Seed Bead Charts & Sizing Guide

Every seed bead number worth knowing, in one place: measured size and hole tolerances, how many beads fit on an inch, which needle and thread to reach for, and how many beads come in a hank, kilo, or gram. Built from manufacturer specifications and our own lot measurements.

Compare sizes and plan your project

See how the sizes stack up, then work out how many beads and packs a project needs.

Sizes side by side

One inch (2.5 cm) of each size as it sits on the thread, drawn 3× actual size. Higher number, smaller bead.

  • 15/0 Czech rocaille · 1.40–1.50 mm · 24–26 per inch Shop 15/0 →
  • 11/0 Czech rocaille · 2.00–2.20 mm · 16–18 per inch Shop 11/0 →
  • 11/0 Delica Miyuki Delica · 1.60–1.65 mm · about 20 per inch Shop 11/0 Delica →
  • 10/0 Czech rocaille · 2.20–2.40 mm · 15–16 per inch Shop 10/0 →
  • 8/0 Czech rocaille · 2.80–3.20 mm · 11–13 per inch Shop 8/0 →
  • 6/0 Czech rocaille (E bead) · 3.70–4.30 mm · 8–10 per inch Shop 6/0 →

How many beads do I need?

For a strand, or for rows of loom or peyote work. Counts are estimates: beads vary a little from lot to lot.

Beads
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To buy
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Sizing & Tolerances

Diameter & hole tolerances, strung beads per inch, and needle/thread guidance • Updated July 27, 2026

Tap a size to shop it, or a thread name to see what we carry.

Preciosa Seed Bead Tolerances
Series Size Diameter Range (mm) Hole Range (mm) Beads / Inch (strung) Needle Size Recommended Thread
Rocaille 16/0 1.30 – 1.40 0.35 – 0.40 26–28 13–15 ≤0.12mm: Nymo OO/B, KO, fine silk (needle 15 may be required)
Rocaille 15/0 1.40 – 1.50 0.40 – 0.45 24–26 13–15 ≤0.12mm: Nymo OO/B, KO, fine silk
Rocaille 14/0 1.50 – 1.60 0.40 – 0.45 23–24 13–15 ≤0.12mm: Nymo OO/B, KO, fine silk
Rocaille 13/0 1.60 – 1.80 0.50 – 0.55 20–23 12–15 ≤0.12mm: Nymo OO/B, KO, fine silk
Rocaille 12/0 1.80 – 2.00 0.60 – 0.65 18–20 12–13 0.10-0.14mm: KO, One-G, Nymo B; FireLine 4 lb
Rocaille 11/0 2.00 – 2.20 0.70 – 0.75 16–18 12–13 0.10-0.14mm: KO, One-G, Nymo B; FireLine 4 lb
Rocaille 10/0 2.20 – 2.40 0.75 – 0.80 15–16 10–12 0.12-0.18mm: KO, One-G, Nymo B/D; FireLine 4-6 lb
Rocaille 9/0 2.40 – 2.80 0.85 – 0.90 13–15 10–12 0.12-0.18mm: KO, One-G, Nymo B/D; FireLine 4-6 lb
Rocaille 8/0 2.80 – 3.20 0.95 – 1.00 11–13 10–12 0.12-0.18mm: KO, One-G, Nymo B/D; FireLine 4-6 lb
Rocaille 7/0 3.20 – 3.70 1.05 – 1.10 10–11 10–12 0.15-0.25mm: Nymo D/F, C-Lon fine; FireLine 6 lb
Rocaille 6/0 3.70 – 4.30 1.15 – 1.25 8–10 10–12 0.15-0.25mm: Nymo D/F, C-Lon fine; FireLine 6 lb
Rocaille 5/0 4.30 – 4.80 1.40 – 1.50 ~8 10–12 0.15-0.25mm: Nymo D/F, C-Lon fine; FireLine 6 lb
Rocaille 4/0 4.80 – 5.30 1.50 – 1.60 7–8 10–12 0.15-0.25mm: Nymo D/F, C-Lon fine; FireLine 6 lb
Rocaille 3/0 5.30 – 5.80 1.70 – 1.80 6–7 8–10 0.20-0.40mm: C-Lon, S-Lon AA, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6-8 lb
Rocaille 2/0 5.80 – 6.30 1.90 – 2.00 ~6 8–10 0.20-0.40mm: C-Lon, S-Lon AA, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6-8 lb
Rocaille 1/0 6.30 – 6.80 2.00 – 2.10 5–6 8–10 0.20-0.40mm: C-Lon, S-Lon AA, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6-8 lb
Potato 31 6.80 – 7.30 2.10 – 2.20 ~5 8–10 0.20-0.40mm: C-Lon, S-Lon AA, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6-8 lb
Potato 32 7.30 – 7.80 2.20 – 2.40 ~5 8–10 0.20-0.40mm: C-Lon, S-Lon AA, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6-8 lb
Potato 33 7.80 – 8.30 2.50 – 2.70 4–5 8–10 0.20-0.40mm: C-Lon, S-Lon AA, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6-8 lb
Potato 34 8.30 – 8.80 2.80 – 3.00 ~4 8–10 0.20-0.40mm: C-Lon, S-Lon AA, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6-8 lb

