavier jewelry piece into your nose piercing. The gauge, in addition, cannot be measured with a ruler.
If you have ever overlooked what gauge you generally wear, you have many choices for deciding the right gauge for your nose piercing, as follows:
Request assistance from your piercer
This is frequently a simpler and more dependable method of ensuring you are wearing the right size.
Contrast a pre-existing piece of jewelry with a hard copy gauge card
Optionally, if you possess a gauge card from a prior online order, you could really try comparing the width of an existing piece of jewelry to the identifying marks on the gauge card.
Make use of a micrometer or caliper
Generally speaking, a caliper is a cheap way to get exact calculations for body accessories. You can utilize it for not only to quantify the nose ring gauge but also the internal diameter of a current hoop and sometimes even your real nose piercing. Make absolutely sure you do not really grip the fangs so tightly that you scratch your pieces of jewelry.
A micrometer, on the other hand, might also be used to quantify the nose ring gauge, but if you don’t take a lot of monitoring the process, you will not have one lying around (it is, in fact, not a cheap device).
Wheels for measuring gauges
In general, these are usually made of steel (they resemble a loop with silhouettes all over the perimeter), have jagged corners, and will scrape your pieces of jewelry. In addition, gauge wheels are designed to measure the straight wire, not strangely molded body jewelry.
If you discovered a PVC wheel, you might possibly utilize it to approximate the gauge of your nose piercing (using the hind legs of an L-bend). A metal sheet gauge device, which resembles a tiny rectangular shape with silhouettes all along a side, is yet another comparable device.
These instruments, once again, are probable to have jagged corners that will tear your pieces of jewelry. You’d be better off purchasing a cheap caliper rather than using either of these toolkits.
Drill gauge
This kind of device cannot be used to estimate the width of your nose ring hoop. It is meant for straight items such as metal rods, wire, and drill bits, wire, and metal rods. In addition, it might be used to calculate the measure of the neck of an L-bend nose stud or a labret. Once more, if you decide to attempt it, be really extremely cautious not to scrape your jewelry. Rather, we would suggest getting a low-cost caliper.
What Is The Average Size Of A Nose Piercing?

The majority of nose piercings are generally completed with an 18 gauge needle. Even so, due to the wide range of jewelry choices available on the market in smaller dimensions, a lot of individuals decided to slim down their jewelry size after the piercing recovers to 20 gauge.
Individuals actually opt to go down as tiny as 22 gauge. However, if you didn’t try to cut down the size on purpose, you probably wouldn’t wear such a slim nose ring gauge.
We strongly advise you to prevent any jewelry that is slimmer than 22 gauge (for example, 24 gauge nose rings), because they will effortlessly pull from your nose piercing and change shape.
Do not even squander your money on 26 gauge nose studs (yes, we have seen some for sale). This is because these models are generally super thin and have no place in your nose piercing.
For a nose piercing, 20 gauge is the most common size, which is about 0.8 millimeters in diameter. However, some people go for finer sizes, such as 22 gauge, while others opt for larger sizes, up to 14 gauge. Check out our article on common items that weigh 11 ounces to get a better idea of what 20 gauge looks like.
What Is The Size Of My Nose Ring?
It is essential to note that the diameter of a nose ring is not measured. The diameter of a nose ring is the total distance all over it. To measure the diameter of a nose ring, you should measure in a full circle from the outside of the ring. This dimension has nothing to do with your nose piercing.
In case you already possess a nose ring but didn’t recall which diameter you purchased, trying to measure the inner diameter of the nose ring at home is very simple! This evaluation could be taken with a caliper or ruler. If you are uncertain of the internal radius, trace a straight line laterally through the inner surface of your nose ring. And this figure is your nose ring’s inner diameter.
Set your virtual caliper to mm and utilize the interior jaws on the upper edge of the caliper to measure the inner diameter of items when taking measurements. Make absolutely sure you’re not accidentally expanding the hoop lose while measuring.
To quantify with a ruler, put your hoop on the upper end of the millimeter-marked edge and qualify how many mm are within the hoop.
How Can I Make A Nose Hoop That Fits Comfortably?

If you do not yet have a nose hoop to quantify, do not really worry! Gauging your nose piercing for a ring is another task you can do at home. Just keep in mind that the inner diameter of the ring you wear is not related to the size of your nose. Rather, the height of your nose piercing is used to calculate this assessment. That is to say, the distance between your nose piercing and the corner of your nasal cavity.
Determine the inner diameter of your nasal cavity using a sheet of paper and a ruler. Don’t just grasp a ruler up to your nasal passages and gaze into the mirror to determine what it tells you. Make a small scrap of paper, align the upper edge with your nose piercing, and spot the downside of the paper with the cut of your nasal cavity.
