Beading and craft wire sizes

Jewelry Wire Gauge Converter

Convert jewelry wire gauge to millimeters and inches, then check simple bead-hole fit guidance for single-pass and double-pass designs.

Convert wire gauge, diameter, or bead hole

Start with the gauge on a craft-wire label, a measured wire diameter, or the bead-hole size you need to fit.

Closest jewelry wire size 20 gauge ≈ 0.81 mm Good for ear wires, head pins, wrapped loops, and medium bead work.
Diameter 0.81 mm
Bead-hole guidance Use 0.9 mm+ holes
20 gauge craft wire is about 0.81 mm / 0.0320 in before coating.

How to use the jewelry wire converter

  1. Choose whether you know the wire gauge, wire diameter, or bead-hole size.
  2. Enter the number from your wire spool, calipers, or bead listing.
  3. Use the result to compare gauge, millimeters, inches, and bead-hole clearance.
  4. For coated, plated, or square wire, confirm with the product listing or calipers before buying beads in bulk.

Common jewelry wire gauge chart

GaugeDiameterInchesCommon use

Quick sizing tips for bead and jewelry wire

18–20 gaugeSturdier wire for clasps, ear wires, jump rings, and structural wraps.
22–24 gaugeFlexible sizes for wrapped loops, head pins, charms, and many bead holes.
26–28 gaugeThinner wire for delicate wrapping, seed beads, pearls, and small drilled stones.

Jewelry wire gauge FAQ

What is 22 gauge jewelry wire in millimeters?

22 gauge wire is about 0.64 mm in bare diameter, or about 0.0253 inches.

What gauge wire fits a 0.8 mm bead hole?

For a single pass, 20 gauge is usually close and 22 gauge gives easier clearance. For two passes, thinner choices like 26 or 28 gauge are safer.

Are jewelry wire gauge sizes exact?

The gauge math gives a nominal round-wire diameter. Coatings, plating, brand tolerances, half-hard versus dead-soft wire, and square or half-round shapes can change real fit.

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