Delicas and Czech rounds are not interchangeable

A Delica and a Czech round at the same aught size have different footprints — Delicas build flatter, more pixel-like beadwork, and row counts will drift if you substitute one for the other in a pattern. Always swatch before switching families.

Transparent holes run larger than opaque

Per Preciosa's official spec, transparent and crystal colors have larger minimum holes than opaque colors at the same size — at 11/0 it's 0.70mm vs. 0.60mm. That's why the same thread can glide through a silver-lined bead and bind in an opaque one. When in doubt, step one thread size finer for opaques.

Working with micro beads (16/0 and finer)

Due to their extremely small size, micro beads may not be suitable for all beading projects. We recommend a beading tray and a fine beading needle (size 13–15) for best results.

Notes & Method

  • Beads per inch (strung): beads threaded snugly end-to-end (loom weft / strand direction). Rounds sit shorter than their diameter on the thread: count = 25.4mm ÷ (0.70 × diameter), computed across the diameter range. Delica counts use official Miyuki cylinder lengths (15/0: 1.15mm, 11/0: 1.30mm, 10/0: 1.70mm, 8/0: 2.75mm).
  • Loom warp direction: row-to-row spacing in loomwork equals bead diameter, so rows per inch ≈ 25.4 ÷ diameter (e.g., 11/0 Preciosa ≈ 12 rows/inch).
  • Needle & thread: English beading needle sizes (higher = finer). Thread guidance is maximum safe diameter for 2+ passes; silver-lined, dyed, and transparent colors can run tighter — step one size finer when in doubt.
  • SVC Antique Venetian & Éclats De Perles: antique beads are measured from original stock and sizing is approximate — holes are undocumented and vary lot to lot. Always test-thread a sample before committing to a project, and pre-sort beads before count-critical work. Counts for antique and vintage lots are estimates. Size links for these tabs open our vintage seed bead collection at that size.
  • Éclats De Perles 7/0: hole range was missing in the source document and is not documented.

Packaging & Quantities

Czech Rocailles — by the hank

Preciosa Ornela rocailles are our most popular seed bead and the workhorse of the bead world — round, slightly squat, and available in more colors, sizes, and finishes than any other family we carry. Sizes 15/0 through 8/0 are sold by the hank.

Shop Czech Rocailles →

Rocaille hank quantities
Size Beads per Hank Hanks per Kilo Shop
15/0530048Shop 15/0 →
14/0510044Shop 14/0 →
13/0496036Shop 13/0 →
12/0472028Shop 12/0 →
11/0400024Shop 11/0 →
10/0392020Shop 10/0 →
8/0296012Shop 8/0 →

Charlotte & True Cut — by the hank

Charlottes and True Cuts are round seed beads with a single ground facet. That one flat side catches the light irregularly, adding sparkle and depth a plain round can't match. A Charlotte is simply a True Cut in size 13/0. Buy a few more than the pattern calls for — nobody wants to be a day late and a bead short.

