For most people, a helix piercing is usually done at 16 gauge (1.2 mm), but it can vary slightly depending on how and where you were pierced.

Quick Scoop: Standard Helix Gauge

  • The most common gauge for a helix piercing is 16g (1.2 mm).
  • Some piercers (especially for certain cartilage looks or heavier jewelry) may use 14g (1.6 mm).
  • If your helix was done years ago with a piercing gun at a mall, it might be thinner , often 18g or even 20g , similar to regular lobe earrings.

A good rule: if you were pierced with a needle by a professional, your helix is very likely 16g; if it was done with a gun , it may be 18–20g and you should double‑check before buying jewelry.

How to Tell What Gauge You Have

  • Check with your original piercer if possible; they usually keep records or can measure your jewelry.
  • You can measure the thickness of the bar with calipers or a micrometer, but never force thicker jewelry into a smaller hole, as that can damage cartilage and prolong healing.

Mini Example

Imagine two friends with helix piercings:

  • One went to a studio last year and was pierced with a 16g needle, so all their helix jewelry is labeled 16g.
  • The other got pierced at a mall a decade ago with a gun, so their helix fits the same thin posts as lobe earrings, closer to 18–20g; when shopping online, they have to look for that smaller gauge instead.

TL;DR: The “standard” answer to what gauge is a helix piercing is 16g , but yours could be 14g, 18g, or 20g depending on how it was done, so confirm with your piercer or carefully measure before buying new jewelry.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.