This table shows the number of round beads needed to create different types of jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces. For example, for a 19 cm bracelet, you'll need 95 2 mm beads or 19 10 mm beads. Choose the bead size that best suits your project to achieve the desired effect.
You’ve found the perfect beads for your next DIY jewelry project… but you’re not sure how many to order? Don’t worry—this is one of the most common questions among jewelry makers, whether they’re beginners or experienced!
The number of beads you need depends on two things: the size of your beads and the length of the piece you want to make. To make things easier for you, we’ve calculated everything in a handy chart, which applies to round beads ranging from 2 mm to 18 mm.
Follow the guide!
Here’s a chart showing how many round beads to use when making bracelets or necklaces:
| Bead Diameter | 2 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 14 mm | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| A bracelet approximately 19 cm | 95 | 48 | 32 | 24 | 19 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
| The plain necklace or choker about 40 cm | 200 | 100 | 67 | 50 | 40 | 33 | 29 | 25 | 22 |
| The Princess Necklace approximately 45 cm | 225 | 112 | 75 | 56 | 45 | 38 | 32 | 28 | 25 |
| The long necklace or morning necklace approximately 51 cm | 255 | 128 | 85 | 64 | 51 | 42 | 36 | 32 | 28 |
| The opera about 71 cm | 355 | 178 | 118 | 89 | 71 | 59 | 51 | 44 | 39 |
| The long necklace or Rope necklace approximately 101 cm | 505 | 252 | 168 | 126 | 101 | 84 | 72 | 63 | 56 |
| The extra-long necklace or lariat necklace approximately 122 cm | 610 | 305 | 203 | 152 | 122 | 102 | 87 | 76 | 68 |
Tip from our designer: If you want to make a bracelet with Heishi beads, refer to the table in the technical data sheet dedicated to this type of bead. The same applies to seed beads.
To measure your wrist, wrap a flexible measuring tape just above the wrist bone. Note the measurement, then add 1 to 2 cm to ensure the bracelet fits comfortably (neither too tight nor too loose).
Important: The measurements in the table above are based on a continuous length of string, without a clasp. If you’re using a clasp (Lobster Clasp, spring clasp, etc.), be sure to subtract 1 to 2 cm depending on its size. If in doubt, prepare a few extra beads—it’s better to have too many than not enough!
The choice of wire is decisive for the strength and durability of your jewelry:
Apply this formula: jewel length in mm ÷ pearl diameter in mm = number of pearls. Always add 2-3 beads as a safety margin.
The Princesse necklace (45 cm) is the most classic and versatile length. It suits all necklines and most styles.
Credits
Perles & Co, Internet & E-Commerce company [06/04/2026] Any reproduction, representation, adaptation, in any form whatsoever, even partial, is prohibited, except for reproduction for private use not intended for collective use, representation in the family circle (art. L 122-5 CPI) and online publishing on condition that the source is mentioned and a link is included to the corresponding page of our site www.perlesandco.com.