Shop Charlottes & True Cuts →

Charlotte and True Cut hank quantities
Size Beads per Hank Hanks per Kilo Shop
15/0530060Shop 15/0 →
13/0300072Shop 13/0 →
11/0400026Shop 11/0 →
10/0392022Shop 10/0 →

8/0 True Cuts are sold by the strand rather than the hank: about 246 beads per strand, 144 strands per kilo.

Not intended for children under 12 years of age. Some metallic and galvanized colors are not colorfast — see Care & Storage.

Large Seed Beads — by the strand

Our largest rocailles — sizes 6/0 up through the 31–34 "potato" rarity sizes, often called crow or pony beads — have generous holes suited to leather, hemp, and thicker cords. Bold color, chunky texture, and quick coverage for statement jewelry and décor.

Shop Large Seed Beads →

Large seed bead strand quantities
Size Beads per Strand Strands per Kilo
6/018072
4/015564
3/012536
2/012038
1/010530
319026
328522
338018

Miyuki Delicas — by the gram

Delicas are precision cylinder beads, and their uniformity is the whole point: rows line up, patterns stay crisp, and peyote or loom work reads like pixels. They're sold by the gram — here's what a gram actually gets you.

Shop Miyuki Delicas →

Delica quantities per gram
Code (Size) Beads per Gram Beads per 100 Grams
DB (11/0)20020,000
DBS (15/0)35035,000
DBM (10/0)10810,800
DBL (8/0)303,000

Cut Delicas (DBC, DBSC, DBMC, DBLC) run the same counts as their round counterparts. Following a pattern with DB numbers? The Delica converter below links each one to its product.

Bulk reference: beads per kilo & pound (official Preciosa counts)
Preciosa rocaille counts per kilo and pound
Size Beads per Kilo (approx.) Beads per Pound (approx.)
15/0625,000283,500
14/0325,000147,420
13/0291,000131,998
12/0165,00074,844
11/0130,00058,968
10/091,00041,278
9/068,00030,845
8/042,00019,051
7/021,1009,571
6/013,3006,033
5/012,1005,489
4/07,4003,357
3/05,3002,404
2/04,8002,177
1/03,8001,724
313,0001,361
322,5001,134
332,200998
341,800816
Preciosa bugle bead counts per kilo and pound
Bugle Size (length) Beads per Kilo (approx.) Beads per Pound (approx.)
#0.5 (1.6mm)140,80063,867
#1 (2.3mm)100,10045,405
#1.5 (3.4mm)67,60030,663
#2 (4.6mm)49,10022,272
#3 (6.8mm)23,00010,433
#4 (9.0mm)18,1008,210
#5 (11.3mm)13,2005,988
#6 (13.5mm)10,0704,568
#6.7 (15mm)7,7003,493
#8.9 (20mm)5,9002,676
#11.1 (25mm)4,5002,041
#13.3 (30mm)3,7001,678
#15.6 (35mm)3,0501,383

Preciosa marks bugle sizes with a ″ symbol (3″, 5″). It's a size number, not inches — the length in millimeters is shown beside it. We list them as #3, #5 to match our product titles. Source: official Preciosa Ornela specifications. Shop bugle beads.

Beads per Length

Planning a strand? Approximate bead counts for common finished lengths, by bead size in millimeters. These are for round beads measured in mm — for aught-sized seed beads, use the strung beads-per-inch column in Sizing & Tolerances.

