Bead Sizing Made Simple:
November Fly Tying Tip
 One of the questions that come up from time to time at Front Range Anglers is: “What size bead should I use for tying ‘The Magic Pattern’ in size X?”

The following is a “generalized” chart for sizing Tungsten or Metal Fly Tying Beads that we hope will be useful to you:

Bead Sizing Chart

Inch
Diameter

Metric
Diameter

Hook
Size

1/16"

1.5 mm

#18, #20, #22

5/64"

2 mm

#16, #18, #20

3/32"

2.3 mm

#14, #16, #18

7/64"

2.6 mm

#12, #14, #16

1/8"

3 mm

#10, #12, #14

5/32"

4.mm

#8, #10, #12

3/16"

4.5 mm

#6, #8, #10

1/4"

5 mm

#4, #6, #8