Piercing Size Chart — Recessed & Threaded Stud Post Sizes for Every Ear Position | Cosmo Carat
By Cosmo Carat Editorial · Updated · 7 min read
The right post length makes the difference between a stud that sits perfectly flush and one that pokes, tilts, or feels like it's falling out. Every ear is different — tissue thickness varies by position, and recessed and threaded studs each have their own ideal sizing. This guide covers the recommended post sizes for every ear piercing position so you can find the most comfortable, secure fit.
In This Guide
Know Your Ear: Piercing Positions
Every piercing position has a different tissue thickness, which means a different ideal post length. Here's a quick map of the positions covered in our sizing charts below.
Earlobe — The soft lower portion. The most common first piercing and the most forgiving when it comes to post sizing.
2nd Earlobe — Just above the first lobe piercing. Similar tissue thickness to the first hole.
Upper Lobe — Where soft tissue starts to meet cartilage. A transitional area that bridges your lobe and upper ear.
Tragus — The small cartilage flap over the ear canal. Compact but surprisingly thick, requiring a longer post than you might expect.
Helix — The outer rim of the upper ear. Standard cartilage thickness — the most versatile position for studs, hoops, and charms.
Forward Helix — Front-facing upper cartilage, just above the tragus. Thinner cartilage here means a shorter post works best.
Flat — The flat area of cartilage between the helix rim and the inner ear. Thin and low-profile — the shortest posts go here.
Rook — The inner cartilage fold above the daith. A tucked-away position with a distinctive fold that needs a precise fit.
Daith — The innermost cartilage fold above the ear canal. Most commonly worn with hoops or curved barbells rather than studs.
Conch — The large flat "bowl" in the center of the ear. Uniform thickness makes sizing straightforward.
Contra-Conch — The ridge between inner and outer conch. Thicker cartilage here calls for the longest posts.
Recessed Stud Post Sizes
Recessed studs have a smooth, flush-sitting back that won't poke out or catch on hair and clothing. The back sits flat against the skin, making them the most comfortable option for cartilage piercings and side sleepers. Because the back is flush, recessed posts tend to run slightly shorter than threaded equivalents.
Recommended recessed stud post lengths by piercing position.
| Position | Post Length |
|---|---|
| Flat | 4 mm |
| Forward Helix | 5.5 mm |
| Rook | 5.5 mm |
| Helix | 5.5 mm |
| Conch | 5.5 mm |
| Earlobe | 5.5 mm |
| 2nd Earlobe | 5.5 mm |
| Upper Lobe | 5.5 mm |
| Tragus | 7 mm |
| Contra-Conch | 7 mm |
Note: Daith piercings are best suited for hoops or curved barbells, so no stud post size is listed.
Threaded Stud Post Sizes
Threaded studs screw securely into place — the top threads onto the post so it won't come loose. Because the threading mechanism adds a fraction of length at the back, threaded posts are generally 0.5–1 mm longer than recessed equivalents for the same position.
Recommended threaded stud post lengths by piercing position.
| Position | Post Length |
|---|---|
| Flat | 5 mm |
| Forward Helix | 5 mm |
| Rook | 5 mm |
| Helix | 6.5 mm |
| Conch | 6.5 mm |
| Tragus | 6.5 mm |
| Earlobe | 6.5 mm |
| 2nd Earlobe | 6.5 mm |
| Upper Lobe | 6.5 mm |
| Contra-Conch | 8 mm |
Note: Daith piercings are best suited for hoops or curved barbells, so no stud post size is listed.
Recessed vs. Threaded: Which to Choose
Both styles hold a diamond stud securely — the difference is how the top attaches and how the back sits against your ear.
| Recessed | Threaded | |
|---|---|---|
| Back profile | Smooth & flush | Slight protrusion |
| Security | Push-fit | Screws on — most secure |
| Sleep comfort | ★★★ Won't poke | ★★ Can feel the back |
| Easy to swap | Push on/off | Requires dexterity |
| Best for | Cartilage, side sleepers | Active lifestyles, lobes |
| Post range | 4 – 7 mm | 5 – 8 mm |
Our Pick: Recessed for cartilage (helix, conch, rook, forward helix) — the flush back won't catch on hair or bedding. Threaded for lobes and active lifestyles where screw-on security matters most.
Getting the Right Fit
Why post size matters. A post that's too short will press into the tissue and cause irritation. A post that's too long will stick out, snag on clothing, and make the stud wobble. The right length lets the stud sit snugly with just enough room for natural tissue movement.
Start longer, downsize later. For fresh piercings, your piercer will typically start with a slightly longer post to allow for swelling. Once fully healed (6–8 weeks for lobes, 6–12 months for cartilage), downsize to the post lengths in the charts above for a closer, more polished fit.
Every ear is unique. The sizes above are our standard recommendations. If you have particularly thick or thin tissue in a position, your piercer may suggest going up or down a half-millimeter. Always defer to a professional piercer's measurement for the most precise fit.
Material matters. Stick to 14K solid gold or implant-grade titanium. Avoid plated metals and nickel alloys — they irritate healing piercings regardless of how well the post fits.
FAQ
What post size do I need for an earlobe piercing?
5.5 mm recessed or 6.5 mm threaded for a standard earlobe. A 2nd earlobe or upper lobe uses the same post length. Your piercer may adjust slightly based on your tissue thickness.
What is the difference between recessed studs and threaded studs?
Recessed studs have a smooth, flush-sitting back that won't poke out or catch on hair and clothing — ideal for cartilage piercings and side sleepers. Threaded studs screw securely into place, making them better for active lifestyles. Threaded posts are slightly longer because the screw mechanism adds a fraction of length at the back.
What post size for a tragus piercing?
7 mm recessed or 6.5 mm threaded. The tragus is compact but surprisingly thick, so it needs a slightly longer post than other cartilage positions.
What post size for a helix piercing?
5.5 mm recessed or 6.5 mm threaded. The helix has standard cartilage thickness — the most common post sizes work well here.
What post size for a conch piercing?
5.5 mm recessed or 6.5 mm threaded. The conch is the flat bowl in the center of the ear with relatively uniform thickness.
What is post length vs stud top size?
Post length is the bar that passes through your piercing — it needs to match your tissue thickness for a comfortable, secure fit. Stud top size is the visible diamond or gemstone face. This guide covers post lengths. For diamond top sizes, see our diamond size chart.
How long before I can change my piercing jewelry?
Earlobes: 6–8 weeks. Cartilage (helix, conch, tragus, rook): 6–12 months. Always wait until fully healed, and have your piercer make the first swap.
Why do recessed and threaded studs have different post lengths for the same position?
The backing mechanism differs. Recessed studs use a push-fit system that sits very flush, so the post can be slightly shorter. Threaded studs have a screw mechanism that adds a fraction of length at the back, so the overall post is slightly longer to compensate.
Build Your Stack with Nova Drop
Now you know what fits where. The Nova Drop collection offers every post size across every position — certified lab-grown diamonds in 14K solid gold with both recessed and threaded options. Start with an Aurea stud, layer on a Stilla charm, thread a Lumina through. Modular by design, personal by nature.
