Ear Piercing Gauge Sizes Explained: A Complete Size Chart

1. Upper Helix Piercing (16/18g – 6/8mm)

This piercing is placed at the very top outer rim of your ear, commonly known as the upper helix. It's one of the most popular cartilage piercing spots and sits in a slightly curved area, which gives it a sleek and elevated look. The most commonly used sizes here are 16 or 18 gauge with a 6mm to 8mm bar length, depending on your ear thickness and swelling during healing.

A slightly longer bar (like 8mm) is ideal in the beginning to leave room for swelling. Once healed, many people switch to a snugger 6mm stud for a tighter and cleaner fit. Since this spot is easily visible, many choose gemstones or small designs to make a statement while keeping it classy.

2. Forward Helix Piercing (16/18g – 4/6mm)

This piercing is located right at the front curve of your ear, above the tragus and near where the helix meets the side of your head. It's a tighter space compared to the outer rim, so a shorter bar length like 4mm or 6mm is ideal. The standard gauge for this area is also 16 or 18 gauge, which ensures a secure fit without putting pressure on the cartilage.

Because the space is limited, smaller-sized jewelry sits better and looks more elegant. Many people go for flat-back studs that sit flush against the skin. This area is also suitable for double or triple piercings in a vertical line, which can look really neat with matching tiny gems or simple gold dots.

3. Mid Helix Piercing (16/18g – 8mm)

The mid helix is located halfway down the outer rim of the ear, in between the upper helix and the auricle. It’s a comfortable spot for adding a little sparkle without going too high or too low. The image suggests using a 16 or 18 gauge bar with a length of 8mm, which gives extra space for initial healing or for wearing chunkier jewelry.

This area works well for single statement studs or stacked designs. Since it’s located along the curve, choosing a stud that fits the natural shape of your ear can give a cleaner look. After healing, you can switch to shorter bars, but initially, 8mm provides better airflow and less irritation.

4. Inner Conch Piercing (16/18g – 6/8mm)

Conch piercing is located inside the ear, in the deep bowl-like part just above the earlobe and inside the ear rim. It's often chosen for its bold placement and ability to hold slightly larger studs. The recommended size is 16 or 18 gauge with a 6mm to 8mm bar, depending on how thick your ear is in that area.

A longer bar is usually better for the healing period, while a 6mm bar fits more snugly once the swelling goes down. Many people also choose to eventually switch to a hoop that goes around the rim, but the initial stud needs to fit securely and comfortably, and this size guide gives the perfect range.

5. Flat Piercing (16/18g – 4mm)

The flat piercing is done on the smooth surface between the top of the ear and the inner cartilage, where there’s a wide enough area to place decorative studs. The ideal size for this piercing is a 16 or 18 gauge bar with a short length of 4mm, as this area doesn’t have much thickness.

Since the flat area doesn’t swell too much, a 4mm post is usually enough even during healing. This placement is great for showcasing small designs like stars, hearts, or crystals. It sits perfectly flat and gives a clean, minimal aesthetic without sticking out too much.

6. Auricle Piercing (16x18g – 4/6mm)

The auricle is positioned midway along the outer ear. It’s a very slim part of cartilage, so you’ll often see 16x18 gauge bars used here with 4mm to 6mm length, allowing flexibility based on your anatomy and jewelry style.

A 4mm bar gives a tighter fit and is ideal for a simple look, while 6mm is better if you're expecting swelling or using chunkier studs. This area is perfect for hoops as well, and once healed, you can play around with stacked or wrap-around rings that add a modern touch to your ear styling.

7. Upper Lobe Piercing (20g – 6/8mm)

The upper lobe sits just above the standard earlobe and offers a soft, fleshy area that’s easy to pierce and quick to heal. The typical size for this area is a 20 gauge bar with 6mm or 8mm length depending on your jewelry thickness and how tight you want it to sit.

This placement works great for building a layered lobe look with multiple piercings. You can wear small crystal studs, minimalist dots, or dainty gold balls. Many people start with 8mm for swelling, then switch to a 6mm for a neater look after healing.

8. Lower Lobe Piercing (20g – 8/10mm)

The traditional lobe piercing is the most common and beginner-friendly one, located at the center of the earlobe. The best size for this area is a 20 gauge bar with a slightly longer 8mm to 10mm length, giving space for larger or decorative earrings.

An 8mm bar fits comfortably for most people, but if you're planning to wear bigger gems or thicker designs, a 10mm bar will give more room. This piercing heals quickly and lets you experiment with various styles—from studs and hoops to dangly earrings—without discomfort.

9. Tragus Piercing (16/18g – 4mm)

The tragus piercing is located on the small, thick piece of cartilage that partially covers the ear canal opening. It’s a compact area, so a short 4mm bar with a 16 or 18 gauge thickness is usually the best choice. Because the tragus is firm and doesn’t offer much space, this small size ensures the jewelry sits snugly without causing irritation.

This piercing is great for people who want something discreet but unique. Due to its position, a flat-back stud or tiny gem works best and won’t interfere with earphones or daily activities. The tragus heals slower than the lobe but faster than some other cartilage spots, usually within 3–6 months.

10. Anti-Tragus Piercing (16/18g – 4mm)

The anti-tragus is placed just opposite the tragus, above the earlobe and slightly curved outward. It’s a small cartilage ridge that can hold a small stud or ring. The best fit for this area is a 16 or 18 gauge bar with a short 4mm length, due to its tight and shallow placement.

Because the anti-tragus is less fleshy than the lobe, healing can take more time—typically around 6–12 months. The 4mm bar gives a clean, compact fit that doesn’t stick out. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a bold but minimalistic addition to their ear setup without taking up too much space.

Ear Piercing Size Chart

When it comes to ear piercings, knowing the right size is just as important as choosing the style. This ear piercing size chart helps you understand the common gauge sizes and their equivalent in millimeters (mm) for each piercing location. 

Ear Piercing Gauge Sizes

The gauge refers to the thickness of the jewelry used, and different ear piercings often require specific sizes for proper fit and healing. In the chart below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of common ear piercing gauge sizes along with their measurements in millimeters to help you choose the right size with confidence.