Hole Size Guide
Use this guide to match your wire, cord or headpin to the right pearl hole size. Each product page states the hole size of that item. If you need a different hole size or a drilling service, please contact us before ordering so we can confirm availability.
How to choose
Pick a hole that is slightly larger than your wire. For example, 22-gauge wire (0.643 mm) needs a 0.7 mm hole or larger. Silk thread and beading cord are softer and usually fit the standard 0.5–0.8 mm holes on most strands.
Wire gauge to hole size
| Wire gauge | Diameter (mm) | Recommended hole |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 0.320 | 0.5 mm |
| 27 | 0.361 | 0.5 mm |
| 26 | 0.404 | 0.5 mm |
| 25 | 0.455 | 0.6 mm |
| 24 | 0.511 | 0.6 mm |
| 23 | 0.574 | 0.7 mm |
| 22 | 0.643 | 0.7 mm or larger |
| 21 | 0.724 | 0.8 mm |
| 20 | 0.813 | 0.9 mm or larger |
| 19 | 0.912 | 1.0 mm |
| 18 | 1.024 | 1.1 mm |
| 17 | 1.151 | 1.3 mm |
| 16 | 1.290 | 1.3 mm or larger |
| 15 | 1.450 | 1.5 mm or larger |
| 14 | 1.628 | 1.8 mm or larger |
| 13 | 1.829 | 2.0 mm |
| 12 | 2.052 | 2.2 mm or larger |
| 11 | 2.304 | 2.5 mm or larger |
| 10 | 2.588 | 2.8 mm or larger |
| 9 | 2.906 | 3.0 mm or larger |
| 8 | 3.264 | Contact us |
| 7 | 3.665 | Contact us |
| 6 | 4.115 | Contact us |
| 5 | 4.620 | Contact us |
| 4 | 5.189 | Contact us |
| 3 | 5.827 | Contact us |
Large holes (1.6 mm and above) are drilled on request and reduce the pearl's weight slightly. Drilled-to-order pearls cannot be returned unless they arrive damaged or incorrect.