Barbell Size Guide

Typical Barbell Sizes by Piercing

Piercing	Common Gauge	Typical Bar Length*
Eyebrow	16G	8–10mm
Tongue	14G	12–16mm
Nipple	14G	12–16mm
Industrial	14G	32–38mm

*Typical sizes are a guide for healed piercings only. Anatomy, piercing placement and piercing depth vary, so your ideal bar length may differ. Where possible, measure jewellery that already fits comfortably or ask your piercer.

 

Gauge / Thickness

Gauge	Thickness
18G	1.0mm
16G	1.2mm
14G	1.6mm
12G	2.0mm

 

Standard Bar Length

Length	Common Use / Fit
6mm	Short / close-fitting barbell
8mm	Common shorter curved barbell length
10mm	Longer curved barbell / additional room
12mm	Shorter straight barbell option
14mm	Medium straight barbell length
16mm	Common longer straight barbell length
18mm+	Longer fit where required
32–38mm	Long industrial-style barbells

 

Nipple Barbell Sizing

Length	General Fit
12mm	Shorter / closer fit
14mm	Medium nipple barbell length
16mm	Longer / roomier nipple barbell length

Nipple anatomy and piercing placement vary considerably. Choose a bar that allows a comfortable fit without compressing the piercing.

How is barbell length measured?

Straight barbells: Measure the wearable bar between the two balls or attachments. Do not include the balls or decorative ends in the measurement.

Curved barbells: Measure the wearable section of the curved bar between the two attachments.

Nipple barbells: Measure the wearable straight bar between the two ends. For decorative nipple shields or specialised designs, check the product specifications because the wearable length can differ from the overall bar measurement.

Everyone’s anatomy is different. If possible, measure jewellery that already fits comfortably.