Beads Needed
83
Strands
2
Weight
16.6g
Beads (exact)
75
With Buffer
83
Strands
2
68/strand
Estimated Weight
16.6 grams
| Size | Beads/Inch | Per 16" Strand |
|---|---|---|
| 2mm | 12.7 | 203 |
| 3mm | 8.5 | 136 |
| 4mm | 6.4 | 102 |
| 6mm | 4.2 | 68 |
| 8mm | 3.2 | 51 |
| 10mm | 2.5 | 41 |
| 12mm | 2.1 | 34 |
Buy 10-15% Extra
Account for breakage, asymmetry, or design changes.
Check Hole Size
Ensure your stringing material fits through the bead holes.
Measure Accurately
For necklaces, use a tape measure around your neck for accuracy.
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Inputs
Result
You need 56 beads (exact) or 62 beads with 10% buffer. This requires 2 strands of 8mm beads (standard 16-inch strands contain about 51 beads each).
Inputs
Result
You need 19 main beads and 19 spacer beads (exact), or 21 of each with 10% buffer. This requires 1 strand of 6mm beads and a small packet of 3mm spacers.
Inputs
Result
You need 13 beads (exact) or 15 beads with buffer for both earrings. A single strand of 4mm beads (about 102 beads) provides enough for multiple earring projects.
The number of beads depends on bead size. For common sizes: 6mm beads need about 76 beads, 8mm beads need about 57 beads, and 10mm beads need about 46 beads. Always add 10-15% extra for buffer and design flexibility.
| Bead Size | Beads for 18" Necklace | With 10% Buffer | Strands Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4mm | 114 | 126 | 2 |
| 6mm | 76 | 84 | 2 |
| 8mm | 57 | 63 | 2 |
| 10mm | 46 | 51 | 2 |
| 12mm | 38 | 42 | 2 |
Standard bead strands are typically 15-16 inches long. The number of beads varies by size: 6mm beads have about 68 beads per strand, 8mm have about 51, 10mm have about 41, and 12mm have about 34 beads per strand.
Divide 25.4mm (one inch) by the bead size in millimeters. For example, 6mm beads: 25.4 ÷ 6 = 4.2 beads per inch. This gives you the approximate number of beads that fit in one inch when strung together.
Yes, always subtract the clasp length from your total project length before calculating beads needed. Most clasps add 0.5 to 1 inch to the total length, so you will need fewer beads than the full project length.
Spacer beads are placed between main beads in an alternating pattern. This roughly doubles the number of beads needed but reduces the number of main (usually more expensive) beads required. Calculate spacers separately based on their size.
Buying 10-15% extra beads accounts for breakage during stringing, size variations in natural beads, design adjustments, and having matching beads for future repairs. It also ensures you can complete your project if some beads are unusable.
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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026
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