Tattoo Size Calculator
Choose where the tattoo goes, the shape of the design and the level of detail. The calculator gives the largest size that sits well on that spot, the smallest size for the detail you want, and an estimate of time in the chair.
- Size by placement
- Minimum for detail
- Time estimate
Shape is width divided by height. A square design is 1, a tall design 0.5, a wide one 2.
Tattoo size is a balance between the spot and the detail. A wrist only has room for about 5 cm, but fine detail needs space: lines closer than 1 mm blur together over the years. Portraits need at least 12 cm, so they suit the arm, thigh or back.
Tattoo size chart
Comfortable area by placement. Search for a body spot.
| Placement | Max width (cm) | Max height (cm) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finger | 1.5 | 3 | Symbols |
| Behind the ear | 3 | 4 | Small symbols |
| Inner wrist | 5 | 5 | Script, symbols |
| Ankle | 6 | 6 | Small designs |
| Forearm | 8 | 18 | Line work, script |
| Upper arm | 12 | 18 | Most styles |
| Calf | 12 | 20 | Detailed pieces |
| Thigh | 18 | 25 | Large detailed |
| Chest | 25 | 20 | Wide designs |
| Full back | 35 | 45 | Large scenes |
Sizes are for an average adult. Your artist will fit the design to your body.
Size and time
Square design. Slide the size.
The drawing shows the tattoo to scale on a full back.
How to pick a tattoo size
Spot and detail. Step through it.
Choose the spot
Where it will go.
Print your design at the planned size and hold it against your skin before booking.
Simple, fine line or realism
Detail levels. Compare them.
Bold outlines and few details.
Thin delicate lines.
Shading and portraits.
Script needs letters at least 6 mm tall to stay readable.
Before booking
Planning checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Placement affects pain too. Bony spots like ribs, ankles and wrists hurt more.
What you get
Tattoo sizing. Each tile explains one result.
For the spot.
For the detail.
Will it work?
Roughly, in hours.
For the artist.
Hours are a rough guide. Large pieces are often done over several sessions of 3 to 5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How big should my first tattoo be?
Small to medium, about 5 to 8 cm, on a spot that hurts less like the forearm or upper arm.
How small can a tattoo be?
About 2 cm for a simple symbol. Fine detail needs more.
What size tattoo fits a wrist?
Up to about 5 × 5 cm.
How big is a forearm tattoo?
Usually up to 8 cm wide and 18 cm long.
Why do small tattoos blur?
Ink spreads under the skin over the years, joining close lines.
How long does a palm-sized tattoo take?
About 1 to 3 hours depending on detail.
How big should script be?
Letters at least 6 mm tall.
Size it once, love it for years
Match the size to the spot and the detail, then mock it up on your skin. Your tattoo will look as good in ten years as it does today.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.