Wood Beads

Round beads are available in many sizes, and are measured according to the bead's diameter in millimeters (mm). Beads are usually sold pre-strung and the typical length of the strand will be approximately 16 inches. Sometimes the strand may be longer, depending on the beads and their origin.

The average 16" strand will contain the following number of beads:

4mm = approximately 100
5mm= approximately 80
6mm = approximately 67
7mm = approximately 57
8mm = approximately 50

Because you may wish to include a mixture of sizes in the necklace or bracelet, it is important to know how to determine just how many beads of a given size will be required.

It is fairly simple to figure the number of beads needed for a length of finished strand, and the easiest method is as follows:

1. One inch = 25.4mm

2. Multiply 25.4 by the number of inches of beads (excluding clasp) in the finished strand. For example, the strand will be 16". 16" x 25.4mm = 406.4 mm

3. Divide the total number of millimeters in the final length (in this case, 406.4mm)m, by the diameter of the beads to be used (let's use 5 mm), and the result will be number of beads. For example; 406.4mm(16") divided by 4mm= 101.6 beads.

This formula, while quite easy, can be tiresome to work out for each and every size that you may desire to use. The table on the following page provides a quick guide for the number of beads of a given size that are contained in a certain length of strand. The figures have been rounded off for the 16" through 32" lengths, so that instead of 101.64 mm beads for the finished 16" strand, the figure is shown as 102 beads.

It is a good idea to have a few more beads than you think you really need. Although care is taken that the beads are of good quality and uniform, there may be small cracks or chips which you may discover that prevent the beads from being used in that design. Leftover beads can always be used in earrings or perhaps a charming kaleidoscope design. If imperfect beads must be utilized to complete your project, try to locate them near the clasp, which is often out of sight when the necklace in worn.

Remember, when computing the length of the finished strand, to provide for any findingssuch as clasps that will be included in the desin: these will increase the length from ½ " to as much as 1 ½ " depending upon your choices.

Also, if the necklace is to be knotted between the beads the length will be increased from as little as 1" to 2" or more with smaller beads and heavier cord.

Beads Size Length of Strand (excluding clasp)

(mm)	1"	4"	16"	20"	24"	28"	32"
3	8.46	33.8	136	170	204	237	271
4	6.35	25.4	102	127	153	178	204
5	5.08	20.32	82	102	125	143	164
6	4.23	16.9	68	84	101	118	136
7	3.62	14.4	58	70	86	101	116
8	3.17	12.68	51	64	76	89	102
10	2.54	10.16	41	51	61	71	81
12	2.11	8.44	34	42	51	59	68
14	1.81	7.24	29	36	43	50	58
16	1.58	6.32	25	32	38	44	51
18	1.41	5.64	23	28	34	39	45