Wire / Sheet Gauges and Tempers

Sheet & Wire Size Chart
B & S Gauge	Decimal	Millimeter
16	0.0512	1.3
18	0.0394	1
20	0.0323	0.82
22	0.0252	0.64
24	0.0197	0.5
26	0.0157	0.1
28	0.0118	0.3
30	0.011	0.25

Remember that this is a close approximation. Screen resolution and monitor size will affect how you view our charts.

Wire Size and Temper

Wire Gauges - In reference to wire gauge sizes, the larger the number, the smaller the diameter of the wire.

26g - extra fine - for very small and delicate projects
24g - fine - for pearls & most gemstones - easy to work with
22g - medium - fairly universal for glass beads, fits some pearls and gemstones
20g - medium heavy - great for earwires, clasps or larger beads
18g - heavy - often good for chainmaille or when you want a heavier look
16g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wires around
14g - heavy - often used as a base to wrap finer wire around
12g - very heavy - hard to work with, good for rings and buckles

The most commonly used sizes for wire wrapping are 20 to 24g.


Wire Temper - Measures the amount of spring in the wire.

Soft - Has no spring when you bend it. Good for making wire beads.

Half-Hard - Has some spring, but is still malleable. Good for basic wirework. Hold its shape well.