Jewelry & Crafts
What Size Is This Bead?
Compare your bead with real-size circles. Useful for 4 mm vs 6 mm vs 8 mm questions, jewelry projects, and previewing size before you buy.
Confirm calibration
Calibrate your display for best accuracy before comparing objects.
Compare diameters
Place the bead next to the circle that matches its diameter. Use a light background for dark beads, or dark for light beads.
Compare two diameters— side-by-side or overlay
Difference highlight uses calibrated --px-per-mm. Solid = A, dashed = B in overlay.
Can't find what you're measuring?
Actual Size Bead Chart
Round beads are sold by millimeter diameter. Screen accuracy depends on calibration. Seed-bead aught sizes (such as 11/0) vary by manufacturer and are not listed here.
| Diameter | Common use |
|---|---|
| 2 mm | Seed / accent |
| 3 mm | Seed / accent |
| 4 mm | Jewelry strand |
| 5 mm | Jewelry strand |
| 6 mm | Jewelry strand |
| 8 mm | Focal / spacer |
| 10 mm | Focal / spacer |
| 12 mm | Statement |
| 14 mm | Statement |
| 16 mm | Statement |
| 18 mm | Statement |
| 20 mm | Statement |
Closest standard size. Calibrate your display for best accuracy. Verify critical measurements with physical measuring equipment.
Common questions
How do I tell 6 mm beads from 8 mm at actual size?
Calibrate your screen, then place the bead next to the 6 mm and 8 mm circles. Round beads are sold by millimeter diameter—the difference is clear once both sizes are drawn at approximately real size.
Can I check bead size on my phone?
Yes, after calibration. Phone screens work, but accuracy depends on calibration quality, case thickness, and viewing angle. Credit-card calibration is recommended when possible.
What is an actual-size bead chart?
It is a set of diameter circles drawn at approximately real physical size after calibration, plus a simple millimeter table for common round bead sizes (including 6 mm and 8 mm).
Are seed-bead aught sizes (like 11/0) listed?
No. Seed-bead aught sizes vary by manufacturer and are not reliable physical standards, so they are omitted from this chart.
How accurate is on-screen bead comparison?
Accuracy tracks your calibration. Results are closest-standard matches, not laboratory measurements. Verify critical sizes with physical measuring equipment when needed.