An In-Depth Guide to Tattoo Needle Sizes & Their Uses

Tattoo needle sizes play a significant role in how a tattoo comes out. Factors such as the gauge and grouping need to be considered before starting any tattoo. We put together this guide to help you understand the different types of needle sizes. We’ll explain everything you need to know, including needle diameters, round needle counts, taper lengths, and more.

Tattoo Needle Size Chart

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An illustration of different tattoo needle configurations, gauge sizes, and taper sizes.

Tattoo needle sizes are categorized by their gauge (diameter), needle count (grouping/configuration), and taper (tip length). A needle’s thickness, the number of needles in a grouping, and the point length affect how much ink deposits onto the skin. The type of needle you choose depends on the tattoo you’re doing.

Section 1 of 8:

Understanding Tattoo Needle Code

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The tattoo needle code includes the diameter, needle count, configuration, and taper. This code is included on every tattoo needle box, so you know you’re getting the correct size.^{[1]
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Research source} For example, if the tattoo needle code is 1207RL-LT, this is the breakdown:
- 12: This is the gauge or diameter size. In this case, the diameter is 0.35 mm.
- 07: This is the needle count and means the grouping has 7 needle points.
- RL: This refers to the tattoo needle configuration. “RL” stands for Round Liner.
- LT: This stands for “Long Taper” and refers to the taper length.
The diameter, or gauge, refers to a tattoo needle’s thickness. It’s measured in millimeters. For instance, a #8 Gauge has a diameter of 0.25mm. A larger diameter means a thicker needle that deposits more ink quickly. On the other hand, a thinner needle provides slower ink flow and is used for detailed work.^{[2]
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Needle Count This is the number of needles, also called “sharps” or “pins,” contained in a configuration or grouping. Grouping can consist of a single needle or multiple. The number of pins depends on the type of tattoo work you’re doing. The more needles there are, the more ink that’s deposited.^{[3]
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- Needle spacing also influences how the ink is deposited. When they’re closer together, they create thinner lines. When there’s more space between them, lines are thicker.^{[4]
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The configuration is how the needles are grouped together. How needles are grouped creates different effects, whether for lining, shading, or packing ink. Configurations include round liners and shaders and magnum shaders.^{[5]
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The taper is the length from the widest point of the needle’s diameter to the tip. It measures the steepness of a needle tip, which affects ink flow. A steeper or longer taper means slower ink flow for fine lines. Alternatively, a less steep point, or shorter taper, deposits more ink and is ideal for bigger tattoo images.^{[6]
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Section 2 of 8:

Needle Diameters

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A tattoo needle with this diameter is meant for really fine tattoo work. This can include micro tattoos and detailed realism designs. Ink comes out slowly, and you have more control over the flow. This size isn’t as commonly used.^{[7]
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Also known as “bugpins,” this is a smaller needle gauge that delivers slower ink flow. This makes it great for detailed work and when you’re working with a smaller tattoo area. It creates very thin lines, which makes it a good choice for portraits and fine-line realism.^{[8]
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This diameter is also referred to as “double zeroes” and is a commonly used size. Since the diameter is a bit thicker, the ink flow is consistent and stable. Use it for building shades, seamless shading, and color transitions.^{[9]
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This diameter is also known as the “standard” because it’s a popular size that’s frequently used. The thicker needle offers faster ink flow, making it convenient for color packing and doing large tattoo work.^{[10]
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This gauge is really thick with fast ink flow. It’s ideal for heavy coverage and doing quick work. It can be used for things like creating bold lines, heavy color packing, and filling in large tattoo areas. This gauge is rarely used among tattoo artists.

Section 3 of 8:

Round Needle Configurations

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Round Liners (RL) Round liners contain needles that are arranged in a circular pattern. The sharps are positioned tightly together to create clean, crisp lines. The number of needles you use on a round liner affects the thickness of the lines. For example, using 01 delivers fine lines, whereas using 14 delivers thick lines.^{[11]
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Research source} RLs are commonly used for the following types of tattoos:
- Dot work
- Geometric patterns
- Script writing
- Traditional and neo-traditional designs
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Round Shaders (RS) Needles are situated in a circle but with more space between them. The tip also doesn’t taper as much. As the name suggests, RS configurations are intended for shading, blending, and filling in.^{[12]
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Research source} They’re commonly used for:^{[13]
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- Color filling
- Japanese tattoos
- Line work
- Samoan tattoos

Section 4 of 8:

