Most septum piercings are done at 16 gauge (about 1.2 mm thick), with 14g or 18g also used depending on anatomy and preference.

Quick Scoop

  • The standard answer to “what gauge is a septum piercing” is 16g.
  • Some piercers use 14g (thicker) or 18g (thinner), especially if you plan to stretch or want a very delicate look.
  • Diameter (how big the ring is) is separate from gauge: common inner diameters are about 8 mm (5/16") and 10 mm (3/8").

Mini breakdown

  1. Typical starter size
    • Most shops pierce the septum at 16g as the default, because it balances comfort, healing, and jewelry options.
 * Some professionals will go thicker (14g or even larger) if you tell them you want to stretch later.
  1. Why gauge matters
    • Lower number = thicker jewelry (14g is thicker than 16g).
 * Thicker gauges can be more stable and stretch more easily, while thinner ones look subtler but are not ideal if you want to size up a lot.
  1. How to know your own gauge
    • If you already have a piercing, the safest move is to ask your piercer or check any written aftercare card or receipt (many studios note the gauge).
 * If you’re buying jewelry online, look for sizing guides or charts and match what your piercer told you.

Quick HTML table (standard sizes)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Type</th>
      <th>Common Septum Size</th>
      <th>Notes</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Standard gauge</td>
      <td>16g (≈1.2 mm)</td>
      <td>Most common initial piercing size.[web:1][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Other gauges</td>
      <td>14g, 18g</td>
      <td>14g thicker and good if stretching; 18g thinner and more delicate.[web:3][web:5][web:7][web:8]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Typical diameters</td>
      <td>8 mm, 10 mm</td>
      <td>About 5/16" and 3/8" inner diameter, very common ring sizes.[web:1][web:3]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

TL;DR: If you’re not sure, assume 16g for a septum piercing, but always confirm with your piercer or your original paperwork before ordering new jewelry.

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