Jewelry Wire Length Calculator

For a simple wire-wrapped bead, a common starting point is 6 to 8 inches of wire per bead wrap, plus extra for loops and tails. The exact amount depends on bead size and number of wraps. This calculator helps you estimate more precisely based on coil circumference times the number of wraps.

Gauge determines wire thickness. 20 gauge (0.81 mm) is versatile for wrapped loops and light bead work. 24 to 26 gauge (0.51 to 0.40 mm) is used for wire weaving and fine detail work. 18 gauge (1.02 mm) and heavier is used for structural elements like ear wires and clasps. Lower gauge numbers = thicker wire.

For a coil: wire length = pi x coil diameter x number of turns. Add 10 to 15% for tails and trimming. For a mandrel coil with a known number of rings to cut, multiply the number of rings by the wire pitch (wire diameter) to get the coil length, then calculate circumference.

These are temper designations describing wire hardness. Dead-soft wire is easily bent and formed, good for wire weaving. Half-hard holds its shape well, good for wrapped loops. Hard wire is springy and resists bending, used for ear wires and clasps. Wire hardens as it is worked (work-hardening).

Add a 10 to 20% waste factor for trimming, mistakes, and tails. When buying wire, always round up to the nearest available length on the spool. Buying a little more than calculated is far cheaper than running short mid-project.