Rhinestone Size Chart: SS to MM and Inches Conversion Guide
Posted by Rhinestones Unlimited on Aug 6th 2026
RHINESTONE SIZE GUIDE
Rhinestone sizes, decoded.
Rhinestone sizes are measured in ss, short for "stone size." The higher the number, the bigger the stone. This guide converts every ss to millimeters and inches, shows how many stones you need to cover an area, and helps you pick the right size for your project.
The measurements come straight from our own Rhinestones Unlimited Rhinestone Sizer.
QUICK REFERENCE
The Essentials
Rhinestone sizes are measured in ss (stone size). Higher numbers mean larger stones. Sizes range from 3ss to 48ss.
3ss
SMALLEST
1.4 mm
Fine detail, nail art
16ss ★
MOST POPULAR
4 mm
All-over costume coverage
30ss
BOLD ACCENT
6.4 mm
Focal points
48ss
LARGEST
11 mm
Dramatic centerpieces
SECTION 01 · UNDERSTANDING SS
What does "ss" mean?
SS stands for "stone size," the standard way flatback rhinestones are measured. A higher ss number means a larger stone. Because ss is a shared standard, sizes line up closely from one brand to the next, though the exact millimeters can vary a little by brand and cut.
SECTION 02 · THE FULL CHART
Every size, side by side.
Find your ss size to see its diameter in millimeters and inches, plus what that size is typically best for.
SS TO MM CONVERSION CHART
Every Rhinestone Size, Measured
|
Size
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Best For
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
SMALL · FINE DETAIL & NAILS
|
|||
| 3ss | 1.4 – 1.5 mm | 0.06 in. | Fine detail, nail art |
| 4ss | 1.5 – 1.7 mm | 0.06 in. | Fine detail, nail art |
| 5ss | 1.7 – 1.9 mm | 0.07 in. | Fine detail, small fills |
| 6ss | 1.9 – 2.1 mm | 0.08 in. | Detail, nails, fine fills |
| 7ss | 2.1 – 2.3 mm | 0.09 in. | Detail, small fills |
| 8ss | 2.3 – 2.5 mm | 0.09 in. | Detail work, fine fills |
| 9ss | 2.5 – 2.7 mm | 0.10 in. | Detail work, denser fills |
| 10ss | 2.7 – 2.9 mm | 0.11 in. | All-over coverage |
| 12ss | 3.0 – 3.2 mm | 0.12 in. | All-over coverage, a popular size |
|
MEDIUM · COVERAGE & ACCENTS
|
|||
| 13ss | 3.2 – 3.4 mm | 0.13 in. | All-over coverage, versatile |
| 15ss | 3.6 – 3.8 mm | 0.15 in. | Coverage and accents |
| 16ss | 3.8 – 4.0 mm | 0.15 in. | Most popular size, all-over costume coverage |
| 19ss | 4.4 – 4.6 mm | 0.18 in. | Visible accents |
| 20ss | 4.6 – 4.8 mm | 0.19 in. | Accents and costume detail, a popular size |
| 23ss | 5.1 – 5.3 mm | 0.20 in. | Bold accents |
|
LARGE · BOLD ACCENTS
|
|||
| 29ss | 6.1 – 6.3 mm | 0.24 in. | Bold accents, focal points |
| 30ss | 6.3 – 6.5 mm | 0.25 in. | Bold accents, focal points |
| 34ss | 7.0 – 7.3 mm | 0.28 in. | Statement stones |
| 39ss | 8.0 – 8.4 mm | 0.32 in. | Statement and centerpiece stones |
| 40ss | 8.4 – 8.7 mm | 0.34 in. | Statement and centerpiece stones |
|
EXTRA LARGE · CENTERPIECE
|
|||
| 48ss | 10.9 – 11.3 mm | 0.44 in. | The largest stones, dramatic centerpieces |
Millimeter ranges come from the Rhinestones Unlimited Rhinestone Sizer. Inch values are rounded conversions. Exact millimeters can vary slightly by brand and cut. Some smaller sizes are also written in pp (pearl plate): 3ss is roughly pp7–8, up to 16ss which is pp31–32.
SECTION 03 · CHOOSING A SIZE
How to choose the right size.
Match the size to the job. The right stone size depends on whether you are filling, accenting, or making a statement.
01
Small (6ss to 12ss)
Best for detail work, nail art, and tight fills. These sizes pack densely into curves and small spaces without overwhelming a design.
02
Medium (16ss and 20ss)
The most-used sizes for all-over sparkle and costume work. If you are not sure where to start, 16ss is the most popular size for a reason.
03
Large (30ss and up)
Read as bold accents and statement pieces. Best for focal points, centerpieces, and stones that need to be visible from a distance.
When in doubt, test a few sizes on your actual surface to see how they sit. Sizing on a swatch tells you more than a chart ever can.
SECTION 04 · QUANTITY
How many stones will I need?
It depends on the size of the stone and the area you are covering. Here is a quick reference for the most-used sizes.
STONES PER SQUARE INCH
Coverage at a Glance
|
Size
|
Stones per Square Inch
|
Stones per Linear Inch
|
|---|---|---|
| 12ss | 68 stones | about 8 stones |
| 16ss | 43 stones | about 7 stones |
| 20ss | 30 stones | about 5 stones |
| 30ss | 12 stones | about 4 stones |
| 34ss | 13 stones | about 3 to 4 stones |
To estimate a longer line of stones, divide the line length (in millimeters) by the stone's diameter in millimeters. For a 100 mm line of 16ss stones, that is 100 ÷ 3.9, or about 26 stones.
SECTION 05 · ACROSS BRANDS
Does brand or hotfix change the size?
No. Hotfix and non-hotfix stones of the same ss are the same size. The only difference is the backing.
All three of our crystal lines follow the ss standard, so a 16ss stone in MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa®, LUX European Crystal®, or Starcut Crystal™ is roughly the same size across brands. Exact millimeters can vary slightly depending on the brand and the cut style.
One note on size availability: not every brand carries every size. MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa® starts at 5ss for the smallest applications. LUX starts at 12ss. Starcut starts at 16ss. If you are looking for a wide range of sizes, MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa® offers the most versatility.
SECTION 06 · FREQUENTLY ASKED
Questions, answered.
What does ss stand for?
SS means "stone size," the standard measurement for flatback rhinestones. The higher the number, the larger the stone.
How do I convert ss to mm?
Use the chart above or the Rhinestones Unlimited Rhinestone Sizer. For example, 16ss is 3.8 to 4.0 mm and 20ss is 4.6 to 4.8 mm.
What is the most popular rhinestone size?
16ss and 20ss are the everyday favorites for costumes and all-over sparkle. For fine detail and fills, smaller sizes from 6ss to 12ss are the go-to.
How many rhinestones cover a square inch?
It varies by size: about 68 at 12ss, 43 at 16ss, 30 at 20ss, 12 at 30ss, and 13 at 34ss.
Does hotfix or non-hotfix change the size?
No. The same ss is the same size either way. Only the application method differs.
Will the same ss match across brands?
Closely, yes. SS is a shared standard, so sizes line up well across brands, though the exact millimeters can vary a little by brand and cut.
SHOP THIS GUIDE
Find your size.
Questions about choosing the right rhinestone size?
Call (952) 848-0133 · Email our team