Tattoo size & pain profile

Enter the width and height of your design, then choose where it might go. You'll see its size range beside the placement's relative pain score. Use both to start a more useful conversation with your artist.

Units
Try a size
Your design is Medium About the size of a playing card or a phone screen.
In inches 3 × 4″
In centimetres 7.6 × 10.2 cm
Longest side 4″ · 10.2 cm

There may be room for shading and texture, but the amount of detail depends on line weight, style and the artist’s advice.

Ask how the detail will fit this area. These size ranges are for planning; studios may describe sizes differently.

Choose a placement to see your size and pain planning profile together.

Placements to discuss
outer forearm 3 calf 4 shoulder blade 4 outer thigh 2

Bands use the longest side of the piece. See the full size chart or check what each placement feels like on the pain chart.

How to use it

  1. 01
    Pick your units

    Switch between inches and centimetres — the calculator converts your design both ways as you go.

  2. 02
    Enter width and height

    Enter the overall width and height of the design, or choose an example size to start from.

  3. 03
    Choose a placement

    Select the body area where you plan to put the design.

  4. 04
    Read your planning profile

    See both units, a planning size range from micro to full panel, and the selected placement's relative score and sensation.

  5. 05
    Discuss the design with your artist

    Use the profile to ask about the exact footprint, detail, nearby areas and breaks.

Note

This tool combines an editorial placement score with one of 6 planning size ranges. It cannot predict your pain or appointment length. Ask your artist to assess the actual design.

See the full size chart Back to the pain chart

Use the scores to compare, not predict. Your design, session and own response can change how a tattoo feels. Ask your artist about the appointment and aftercare. For health concerns, speak with a medical professional. You can read how we make the chart.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

More on tattoo sizing

How do I measure a tattoo for the calculator?

Measure the overall width and height of the design. The calculator uses the longer of those dimensions to assign a planning band. Your artist can check the actual shape against the body.

Does the calculator work in centimetres?

Yes. Switch to centimetres and enter the design dimensions. The result appears in both units. One inch equals 2.54 cm.

Why does the calculator care about detail, not just size?

Fine lines and crowded details may need more space on skin than they appear to need on a screen. Show your artist the artwork at the size you want.

Does a larger tattoo get a higher pain score?

No. The score describes the selected body placement and does not change with dimensions. A broader or more detailed design may involve more work, but size alone cannot predict how painful your session will feel or how long it will take.

Does it tell me how much a tattoo will cost?

No. Price depends on the artist, studio, design, technique and time required. This tool combines dimensions with an editorial placement score for planning; ask the artist for a quote.