Approximate beads per strand length
Bead Size 1 inch 7 inches 9 inches 12 inches 16 inches 20 inches 24 inches
2mm12.2585.75110.25147196220.5294
3mm8.2557.7574.2599132165198
4mm6.2543.7556.2575100125150
5mm4.2529.7538.25516885102
6mm3.2522.7529.2539526578
8mm2.2515.7520.2527364554
10mm1.611.214.419.225.63238.4
12mm1.359.4512.1516.221.62732.4
14mm0.855.957.6510.213.61720.4
16mm0.654.555.857.810.41315.6

Care & Storage

Glass seed beads are tougher than they look, but finishes vary. From official Preciosa Ornela product specifications, plus our own experience:

  • Cosmetics & perspiration: ordinary cosmetics and normal perspiration don't affect glass or its surface treatment under everyday decorative use.
  • Washing: a color wash cycle up to 40°C (100°F) with a non-bleach liquid detergent won't harm standard seed beads. For embroidery with delicate finishes, hand washing with mild soap is the gentler choice.
  • Storage: store beads in a dry, dark place for maximum shelf life and color fastness. Labeled tubes and divided boxes make reordering easy — see our organization & storage supplies.
  • Silver-lined colors: the lining can change color with exposure to sulphur, acid, or chlorine, and decays if the silver surface is scratched. Extreme heat and humidity can discolor it.
  • Metallic, galvanized & dyed finishes: these are the most delicate finishes and may not be colorfast. Test before use, avoid excessive sunlight and chemicals, and remove jewelry before washing and bathing. Duracoat and glass-body colors are the most durable.
  • Friction: surface treatments are wear-resistant, but excessive rubbing can cause partial finish loss — inside-coated beads deserve extra care, since scratched holes lead to gradual color loss.

Miyuki Delica Part Number Converter

Working from a pattern that calls out Delica numbers? Type a Miyuki number (or one of our part numbers) below to find the match in our catalog, then jump straight to the 9 g tube or the larger bag.

Delica number to Shipwreck Beads part number
Delica # Our # Shop
DB001 14SD309 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB002 14SD579-D 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB003 14SD588 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB004 14SD599-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB005 14SD579 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB006 14SD309-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB007 14SD558 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB010 14SD109 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB011 14SD883 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB012 14SD898-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB021 14SD815 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB022 14SD555 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB022L 14SD555-LT 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB023 14SD555-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB024 14SD587 Currently unavailable
DB026 14SD817 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB027 14SD586 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB029 14SD557 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB031 14SD854 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB033 14SD754 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB034 14SD854-LT 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB035 14SD812 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB037 14SD7212 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB038 14SD815-P 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB040 14SD857-P 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB041 14SD412 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB042 14SD454 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB044 14SD472 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB045 14SD433 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB046 14SD482 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB047 14SD474 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB048 14SD405 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB050 14SD312-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB051 14SD512-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB053 14SD722-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB054 14SD736-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB056 14SD796 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB058 14SD776-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB059 14SD798-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB060 14SD782-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB062 14SD790-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB063 14SD764-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB069 14SD791-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB071 14SD792-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB073 14SD798 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB076 14SD762-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB077 14SD766-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB079 14SD767-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB080 14SD795-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB082 14SD591-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB085 14SD763-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB103 14SD344-GL 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB104 14SD593-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB105 14SD547-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB106 14SD392 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB107 14SD305-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB108 14SD396-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB111 14SD306-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB112 14SD386 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB115 14SD358-GL 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB116 14SD348 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB117 14SD397 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB124 14SD583-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB128 14SD599-GL 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB135 14SD897 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB141 14SD212 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB144 14SD455 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB145 14SD422 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB148 14SD487 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB150 14SD459 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB157 14SD551 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB165 14SD576 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB167 14SD172-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB177 14SD563-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB183 14SD479 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB200 14SD112 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB202 14SD612-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB203 14SD622 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB204 14SD651 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB205 14SD651-2 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB206 14SD136 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB207 14SD336-PL 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB208 14SD352 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB209 14SD304 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB211 14SD311 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB214 14SD544 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB216 14SD578 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB217 14SD164 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB221 14SD410 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB234 14SD691 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB243 14SD673 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB249 14SD697 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB251 14SD815-L 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB253 14SD394 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB262 14SD382 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB267 14SD367-BL 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB272 14SD756-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB274 14SD783 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB282 14SD748 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB287 14SD759-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB295 14SD746-AB 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB296 14SD548-T 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB301 14SD807-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB306 14SD808-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB307 14SD817-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB310 14SD109-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB312 14SD857-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB322 14SD856-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB323 14SD599-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB324 14SD588-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB327 14SD586-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB340 14SD857-PM 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB351 14SD112-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB352 14SD151-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB353 14SD152-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB354 14SD191-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB355 14SD194-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB356 14SD196-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB361 14SD174-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB362 14SD346-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB373 14SD584-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB374 14SD180-SM 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB377 14SD878-M 9 g tube 100 g bag
DB2051 14SD741-LM 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2053 14SD786-LM 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2102 14SD123-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2103 14SD133-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2104 14SD134-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2107 14SD153-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2108 14SD154-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2109 14SD155-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2111 14SD136-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2112 14SD136-1D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2114 14SD143-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2115 14SD193-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2116 14SD192-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2117 14SD192-1D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2118 14SD195-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2119 14SD146-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2121 14SD181-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2122 14SD182-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2123 14SD183-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2124 14SD183-1D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2125 14SD182-1D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2126 14SD184-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2127 14SD186-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2128 14SD162-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2129 14SD171-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2130 14SD163-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2131 14SD186-1D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2132 14SD173-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2133 14SD164-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2134 14SD174-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2135 14SD175-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2136 14SD196-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2137 14SD195-1D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2138 14SD196-1D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2139 14SD197-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2140 14SD198-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2142 14SD157-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2151 14SD456-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2152 14SD442-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2153 14SD492-D 9 g tube 50 g bag
DB2154 14SD493-D 9 g tube 50 g bag

