Use this handy guide in conjunction with our Thread Reference Guide.
The larger the number, the smaller the bead.
- Size 6/0 has a large color range and the hole will accommodate 1mm cord
- Size 8/0 has a large is a good size for visibility when learning new patters .5mm hole
- Size 11/0 is has a very large color range and is typically the bead used in seedbead instruction books and patterns.
- Size 15/0 are very small, and great for patterns with detail.
Seedbeads – Czech seedbeads
| Bead size (aught) | Beads Per Inch | Beads Per Gram | Recommended Needle and Thread |
| 16/0 | 28 | 275-325 | |
| 14/0 | 25 | 250-300 | |
| 13/0 | 24 | 150-200 | Needle sizes 13 and smaller. Thread sizes A, OO, & O. |
| 12/0 | 21 | 125-175 | Needle sizes 12 and smaller. Thread sizes A, OO, O, & B. |
| 11/0 | 18 | 100-150 | Needle sizes 11 and smaller. Thread sizes O,B, & D. |
| 10/0 | 16 | 75-125 | Needle sizes 10 and smaller. Thread sizes B, D, & F. |
| 9/0 | 15 | 50-100 | |
| 8/0 | 14 | Most beading needles will fit. Thread sizes KO, D, and up to #2 Tuff Cord or Micro S_lon thread | |
| 6/0 | 9 | Most beading needles will fit. Thread sizes KO, S-Lon, Tuff Cords and some leather or waxed cord. Up to 1mm cord or thread. |
Seedbeads – Japanese seedbeads – Miyuki
| Bead size (aught) | Beads Per Inch | Beads Per Gram | Bead Size |
| 14/0-15/0 | 27 | 250 | 1.5mm |
| 11/0 | 17 | 110 | 2.2mm |
| 8/0 | 11 | 38 | 3.0mm |
| 6/0 | 8 | 13 | 3.7mm |
| 6/0 metal bead | 3mm | ||
| 5/0 | 7 | ||
| 4mm magatama | 20 | 4mm | |
| 3 x 3 square | 21 | 3mm | |
| 4 x4 square | 22 | 4mm | |
| Delica 15/0 | 350 | 1.5mm | |
| Delica 11/0 | 200 | 2.2mm | |
| Delica 8/0 | 30 | 3mm |
