To pick the right nose jewelry size, match the gauge your piercing was made at. Nose studs usually use 20G (0.8 mm) or 18G (1.0 mm), and 18G is the most common. Nose hoops are listed by gauge and inner diameter, and most sit between 6 mm and 8 mm.
Nose Jewelry Gauge to MM Chart
Gauge describes the thickness of the post. A lower gauge number means a thicker post.
| Gauge | Thickness (mm) | Thickness (inches) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22G | 0.6 | 0.024 | Fine, less common nose jewelry |
| 20G | 0.8 | 0.032 | Nose |
| 18G | 1.0 | 0.04 | Nose, most common |
| 16G | 1.2 | 0.047 | Lip, eyebrow |
One body jewelry guide lists nose rings at 20G (0.8 mm) to 18G (1 mm) and lip rings at 16G (1.2 mm) to 14G (1.6 mm). See our lip ring size guide for the thicker sizes, and the nose ring size chart for a printable reference.
20G vs 18G Nose Stud: Which One Do You Need?
The difference is 0.2 mm of post thickness. 20G is the thinner post at 0.8 mm and 18G is 1.0 mm. Neither is better for everyone. The jewelry gauge should match the gauge your piercing was made at, so ask your piercer which one they used. If you are unsure, 18G is the most common gauge and a sensible default.
Nose Stud Post Length
The sources we checked do not publish a standard post length for nose studs, so do not buy by a number you find in a chart. Length depends on how thick your nostril is and on swelling while the piercing heals. To find your size, ask your piercer for the length they fitted, or measure the post of a stud that fits well with a ruler in millimetres. A post that is too short presses on the skin and one that is too long moves around.
Nose Hoop Diameter: 6 mm, 7 mm or 8 mm
| Inner diameter | Fit |
|---|---|
| 6 mm | Snug against the nostril |
| 7 mm | Snug against the nostril |
| 8 mm | Looser and more visible |
Most nose rings sit between 6 mm and 8 mm. Diameter applies to hoops and rings, not studs. A 10 mm hoop is larger than that range and will hang away from the nostril, so try 8 mm first if you want a looser look. Measure the inner width of the circle, not the outer edge. The same inside-edge technique is used in our mm to ring size guide.
Choosing a Backing
- Screw back: highest security and suited to daily wear.
- L-shape: easier to put on and take off.
- Straight pin: needs skill to fit.
- Flat back: suits sensitive or healing piercings.
How to Check Your Size Before Buying
- Ask your piercer for the gauge and length of the jewelry fitted.
- If you do not know, measure the post thickness and length of a stud that fits.
- Choose the same gauge. If it is a hoop, also choose the inner diameter.
- If you are between hoop sizes, have a piercer assess it in person.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. For pain, swelling or a new piercing, see a professional piercer. For other sizing tools, see the ring size conversion chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common nose stud size?
18G (1.0 mm) is described as the most common nose gauge, with 20G (0.8 mm) also used.
Is 20G or 18G better for a nose piercing?
Neither is better in general. Use the gauge your piercing was made at. If unsure, 18G is the common default.
What size nose hoop should I get?
Most nose rings are 6 mm to 8 mm inner diameter. Choose 6 or 7 mm for a snug fit and 8 mm for a looser one.
Is gauge the same as diameter?
No. Gauge is the post thickness. Diameter is the inner width of a hoop. A hoop has both.
How do I convert nose ring gauge to mm?
Use the chart above: 22G is 0.6 mm, 20G is 0.8 mm, 18G is 1.0 mm and 16G is 1.2 mm.
Which backing is best for a healing piercing?
A flat back suits sensitive or healing piercings. Ask your piercer which backing to use.
Sources: Pure Jewels nose ring size guide and WJD Exclusives body jewelry size guide.