Summary:
In this blog post I will tell you how to measure rhinestones easily at home using simple tools. You will learn how to read a rhinestone size chart in mm and ss, how to measure rhinestones with a ruler, how to understand rhinestone sizes in inches, and where to find printable or PDF rhinestone size charts. I will also share good and bad experiences during each step to help you avoid common mistakes.
Introduction:
Rhinestones are tiny, shiny gems used in crafts, clothes, nail art, pens, phone cases, and more. They come in different sizes, and each size has its own code or number. When we want to buy or use rhinestones, it is very important to measure them correctly. But for beginners, it can feel confusing because the sizes are written in "ss" (stone size), "mm" (millimeters), or even in inches.
Learning how to measure rhinestones is very important for crafters and sellers. In this blog, I will explain each step in a simple and fun way. Let’s begin!
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Understand the Different Size Units (ss, mm, inches)
Rhinestones come in 3 types of size units:
- ss = Stone Size (used by most sellers and charts)
- mm = Millimeters (used in measuring tools)
- inches = Sometimes used in the U.S.
A common chart that shows these is called a rhinestone size chart mm or rhinestone size chart ss.
For example:
- SS6 = 2 mm
- SS10 = 2.8 mm
- SS20 = 4.8 mm
Good Experience: I printed a rhinestone size chart and kept it in my craft box. Now I can check sizes quickly without confusion.
Bad Experience: When I started, I thought SS10 meant 10mm, which was totally wrong! Always check a size chart before buying or using rhinestones.
Step 2: Use a Printable Rhinestone Size Chart
If you don’t want to memorize sizes, just use a printable rhinestone size chart. You can find it online, print it, and place your rhinestones on the circles to check their size.
This is also available as a rhinestone size chart pdf, which you can save on your phone or laptop.
Good Experience: I printed mine and laminated it. Now it lasts longer and doesn’t get dirty.
Bad Experience: I used a printed chart that wasn’t in real size. It gave me wrong measurements. Always make sure your printer settings are set to “actual size” when printing.
Step 3: Measure Rhinestones with a Ruler
If you don’t have a chart, don’t worry! You can learn how to measure rhinestones with a ruler. Use a clear ruler with millimeters and gently place the rhinestone at the edge to see its size.
Example:
- If a rhinestone is 3mm wide, it is about SS12.
- If it’s 5mm wide, it is around SS22.
Good Experience: I used a ruler with both mm and inches, so I could compare sizes easily.
Bad Experience: One time, I measured from the middle of the stone instead of the edge-to-edge. It gave a smaller reading. Always measure from edge to edge.
Step 4: Measuring Rhinestones at Home Without Fancy Tools
If you're at home and don’t have a size chart or ruler, you can still learn how to measure rhinestones at home using everyday items:
- Use a coin to compare sizes
- Place beads side by side
- Use a measuring tape with mm markings
You can also use your phone’s screen to open a rhinestone size chart pdf and match the stone directly.
Good Experience: I compared rhinestones to the size of a pencil eraser. It helped me remember which size fits best on pens.
Bad Experience: I used a cheap plastic tape that had stretched. The measurements were wrong. Always use good-quality tools.
Step 5: Understanding Rhinestone Sizes in Inches
In some places, rhinestone sizes are given in inches. For example:
- 1/16 inch ≈ 1.6mm ≈ SS5
- 1/8 inch ≈ 3.2mm ≈ SS12
- 3/16 inch ≈ 4.8mm ≈ SS20
Learning how to measure rhinestones in inches helps if you are shopping from U.S. stores or measuring bigger stones.
Good Experience: I used an inch-to-mm converter online, and it made comparing sizes easy.
Bad Experience: I once thought 1/4 inch rhinestone was small. But it was huge! Always check inch sizes using a chart.
Summary of Good & Bad Experiences
Step |
Good Experience |
Bad Experience |
Size Chart |
Easy to use printed chart |
Wrong chart scaling |
Printable Chart |
Laminated for longer use |
Printed without “actual size” |
Ruler Method |
Used clear ruler with mm |
Measured from the wrong point |
Home Measuring |
Used coins & phone screen |
Bad tape gave wrong reading |
Inches |
Used online converter |
Misjudged size visually |
FAQs
Q1. What does "SS" mean in rhinestone sizes?
Ans) "SS" means Stone Size. It is a common unit to describe rhinestone sizes. SS numbers go from SS3 (tiny) to SS48 (large).
Q2. Where can I get a printable rhinestone size chart?
Ans) You can search for printable rhinestone size chart or rhinestone size chart PDF on Google. Just make sure to print it at “actual size” for correct measurement.
Q3. Can I measure rhinestones with a ruler?
Ans) Yes! Learning how to measure rhinestones with a ruler is simple. Use the mm side of the ruler and measure from edge to edge.
Q4. Are rhinestone sizes the same in mm and inches?
Ans) Not exactly, but you can compare. For example, SS10 is about 2.8mm or around 1/8 inch. Learn more by using a rhinestone sizes in inches chart.
Q5. What’s the best way to measure rhinestones at home?
Ans) You can learn how to measure rhinestones at home using a printable chart, a ruler, or a coin. Even your phone screen with a size chart can help!