Bead & Jewelry Length Calculator
Find how many beads a necklace or bracelet needs from its finished length and bead size, allowing for the clasp, plus the stringing length to cut. Calculates in your browser.
Beads needed
-
Show the math
The clasp fills part of the finished length, so beads only cover the rest. Converting that to millimetres and dividing by the bead size gives the count:
beaded length = finished − clasp · beads = ⌊beaded × 25.4 ÷ bead mm⌋
Cut your stringing material to the finished length plus a working tail for crimps and knots:
cut length = finished + tail
Counts assume beads sit snugly with no spacers or knots between them. For graduated beads, spacer beads or knotted strands, treat this as a starting estimate and lay out a sample inch first.
What this does
A bead & jewelry length calculator finds how many beads a necklace or bracelet needs from its finished length and bead size, plus the stringing length to cut.
How to use it
- Enter the finished length.
- Enter the bead diameter.
- Enter the clasp length.
- Read the bead count and stringing length.
How it works
The clasp fills part of the length, so it is subtracted first. Cut the stringing longer to allow a tail for crimps, knots, and the clasp.
beads = (length − clasp) ÷ bead diameter
Understanding your result
The bead count subtracts the clasp, but cut your stringing material longer than the finished length to leave tails for crimps, knots, and attaching the clasp. Account for spacers and knots between beads if your design uses them, since they add up over a long strand, and dry-fit on a bead board before committing to crimping.
Example
An 18-inch necklace of 8 mm beads (1-inch clasp) uses about 54 beads.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is the bead count found?
The clasp fills part of the finished length, so we subtract it, convert the remaining inches to millimetres, and divide by the bead diameter, rounding down.
How long should I cut my stringing?
Cut the finished length plus a working tail for crimps, knots and attaching the clasp, the tool adds this for you.
What about spacers or knots?
The count assumes beads sit snugly with nothing between them. If you knot between beads or use spacers, lay out a sample inch first and adjust.
Is anything saved?
No. All calculations run locally in your browser.
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