Bead Sizes 101

Bead Sizes Explained!

When I first went online to buy some beads,  I was completely baffled by the sizes and just ordered at random. I even had this bead measuring tool but I still don't know what it's trying to tell me. So I did some research and decided to share my knowledge so you wont waste your money getting beads that are too big or too small. Especially when it comes to shopping at stores like Michael's where the bead sizes are not even listed!

Seed Beads

When it comes to seed beads the bigger the number the SMALLER the bead.  For example a seed bead with the size 11/0 would be really tiny and a seed beed with the size 6/0 would be much larger and easier to work with.

        Below is an example of a bracelet using 11/0 seed bead and another using 6/0.

Regular Beads

With regular ole beads the sizing is much simpler. The larger the number the bigger the bead. Easy right? Well as long as you have an estimate as to how large a 14mm bead would be compared to a 6mm bead you are good to go. 

Bead sizes from left to right: 34mm, 14mm, 12mm, 10mm, 8mm, 6mm, 4mm

Here are also some examples of jewelry made with some of the different bead sizes.

12MM                                                                  10MM

8MM                                                                        6MM

4MM

Check out my beads101 video!