So now, you can easily use a ruler to gauge the highlighted part of the paper. You can also perform it the other way along by aligning the margin of the paper sheet with the bottom of your nasal cavity and then labeling the location of your piercing pit on the sheet of paper. The result will be the littlest inner radius you are able to conveniently wear. Instead, if you want a looser fit, simply add 1mm to that assessment.
If you’re looking for the perfect nose ring size that fits you comfortably, check out this Chaco size chart guide to ensure you buy the right size. Similar to buying shoes, getting the right nose ring gauge size is important to comfortably fit your piercing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my nose piercing fit tightly?
The direct answer would be no. Your nose ring or piercing must not be too snug. If you experience discomfort with your piercing after inputting your nose ring, or if you have trouble completely closing your nose ring, your internal diameter is way too tiny.
Don’t continue wearing the too-small nose ring; instead, try on a distinct jewelry item until you can find a correctly fitted ring. A nose ring that happens to fit beautifully since you spent the time measuring your piercing is not the same as a ring that happens to fit too tightly.
How can I reduce the size of my nose ring?
Unfortunately, you can’t just physically make your nose ring smaller on your own. If you buy a ring that is too big, you should monitor your piercing and reorganize the right size. Attempting to resize a ring even without the correct equipment will result in either a horribly disfigured ring that doesn’t fit properly or a hoop anymore with jagged corners that is also not secure to input into your piercing.
What should I do if my nose piercing becomes too high to accommodate a ring?
If you have a rising nose piercing and dislike the way the rings fit, change the contour! For instance, you might discover that an oval nose hoop perfectly fits your nasal passage. As a result, this might almost certainly be a specially made task, and you could always send measurements to the jewelry store using the above directions for evaluating your nose piercing.
An open nose ring (molded like a C shape) is another alternative that you might prefer over a completely round ring. You could really softly deceive an open ring with your hand to fit better the roundness of your nasal cavity. Just make absolutely sure you don’t try to remold it while it is still in your nose piercing; instead, let it steam first.
Is it possible that my nose hoop is way too small?
Generally speaking, the inner diameter of the nose ring, the portable distance of your nose piercing, and the measure of the earrings are all metrics that might be too tiny for your piercing.
Can you completely close the nose ring?
If you have a shortfall between the edges of your streamlined (unending) hoop, you are most probably wearing a nose ring that is too tiny. Before concluding that this is the situation, double-check that the edges are properly closed. A disparity can form if the edges are not appropriately contorted together.
Is your nose ring causing irritation to your nose piercing?
If you understand you could really wear the metal, itchiness is typically an indication that the nose ring’s inner diameter (or the distance of the post) is just extremely tiny. A hoop that is way too tiny will definitely put a lot of pressure on your nose piercing. In addition to the sensation being too strict, it would also feel as if it is gradually cutting into your skin.
Is your nose stud’s jewel or elegance continuously rotating?
You might be wearing a measure that is too tiny for you. If you have an 18 gauge nose ring and attempt to put on a 22 gauge nose piercing, the earrings will continuously twist in place since it appears to fit sloppily in the piercing pit. Regardless of whether you’re wearing the right measure, this could also occur with a big, top-thick style.
Is the nose ring always spinning?
In fact, you might be wearing a nose ring that is too small for your nose piercing; ensure that you choose the right gauge.
If your nose ring is constantly spinning, it could be caused by the gauge size being too small. Consider trying a heavier gauge size, such as 18 or 16 gauge, to prevent this issue. Check out our nose ring gauge size guide for more information on finding the best fit for your nose piercing.
Is my nose hoop excessively large?
Nose rings that are too large for your nasal passages, or studs that are always extremely long, will be very unpleasant to put on, and you will continuously be adapting the location of your nose ring. In addition, a hoop might be too big for your nose piercing in 3 different ways, just like earrings that are too tiny: including the stud’s length, the gauge, and the inner diameter as well.
Is your nose ring constantly rotating out of position?
While this may indicate that the gauge is extremely thin, it might also indicate that you have a nose piercing with an obscenely big inner diameter. For instance, if you bought an embellished nose ring and the crystals are continuously falling down your nasal cavity, you probably need to have a tinier inner diameter. You’ll know you have a too-large nose ring since, besides continuously spinning, there would definitely be a visible room between your nostril and the nose ring.
The Bottom Line
The nose ring gauge refers to the width of the post where the nose pierces the nasal passage. The typical size of a nose ring gauge is generally a 20-gauge post that is equivalent to 0.8 mm thick. In fact, a lot of jewelry shops and highly qualified piercers in the United States only make peace in 20 gauge. Having said that, common nose ring gauges vary between 22 (known as the thinnest one) and 16 (the thickest one).