Septum Piercing Gauge Converter

Easily convert between gauge sizes and millimeters. Find the right size for your septum jewelry.

What Size Is My Septum Piercing?

Most septum piercings are pierced at either 16g (1.2mm) or 14g (1.6mm). But if you’re stretching your piercing or buying new jewelry, you’ll need to know exactly what size you have.

Use the tool below to convert between gauge numbers and millimeters. Then check the reference chart for common sizes and what they’re used for.

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Convert Gauge to Millimeters

= 1.2 mm
Closest gauge: 16g
GaugeMillimetersInchesCommon use
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Gauge Tips & Common Questions

What gauge is a standard septum piercing?

Most septum piercings are done at 16g (1.2mm) or 14g (1.6mm). Your piercer will choose based on your anatomy and the jewelry you plan to wear.

Can I stretch my septum piercing?

Yes — many people stretch their septum piercings to larger gauges over time. This should be done gradually, going up one gauge size at a time, with plenty of healing time between stretches. Never skip sizes or force jewelry through.

How do I know what size I already have?

If you’re unsure what gauge your current jewelry is, you can use a caliper to measure the thickness in millimeters, then use the chart above to find the corresponding gauge number. Alternatively, ask your piercer — they can usually tell you what you were pierced with.

Why do gauge numbers run backward?

Gauge numbers come from an old wire-standard system where a larger number means a thinner wire. So 16g is thinner than 14g, and 14g is thinner than 12g. It’s confusing at first, but you’ll get used to it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What gauge is a standard septum piercing?
Most septum piercings are done at 16g (1.2mm) or 14g (1.6mm). Your piercer will choose based on your anatomy and the jewelry style you want.
How do I measure my current septum jewelry?
Use a caliper to measure the thickness of your jewelry in millimeters. Then use the reference chart above to find the corresponding gauge number. If you don’t have a caliper, ask your piercer — they can measure it for you.
Can I stretch my septum piercing?
Yes — many people stretch their septum piercings to larger gauges over time. This should be done one gauge size at a time with plenty of healing between stretches. Never skip sizes or force jewelry through.
Why do gauge numbers run backward?
Gauge numbers come from an old wire-standard system where a larger number means a thinner wire. So 16g is thinner than 14g, and 14g is thinner than 12g.
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Related Guides

Ready to choose your jewelry? Check out these guides: