Essential Bead Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions About Beads

Millimeters Defined

Other Bead Measurement FAQs

Gram Weight Defined
Common Units in Purchasing Beads
Number of Beads Needed
Calculation of Beads Needed
Standard Necklace Lengths
Beading Wire Gauge Sizes

Measurement Used When Purchasing Sterling Silver, Bali & Gold-filled Beads - Millimeters  (mm)

A unit of length equal to 0.0394 inch (or 1/25th of an inch).  Beads are commonly measured in millimeters.  Although this illustration is not to scale, it will give you an idea of the size of common sizes of beads:

Each millimeter in the ruler above is equal to one hash mark.  The one centimeter mark is equal to ten millimeters.  The round purple circles represent the common size of beads you would buy for jewelry making.  From the left to right, the sizes are 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4mm, 3mm and 2mm.