Understanding Crystal Sizes
Crystal sizes can be confusing at first, with PP and SS measurements used alongside millimetres. Our crystal size chart makes it simple: every size is shown with its measurement in millimetres and drawn to scale, so you can see exactly how big each one is and compare sizes side by side. Whether you're matching a size for a repair, planning a design, or ordering for the first time, this guide takes the guesswork out of choosing.
Crystal Size Chart
Browse every PP and SS crystal size below, each shown in millimetres and drawn to scale so you can compare them side by side. Use it to find the right size for your project, or to match an existing crystal for a reorder or repair.
0.70-0.80 mm
0.80-0.90 mm
0.90-1.00 mm
1.00-1.10 mm
1.10-1.20 mm
1.20-1.30 mm
1.30-1.35 mm
1.35-1.40 mm
1.40-1.50 mm
1.50-1.60 mm
1.60-1.70 mm
1.70-1.80 mm
1.80-1.90 mm
1.90-2.00 mm
2.00-2.10 mm
2.10-2.20 mm
2.20-2.30 mm
2.30-2.40 mm
2.40-2.50 mm
2.50-2.60 mm
2.60-2.70 mm
2.70-2.80 mm
2.80-2.90 mm
2.90-3.00 mm
3.00-3.20 mm
3.20-3.30 mm
3.30-3.40 mm
3.40-3.50 mm
3.50-3.60 mm
3.60-3.70 mm
3.70-3.80 mm
3.80-4.00 mm
4.00-4.10 mm
4.10-4.20 mm
4.20-4.40 mm
4.40-4.60 mm
4.60-4.80 mm
4.80-4.90 mm
4.90-5.10 mm
5.10-5.27 mm
5.27-5.44 mm
5.44-5.61 mm
5.61-5.78 mm
5.78-5.96 mm
5.96-6.14 mm
6.14-6.32 mm
6.32-6.50 mm
6.50-6.68 mm
6.68-6.87 mm
6.87-7.07 mm
7.07-7.27 mm
7.27-7.48 mm
7.48-7.70 mm
7.70-7.93 mm
7.93-8.16 mm
8.16-8.41 mm
8.41-8.67 mm
8.67-8.95 mm
8.95-9.23 mm
9.23-9.53 mm
9.53-9.85 mm
9.85-10.19 mm
10.19-10.54 mm
10.54-10.91 mm
10.91-11.30 mm
11.30-11.72 mm
11.72-11.97 mm
12.97-13.22 mm
14.22-14.47 mm
15.47-15.72 mm
16.72-16.97 mm
17.97-18.22 mm
- PP, SS — Pearl Plate (PP), Sieve Size or Stone Size (SS) for round crystals.
- mm — Metric figures in millimetres for crystal components and geometric forms.
Crystals are shown to scale relative to one another as a visual guide. On-screen sizes are approximate and depend on your device.
What do PP and SS mean?
You'll see crystal sizes written as both PP and SS, and it helps to know the difference:
๐ SS (Stone Size / Sieve Size)
The most common system for round flatback crystals and rhinestones. The higher the SS number, the larger the crystal. SS16 and SS20 are among the most popular sizes.
๐ PP (Pearl Plate)
An older system used mainly for the very smallest sizes, often seen on chatons and pointed-back stones. Again, a higher PP number means a larger stone.
๐ mm (millimetres)
The actual measured diameter. Since SS and PP are size bands rather than exact figures, the millimetre measurement is the most precise way to compare.
How to Choose the Right Crystal Size
The best size depends on your project and the effect you're after:
- โ For fine detail and nail art โ smaller sizes from SS3 to SS10 give precision and delicate coverage.
- โ For all-round embellishment โ SS12 to SS20 are the most versatile and popular for garments, dancewear, and accessories.
- โ For bold, statement sparkle โ SS30 and above make a real impact and cover more ground with fewer stones.
- โ For mixed designs โ combining several sizes adds depth, movement, and a more natural, scattered finish.
How Many Crystals Will You Need?
Once you've chosen your size, our free crystal calculator works out exactly how many crystals you need to cover your project, along with the wholesale packs required.
Shop Crystals by Brand
From the premium brilliance of Swarovski and Preciosa to our own Serinity and Estella ranges, trade pricing covers all four of our crystal brands. Whatever your project and budget, you'll find the right crystal for the job, all from one trusted supplier.
The world's most recognised crystal name. As a Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner, we supply the complete range of genuine Swarovski crystals, the premium Austrian flagship celebrated for flawless precision and unmistakable sparkle, in every size from the smallest flatbacks to statement stones.
Our own brand, manufactured in Austria and finished here in the UK. Serinity crystals offer beautiful sparkle and platinum foiling across a huge choice of sizes, shapes, and colours, all at outstanding value.
Genuine Czech-made crystals with five centuries of Bohemian heritage. As an Authorised Preciosa Partner, we offer the full range of Preciosa crystals, prized for their brilliance, quality, and the precision-cut MAXIMA range, across every size and product type.
Our own budget-friendly brand, carefully finished in the UK for consistent quality and dazzling sparkle. Estella crystals offer eye-catching results at the most accessible price, available in an extensive range of sizes and colours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular crystal size?
It depends on the project. For nail art and fine detail, smaller sizes are the most popular, as they allow for precision and delicate placement. For general embellishment on garments, dancewear, and accessories, the mid sizes are the favourites, with SS16 and SS20 among the most widely used. Many designs also mix several sizes together for added depth and sparkle.
What size is SS16 and SS20 in mm?
SS16 measures approximately 3.8 to 4.0mm in diameter, and SS20 measures approximately 4.6 to 4.8mm. Because SS sizes are size bands rather than a single exact figure, the millimetre measurement is the most precise way to compare crystals. You'll find the full range of sizes in millimetres on the chart above.
What is the difference between SS and PP sizes?
SS (Stone Size or Sieve Size) is the most common system for round flatback crystals and rhinestones, while PP (Pearl Plate) is an older system used mainly for the very smallest sizes and pointed-back stones. In both systems, a higher number means a larger crystal. As they measure the same stones in different ways, you'll often see both quoted, with the millimetre figure as the precise reference.
How do I measure a crystal's size?
Measure the diameter of the crystal in millimetres, straight across the widest point, then match that figure to the chart above to find its SS or PP size. If you're working from an existing design or repair, measuring an existing stone is the most reliable way to find the size you need to reorder.
Are crystal sizes the same across different brands?
Yes. SS and PP are standard sizing systems used across all our brands, including Swarovski, Preciosa, Serinity, and Estella, so an SS16 is the same size whichever brand you choose. This makes it easy to compare and mix brands within a project while keeping your sizing consistent.
What size crystal should I use for my project?
It depends on the look you want. Smaller sizes from SS3 to SS10 are ideal for fine detail and nail art, mid sizes like SS12 to SS20 are the most versatile all-rounders for garments and accessories, and larger sizes from SS30 upwards make a bold statement. Combining several sizes adds depth and a more natural, scattered finish.
Why Choose Bluestreak
As a Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner and Preciosa Authorised Partner, we supply genuine crystals in every size from SS3 to SS48, with the guides and tools to help you choose with confidence, all backed by fast, fully tracked worldwide shipping. It's why thousands of makers worldwide choose Bluestreak Crystals.
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