Short answer: 16G measures 1.2mm and 14G measures 1.6mm. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the bar. Most ear cartilage piercings — helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook — use 16G. Navel piercings and industrial barbells almost always use 14G. Earlobes are usually thinner, at 18G or 20G.
If you're buying jewellery for an existing piercing, match the gauge you already wear. Going thinner leaves the hole loose; going thicker means the jewellery won't fit without stretching.
Gauge conversion chart
| Gauge | Millimetres | Inches | Commonly used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20G | 0.8mm | 1/32" | Nostril, delicate lobes |
| 18G | 1.0mm | 3/64" | Earlobe, nostril |
| 16G | 1.2mm | 3/64" | Helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook, septum |
| 14G | 1.6mm | 1/16" | Navel, industrial, septum, nipple |
| 12G | 2.0mm | 5/64" | Stretched lobes, some navels |
The rule to remember: smaller number = thicker bar.
Which gauge does my piercing use?
| Piercing | Standard gauge | Also seen |
|---|---|---|
| Earlobe | 18G (1.0mm) | 20G, 16G |
| Helix | 16G (1.2mm) | 18G |
| Forward helix | 16G (1.2mm) | 18G |
| Tragus | 16G (1.2mm) | 18G |
| Conch | 16G (1.2mm) | 14G |
| Daith | 16G (1.2mm) | — |
| Rook | 16G (1.2mm) | — |
| Industrial | 14G (1.6mm) | — |
| Nostril | 18G (1.0mm) | 20G |
| Septum | 16G (1.2mm) | 14G |
| Navel | 14G (1.6mm) | — |
If you were pierced professionally in the UK, your piercer most likely used 16G for cartilage and 14G for a navel. If you're unsure, a studio will measure it for you in seconds — or check our size guide.
16G — for helix, tragus, conch and daith
See all 16G ear & helix jewellery →
Gauge is only half the measurement
Thickness tells you whether the jewellery fits through the hole. Length or diameter tells you whether it sits comfortably. Both matter.
Bar length — for flat back studs and labrets
| Piercing | Healed length | While healing |
|---|---|---|
| Helix | 6mm | 8mm |
| Forward helix | 5–6mm | 8mm |
| Tragus | 6mm | 8mm |
| Conch | 8mm | 10mm |
| Lobe | 6mm | 8mm |
Fresh piercings swell, so a longer post is fitted at first and swapped for a shorter one once healing settles. If your stud spins loosely or catches on your hair, it's too long.
Ring diameter — for hoops, clickers and seamless rings
| Piercing | Common diameter |
|---|---|
| Helix | 8mm |
| Daith | 8mm |
| Conch | 10mm |
| Septum | 8mm |
| Nostril | 8mm |
Diameter is measured across the inside of the ring, not the outside.
14G — for navel piercings
Standard navel bar length is 10mm. An 8mm bar suits a shallow piercing; 12mm and 14mm suit deeper anatomy or later-stage pregnancy.
How to measure jewellery you already own
You'll need digital callipers, available cheaply online.
- Gauge — measure the thickness of the bar itself, not the decorative end. Compare the result against the chart above.
- Length — for a flat back stud, measure the post from the underside of the disc to the base of the top.
- Diameter — for a ring, measure the inside gap at its widest point.
No callipers? A piercing studio will measure it free of charge, and it's worth doing once so you know your sizes for good.
Why gauge matters more than people think
Too thin and the jewellery sits loose in the channel, moves around, and irritates tissue that has already healed to a wider fit.
Too thick and it won't pass through without force. Forcing a thicker bar tears the fistula and can trigger months of irritation.
One-way rule: a piercing can be stretched up in gauge gradually, but it doesn't reliably shrink back down. Choose your size deliberately.
What about the metal?
Gauge determines fit. Material determines whether your body tolerates it.
Most high-street jewellery contains nickel, the most common contact allergen in the UK. If your piercings itch, weep or redden after a few hours, the metal is the likely culprit rather than the size.
Implant-grade ASTM F136 titanium is nickel-free and biocompatible — the same specification used in surgical implants. Every Belora piece is made from it.
Read our guide to the best metal for sensitive skin →
Frequently asked questions
Is 16G thicker than 14G?
No. 14G is thicker. 16G is 1.2mm; 14G is 1.6mm. Lower numbers mean thicker bars.
Can I wear 16G jewellery in a 14G piercing?
Physically it will fit, but it will sit loose and move within the channel, which can cause irritation. Match your existing gauge.
Can I wear 14G in a 16G piercing?
Not without stretching the piercing first. Never force it.
What gauge is a standard earlobe piercing in the UK?
Usually 18G (1.0mm), though studio piercings are sometimes 16G.
What gauge is a helix piercing?
16G (1.2mm) is standard for helix, tragus, conch, daith and rook.
What gauge is a belly button piercing?
14G (1.6mm), at a standard 10mm bar length.
How do I find my size without callipers?
Ask your piercing studio to measure it, or check the receipt or product page from your original jewellery.
Does gauge affect healing?
Indirectly. Correctly sized, well-fitted jewellery in a biocompatible metal heals more predictably than loose or overly tight pieces. See our piercing healing timeline.
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Every piece is implant-grade ASTM F136 titanium, nickel-free, and listed with its exact gauge and length. Learn more about Belora.