Regular earrings are most commonly 20 gauge (20G), measuring about 0.8 mm thick, though 18G is also widely used.
If you’ve ever bought a pair of studs at a department store and wondered about the numbers on the packaging, here’s the breakdown: most everyday earrings, especially butterfly-back studs, are 20G. That’s roughly 0.8 mm in thickness. Professional piercers, however, often start lobes at 18G or even 16G for healing and stability. Whether you’re matching new jewelry to an existing piercing or shopping for a fresh one, knowing your gauge keeps things comfortable and safe.
Understanding Earring Gauge Numbers
Jewelry gauge sizes use the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system, where a larger number means a thinner post. So 22G is thinner than 20G, and 18G is thicker than 20G.
- 20G (0.8 mm): The standard for most lobe piercings and everyday earrings, including typical butterfly-back studs.
- 18G (1.0 mm): Common for lobe piercings and often used by piercers for new piercings to promote healing.
- 22G (0.6 mm): Less common; usually found in delicate or fashion earrings.
- 16G (1.2 mm): Thicker; frequently used for cartilage or some professional lobe piercings.
The exact millimeter measurements vary slightly between sources—20G can be listed as 0.8 or 0.81 mm, and 18G as 1.0 or 1.02 mm—due to rounding conventions.
What Gauge Are Standard Lobe Piercings?
Standard lobe piercings are typically 20G or 18G, and the gauge often depends on how the piercing was done.
Earrings from department stores or mall piercing guns are almost always 20G. But professional piercers usually choose 18G or 16G, since a slightly thicker initial post can reduce the risk of migration and help the piercing heal straighter. If you’re picking out your first pair of earrings for a fresh piercing, an 18G post is a common choice that allows a bit more room for your lobe to heal comfortably.
If your ears were pierced with a gun—many were—you’re likely wearing 20G jewelry right now. That’s fine for long-established piercings, but it’s worth knowing the difference when shopping for new pieces.
Does Gauge Matter For Switching Earrings?
Yes, and this is where many people run into trouble. An 18G post will not fit comfortably in a 20G hole—it can stretch the piercing or feel tight and painful.
Conversely, a 20G post in an 18G hole may feel loose, let the jewelry move around, and over time, the hole can shrink slightly. If you’re switching from new earrings to standard jewelry, be patient. Stretching a lobe up a single gauge takes time and should never be forced.
Also keep in mind that not all ear piercings share the same size. Cartilage, tragus, conch, nose, and other piercings each use different gauges. A 20G stud is fine for a standard lobe, but cartilage piercings often sit at 16G or 14G. Always confirm the gauge before buying jewelry for a non-lobe piercing.
| Gauge Size | Thickness | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 22G | 0.6 mm | Delicate or fashion earrings |
| 20G | 0.8 mm | Standard everyday earrings, butterfly-back studs |
| 18G | 1.0 mm | Many lobe piercings and new piercings |
| 16G | 1.2 mm | Cartilage and some professional lobe piercings |
How To Tell What Gauge Your Earrings Are
If the packaging is long gone, there are a few quick methods to identify your earring gauge. Look for the number printed on the post itself—many quality brands stamp it right near the base. If nothing is marked, compare the post thickness against a known reference.
When you’re ready to upgrade your collection with thicker, more substantial pieces, browse our roundup of the best 10 gauge earrings to see what works well for stretched or larger piercings.
For a quick reference check before your next purchase, most brands list gauge info directly on the product page or packaging.
References & Sources
- American Piercing. “Piercing Gauge Sizes.” Detailed gauge chart with millimeter conversions for common piercings.
- Banter. “Body Jewelry Gauge Chart.” Visual guide to gauge sizes and typical placement.
- Analuisa. “What Gauge Is A Regular Ear Piercing?” Explains standard lobe sizes and how to measure earring posts.
FAQs
Can I wear 18G earrings in a 20G piercing?
An 18G post is thicker than a 20G hole, so it will not fit without stretching the piercing.
Are all earring posts the same thickness?
No. Most standard earrings are 20G or 18G, but fashion jewelry sometimes uses 22G, and cartilage or statement pieces can be 16G or thicker.
How do I know what size my earring is if it’s not marked?
Compare the post to a known reference like a ruler or a gauge wheel, available online or at piercing studios. Alternatively, bring the earring to a professional piercer—they can identify the gauge in seconds and often do so at no cost.