That number isn't in our converter yet. Search the whole catalog for it, or ask us and we'll track it down.

Ready to start? Shop by size

What's in stock right now in each size, starting with the colors beaders buy most.

15/0 Czech rocailles

1.40–1.50 mm · 24–26 beads per inch · Needle 13–15 · Thread up to 0.12 mm (0.005 in): Nymo OO/B, KO, fine silk

Good for: bezels, fine edging, netting, and the small details inside a bigger piece.

11/0 Czech rocailles

2.00–2.20 mm · 16–18 beads per inch · Needle 12–13 · Thread 0.10–0.14 mm (0.004–0.006 in): KO, One-G, Nymo B; FireLine 4 lb

Good for: the workhorse size: peyote, brick, herringbone, loom, RAW, and bead embroidery.

10/0 Czech rocailles

2.20–2.40 mm · 15–16 beads per inch · Needle 10–12 · Thread 0.12–0.18 mm (0.005–0.007 in): KO, One-G, Nymo B/D; FireLine 4–6 lb

Good for: weaving with a little more presence than 11/0.

8/0 Czech rocailles

2.80–3.20 mm · 11–13 beads per inch · Needle 10–12 · Thread 0.12–0.18 mm (0.005–0.007 in): KO, One-G, Nymo B/D; FireLine 4–6 lb

Good for: beginner-friendly weaving, and spacers between bigger beads.

6/0 Czech rocailles (E beads)

3.70–4.30 mm · 8–10 beads per inch · Needle 10–12 · Thread 0.15–0.25 mm (0.006–0.010 in): Nymo D/F, C-Lon fine; FireLine 6 lb

Good for: stringing, kumihimo, bead crochet, and memory wire.

11/0 Miyuki Delicas

1.60–1.65 mm · about 20 beads per inch · Needle 10–12 · Thread 0.15–0.25 mm (0.006–0.010 in): KO, One-G, Nymo D/F; FireLine 6 lb

Good for: peyote and loom work where rows line up and patterns stay crisp.