When it comes to adding sparkle to your project, Swarovski crystals are a favourite choice. Whether you are using Swarovski non hotfix crystals, or you prefer working with hotfix, there are so many sizes available – it can be tricky to know where to start. Should you go for the tiny, delicate crystals or the larger statement stones? In this guide, we'll take a closer look at Swarovski crystal sizes, explain how the sizing system works, and help you choose the right dimensions for your next creation.

Understanding Swarovski Crystal Sizes

Swarovski flatback rhinestones are measured in SS, which stands for stone size. Each SS number corresponds to a measurement in millimetres. For example, SS5 is around 1.8mm, while SS20 is roughly 5mm. Swarovski allow around a 0.2mm margin either side, due to the manufacturing process, but this is such a tiny amount that it is not noticeable to the naked eye.

Knowing these conversions is useful because some projects require very small crystals for detail and design, while others need larger stones to cover a big area or create impact. This is where a Swarovski crystal size chart comes in handy.

Swarovski Size Chart – SS to mm Conversion

Here's a quick guide to the most popular Swarovski flatback rhinestone sizes, and how they compare to a 5p coin:

So, how many Swarovski flatback crystal sizes are there? In total, Swarovski produce a wide range starting from tiny SS2 all the way up to SS48. Not every size will be useful for every project, but it's good to know what's available.

What Size Swarovski Crystals Should I Use?

This is one of the most common questions we're asked – what size Swarovski crystals should I use? The answer depends on what you're embellishing.

SS3 (1.5mm)	Nail art, tooth gems, intricate/detailed crystallisation, gap filling, jewellery making.
SS4 (1.6mm)
SS5 (1.8mm)
SS6 (2mm)
SS7 (2.2mm)
SS8 (2.4mm)
SS9 (2.8mm)
SS10 (3mm)	Bridal wear, shoes/accessories, general bling projects, cardmaking, face gems/body art, statement nail art designs, interior décor upcycling, clothing customization, ballroom/freestyle/gymnastic/skating costumes.
SS12 (3.2mm)
SS14 (3.5mm)
SS16 (4mm)
SS20 (5mm)
SS30 (6mm)	Irish dance dresses/accessories, furniture, large bling project, interior textiles/soft furnishings, theatre costumes.
SS34 (7mm)
SS40 (8.5mm)
SS48 (11mm)

Sizes SS2 – SS9 (1.4mm – 2.8mm)
Best for intricate or detailed designs. These small sizes are ideal for nail art, tooth gems, and delicate detailing on clothing or accessories, or if your design requires curved lines.

Sizes SS10 – SS20 (3mm – 5mm)
These are the most popular "all-rounder" sizes. Perfect for clothing customization, bridal wear, shoes, handbags, accessories, craft projects, freestyle, ballroom or ice-skating costumes and cardmaking.

Sizes SS30 – SS48 (6mm – 11mm)
Larger stones are great for making a statement and covering large surface areas. Commonly used for Irish dance dresses, theatrical costumes, bold fashion pieces, furniture, interior textiles and show-stopping fashion items such as shoes/handbags. They cover more space quickly, which makes them ideal for big impact designs.

**Top Tip** Small crystals such as ss3 - ss7 are great for filling gaps left in between larger stones, or in corners or at the edges. If you're applying large crystals in a straight line, you'll end up with empty space in between them, but by filling this with a tiny crystal, you avoid any gaps. See our guide to rhinestone application styles for more useful rhinestoning tips.

Tips for Choosing the Right Swarovski Size

• Mix sizes for depth – combining small and large stones creates texture and extra sparkle, this is known as the 'rockery effect' and is very handy if you're unsure what size to go with.
• Think about scale – small crystals are best for detail, larger ones for standout sparkle or large surface areas.
• Think about weight – lightweight fabrics will stretch and lose their shape if you use large, heavy crystals, so stick to smaller sizes.
• Test before you commit – using a tester crystal (contact us for free samples) or a Swarovski crystal size chart can help you see which size works best for your project.

Final Thoughts

Swarovski crystals are available in a wide range of sizes, from tiny SS2 stones through to large SS48. Each size has its place, whether you're creating detailed nail art or a fully crystallised theatre set. The key is choosing the size that suits your design best.

If you're still unsure which to pick, don't worry – our team at Crystal Parade are always happy to help. You can also order free samples to try before you buy.

Explore our full range of Swarovski flatback crystals and find the perfect size for your next project.