Magnum Needle Configurations

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Weaved Magnum Shader (M1) Weaved magnums contain two rows of needles that are the same length. There are usually more sharps on the bottom row and have more space between them overall. M1s are commonly used for:^{[14]
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- Shading
- Blending
- Color filling
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Curved Magnum Shader (CM or RM) On curved magnum shaders, the needles are arranged in an arch. The curvature offers a softer edge that makes it easier to work with the skin’s natural softness. As a result, you get cleaner lines and more balanced ink distribution. These shaders are commonly used for:^{[15]
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- Black and grey shading
- Color realism
- Japanese tattoos
- Samoan tattoos
- Traditional and neo-traditional styles
- Tribal motifs
- Various forms of shading and color filling
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Stacked Magnum Shader (M2) Stacked magnums feature two rows of needles with one on the top and one on the bottom. You can vary the number of needles you want to use depending on the tattoo design. For example, if you plan to use 7 sharps, you can place 3 on the top and 4 on the bottom. The needles are situated closely together, delivering a heavier ink flow.^{[16]
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Research source} M2s are commonly used for:
- Color packing
- Shading
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Flat Shader (FT) Flat shaders contain needles that are arranged in a single straight line. They deposit more ink onto the skin and are typically used to achieve crisp black lines seamlessly. Due to the flat shape, extra care is needed when using FTs because they can cut the skin. FTs are commonly used for:^{[17]
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- Black and gray work
- Color realism
- Geometric patterns
- Japanese tattoos
- Line work
- Samoan tattoos
- Small shading and color filling
- Traditional and neo-traditional styles
- Tribal designs

Section 5 of 8:

Taper Lengths

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Short Taper (1.5 mm) A short taper delivers more color and is ideal for bigger, bolder designs. It does this by creating larger holes in the skin. This taper is considered the standard in tattooing. Use this when you’re doing color packing or solid fills.^{[18]
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- Since short tapers make larger holes in the skin, they do tend to cause more skin trauma.
Long tapers provide more controlled ink flow. They’re best for creating thin lines and can help you be more precise. Go with this taper when you’re doing realism-style tattoos or smooth gradients.^{[19]
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Extra-Long Taper(3.5mm) Extra-long tapers have a more delicate tip and create smaller holes in the skin. This taper gives you max precision when you need to do very fine lines. It’s also ideal for detailed portrait designs and for doing multiple passes.^{[20]
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- There’s also a super long taper measuring at 5.5mm, as well as a super extra long taper that measures at 8.0mm.^{[21]
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Textured needles feature grooves and don’t have a smooth surface like other tattoo needles. The grooves allow the needle to hold more ink and deposit more color faster. This makes it ideal for color packing. However, the textured surface may cause more skin trauma and discomfort for your client. These are usually best for more experienced tattoo artists.^{[22]
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Section 6 of 8:

Traditional vs. Cartridge Needles

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Traditional tattoo needles are soldered to a needle bar. They’re designed to be used with a tube and grip system or coil machine. While they offer a wide range of configurations, they take more time to manually set up between uses. However, they’re more economical and offer wider customization choices.^{[23]
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- The individual needles that attach to the needle bar are disposable and meant for single-use only. They must be switched out after every use.
This unit attaches to a compatible cartridge grip or machine. The cartridge units are disposable, making them excellent when it comes to hygiene and sterilization. They also come with transparent tips, so you can see the ink flow. They’re also more convenient to work with compared to traditional needles.^{[24]
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Section 7 of 8:

Choosing the Right Tattoo Needle

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Select a tattoo needle based on the tattoo style. The size you go with depends on if you’re doing shading, color packing, or line work. Also, a single tattoo may require different sizes. Here are some recommendations to consider:
- Linework: Use round liners with a #10 or #12 gauge and medium to long taper.
- Shading: Use round shaders or magnums.
- Color packing: Use stacked magnums with higher needle counts and thicker diameters.
- Realism/portrait work: Use #8 gauge with a long taper.
- Traditional tattoos: Use round liners to create bold lines and flat shaders for color fills.
Certain parts of the body are more sensitive and delicate. Select thinner needles and a longer taper when tattooing areas like the inner arm and neck. Alternatively, you can go with a wider diameter on areas where the skin is thicker and tougher, like the back or chest.

Section 8 of 8:

Tattoo Needle Sterilization

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Purchase pre-sterilized, packaged single-use needles. Tattoo needles should come in individual factory-sealed packages. The package should contain a label that states the needle has been EO gas sterilized and the expiration date. Order tattoo needles from trusted companies to ensure they’re safe to use.
- Tattoo needles are single-use only. Never attempt to sterilize and reuse a tattoo needle, even if it’s on the same person. This can cause serious infection and pose major health risks.^{[25]
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- Do not try to use an autoclave to sterilize tattoo needles on your own.
- Properly dispose of needles after every session.