Earrings come in different gauges, which describe the thickness of the earring post that goes through the ear piercing. The most common gauge for earrings is 20G, which is usually the gauge used if you were pierced with a piercing gun, usually at the mall. However, piercing studios prefer to use a minimum of 18G because the thicker post makes it less likely for the jewelry to be torn from the earlobe, which reduces the chances of having a split or ripped earlobe. Here are some common gauge sizes for earrings:

• 20G = 0.812mm
• 18G = 1.024mm
• 16G = 1.291mm
• 14G = 1.628mm
• 12G = 2.053mm
• 10G = 2.588mm
• 8G = 3.264mm
• 6G = 4.115mm
• 4G = 5.189mm
• 2G = 6.544mm
• 0G = 8.251mm
• 00G = 9.266mm

Its important to note that the gauge at which youre pierced has to do with the piercing location and how that area heals. For example, earlobes are usually pierced at 20G to 14G, while nose piercings and cartilage piercings are usually pierced at 18G or 16G. If youre unsure about the gauge of your piercing, you can insert a standard earring post through your piercing - if it fits snugly, then your gauge size will be 20G.