Reference Charts

Shaping Wire Conversion Table

Wires sizes are typically expressed in gauge, while most other measurements in the beading world are in millimeters and inches. The below table can be used as a quick reference to convert gauges to millimeters and inches.

Gauge	Millimeters	Inches
34	.16	.006
32	.20	.080
30	.26	.010
28	.32	.013
26	.40	.017
24	.51	.020
22	.64	.025
20	.81	.032
18	1.02	.040
16	1.29	.052

Stringing Wire Sizes and Crimp Compatibility

Use the table below to find the correct crimp tube # and crimp bead # for the wire size that you are using. The crimp #'s take into account that 2 lengths of wire will go through the crimp.

Stringing Wire [in/mm]	Crimp Bead #	Crimp Tube #
.010 / .25	0 or 1	1
.012 / .30	0 or 1	1
.013 / .33	0 or 1	1 or 2
.015 / .018	1	2
.018 / .46	1	2
.021 / .53	1	2
.024 / .61	2 or 3	2 or 3

Round Beads Per Strand Calculation

The method below shows a quick and easy way to calculate round bead per strand. Simply use the table below to get your strand length from inches to mm, and then divide the strand length by the bead size.

Strand Length [in]	Strand Length [mm]
16	406
15.5	394
15	381
14.5	368
14	356

Example: A 15 inch strand is 381 mm long. If you want to calculate the number of beads on a 15 inch strand, simply divide 381mm by the bead size. Example: for 8mm beads, 381/8 = about 48 beads.

This calculation will work for all round bead sizes. Please keep in mind that sometimes beads are slightly larger or smaller than the size stated, therefore, the calculation will not be exact, but it will give you close estimate.