How We Measure Our Beads

At The Bead Chest, we strive to provide clear and helpful product details so you can shop with confidence. Here’s how we measure the most common specs on our product pages:

• Bead Size: Bead dimensions are typically listed as width x diameter in millimeters. Width refers to the distance from hole to hole, while diameter refers to the measurement perpendicular to the string. For example, a 12 x 4mm bead is long and slender, while a 3 x 12mm bead would resemble a flat disc or heishi shape.
  
  
  

• Strand Length: Most of our beads are sold by the strand. For strands that are tied in a loop (necklace-style), the length usually includes the string. For linear strands, the measurement is typically just the beads themselves.

• Number of Beads per Strand (Approximation): The number of beads listed per strand is an estimate. This can vary by 5–10% due to variations in bead shape, size, and how tightly they’re strung. We do not sell or price based on exact bead count, and all bead counts are approximations.

If you are purchasing for a project that requires a specific number of beads or exact dimensions, we recommend reaching out to our team before placing your order. We're happy to help ensure you get exactly what you need.