What do earring gauge sizes mean, and which post thickness do I need?

Gauge describes the thickness of an earring post. A smaller gauge number means a thicker post. Most earring posts for earlobes are fairly thin, but your own piercing may differ, so check with a piercer and with the seller.

What gauge means

Our advice Gauge is a numbering system for wire and post thickness. As the number goes up, the post gets thinner.

How to find your size

1. Check the packaging or the listing of an earring that fits well.
2. Ask a piercer to measure your existing piercing.
3. Measure the post with a digital caliper in millimetres.

Why it matters

• A post that is too thick can be hard to insert or cause irritation
• A post that is too thin may feel loose or move a lot
• Cartilage piercings often use a different gauge from earlobes

Check the listing

Our advice Look for post thickness in millimetres as well as gauge. Sellers often list both, which makes comparison easier.

It depends Different manufacturers and piercers use slightly different sizes, and there is no single correct gauge for every ear. Choose the one that fits your piercing comfortably.

Length too

• Post length matters for cartilage and healing piercings
• Thicker earlobes may need a longer post

Changing size

Our advice Do not force a thicker post into an existing piercing. If you want to change size, ask a piercer.

Typical situations

• A new piercing usually needs a post that suits healing and swelling
• An old piercing that feels tight may need a thinner post
• Thicker, heavier earrings often use thicker posts for support

When in doubt, keep a note of your piercer's advice, and compare it with the listing before you order.

Our advice Measure the post with a gauge or ask a piercer if you are unsure, rather than guessing from the look of the hole. Check the post thickness of any new earring before you buy it, especially if a piercing is still healing.

It depends Comfort depends on the person, the piercing position and how long the earrings are worn, so the same post can suit one wearer and not another.

Uncertain We cannot tell what gauge your piercings are. A professional measurement is the most reliable.

Related reading: How do I remove tarnish from earring posts and backs? · What Does 925 Mean on Silver Jewelry?

Sources

No external standard governs this question, so this answer is editorial advice from the ZKZ team and is labelled that way.

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.