Sizes and Measure Information

Size Reference	Length in Inches	Length in Millimeters
#00	3/4"	19mm
#0	7/8"	22mm
#1	1 1/16"	27mm
#2	1 1/2"	38mm
#3	2"	51mm
#4	2 1/4"	57mm
#5	3"	76mm

Abbreviation	Name	Quantity
DZ	Dozen	12 Pieces
GR	Gross	144 Pieces
M	Mille	1000 Pieces
G (or Gr)	Gram	.035 Ounces
K	Kilogram	1000 Grams (2.2 Lbs)
OZ	Ounce	28.35 Grams
LB (or #)	Pound	16 Ounces (454 K)
M	Meter	39.37 inches
CM	Centimeter	10 MM (.394 inches)
MM	Millimeter	1/10 CM (.394 inches)
IN	Inch	2.54 CM (1/12 FT)
FT	Foot	1/3 YD (12 inches)
YD	Yard	36 inches (.914 Meters)

To use this chart simply multiply the number of pieces that correspond to the bead size you will be using and multiply that by the length of your bead string. For example, to do an 18" strand of 6mm beads you would need 80 beads (18 x 4.24)

Bead Size	Count per Inch (Approx)
2.5 mm	10.16 pc
3 mm	8.47 pc
3.5 mm	7.26 pc
4 mm	6.35 pc
5 mm	5.08 pc
6 mm	4.24 pc
8 mm	3.18 pc
3 mm x 6 mm	4.24 pc

The chart shown below will help you to determine how many beads you will need to complete a strand of beads of uniform size t various lengths.

Bead Size	Length of Strands
	16"	18"	24"
4 mm	100	112	153
6 mm	68	76	100
8 mm	50	56	76
10 mm	40	45	61

Seed beads are sized using expressions such as 6/0 and 10/0. Generally, the smaller the number on the left, the larger the seed bead. Some beads are sold in hanks, which is measured a little different than yarns and other textile goods. A hank of beads is 12 strands of seed beads, folded in half and tied off. Some seed beads vary in size, color or shape from batch to batch. This variation can give your finished piece a special look of it's own. However, if you want your finished piece to be more consistent or uniform you will want to use Japanese seed beads, such as Toho beads or Miyuki Delica beads, which are the industry standard, usually sold by weight stated in grams.

The most popular thread for seed beading projects is a nylon monofilament thread, like Nymo.

Like seed beads, for needle sizes, the bigger the number, the finer the needle.

Size	Measurement Approximate	Hole Size Approximate	Beads Per Inch	Suggested Beading Needle Size	Suggested Thread Size
6/0	4 mm	1.1 mm	8	Regular	D or F
8/0	3.1 mm	.90 - 1.5 mm	13	Regular	D or F
10/0	2.3 mm	.80 - 1 mm	16	10 or smaller	B, D or F
11/0	2.1 mm	.70 - .80 mm	17	11 or smaller	O, B or D
12/0	1.9 mm	.60 - .70 mm	19	12 or smaller	A, OO, O or B
13/0	1.7 mm	.50 mm	21	13 or smaller	A, OO or O
15/0	1.3 mm	.40 - .65 mm	25	13 or smaller	A, OO or O

Deciding what type of cord or thread can be a challenge. As a general guide, if your beads are a soft material bead such as pearls or amber then a silk, polyester or nylon thread will do. If your beads are a hard material such glass or stone then you might want to use a polyester or nylon beading thread. For metal beads, large beads, rough texture beads or large holed beads you might want to use a strong thread like Tiger Tail™.

 

Thread Size	Inches	Millimeters (mm)
OO	.0050	.1270
O	.0060	.1524
A	.0070	.1778
B	.0080	.2032
C	.0108	.2743
D	.0120	.3048
E	.0128	.3251
F	.0137	.3480
FF	.015	.381
FFF	.0165	.4191