Clipper Guard Size Converter
Convert clipper guard numbers into approximate millimeters and inches, or reverse lookup the closest guard size for any target millimeter length.
Clipper guard cutting lengths are industry reference estimates and can vary by manufacturer, blade type, and lever position.
1. Guard Number Lookup (Guard → MM & Inches)
Preset Selector2. Reverse Lookup (Millimeters → Closest Guard)
Custom MM Input3. Exact Precision Converter (MM ↔ Inches)
1 in = 25.4 mmClipper Guard Conversion Reference Chart
Standard millimeter and fractional inch cutting lengths for all common clipper guards.
| Guard Number | Approx Millimeters | Approx Inches | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Guard (Bare Blade) | 0.5 mm (varies) | 1/50″ (0.02″) | Skin Fade |
| #0 Guard | 1.5 mm | 1/16″ (0.06″) | Skin Fade |
| #0.5 Guard | 2.0 mm | 5/64″ (0.08″) | Very Short Buzz |
| #1 Guard | 3.0 mm | 1/8″ (0.12″) | Very Short Buzz |
| #1.5 Guard | 4.5 mm | 3/16″ (0.18″) | Classic Buzz |
| #2 Guard | 6.0 mm | 1/4″ (0.24″) | Classic Buzz |
| #3 Guard | 10.0 mm | 3/8″ (0.39″) | Short Crop |
| #4 Guard | 13.0 mm | 1/2″ (0.51″) | Short Crop |
| #5 Guard | 16.0 mm | 5/8″ (0.63″) | Medium Taper |
| #6 Guard | 19.0 mm | 3/4″ (0.75″) | Medium Taper |
| #7 Guard | 22.0 mm | 7/8″ (0.87″) | Long Guard |
| #8 Guard | 25.0 mm | 1″ (0.98″) | Long Guard |
How to Convert Haircut Millimeters to Inches
In professional barbering and international grooming kits, millimeter measurements are the worldwide technical standard for blade and guard specifications. To convert millimeters to inches, divide by 25.4:
How Clipper Guard Numbers Work
In the United States and United Kingdom, clipper guards are numbered from #0 to #8. Each whole guard number typically represents an increase of approximately 3.175 mm (1/8 inch):
- #1 Guard: ~3 mm (1/8″)
- #2 Guard: ~6 mm (1/4″)
- #3 Guard: ~10 mm (3/8″)
- #4 Guard: ~13 mm (1/2″)
- #6 Guard: ~19 mm (3/4″)
- #8 Guard: ~25 mm (1″)
Clipper Guard Converter FAQ
How do I convert clipper guard sizes to millimeters?
Standard hair clipper guards scale at approximately 3 mm per guard size (e.g. #1 ≈ 3 mm, #2 ≈ 6 mm, #3 ≈ 10 mm, #4 ≈ 13 mm, #6 ≈ 19 mm, #8 ≈ 25 mm). Use our interactive converter tool above for instant conversions.
What guard is equivalent to 10 mm of hair length?
A #3 clipper guard is commonly referenced as approximately 10 millimeters (3/8 inch). It provides full hair density and coverage with zero scalp visibility.
How do I convert millimeters to inches mathematically?
Divide the number of millimeters by 25.4 (or multiply by 0.03937). For example: 13 mm ÷ 25.4 ≈ 0.511 inches (approximately 1/2 inch).
How do I convert inches to millimeters mathematically?
Multiply the number of inches by 25.4. For example: 0.5 inches × 25.4 = 12.7 mm (commonly rounded to 13 mm on #4 guards).
Why do different clipper brands list slightly different millimeter values for the same guard number?
Clipper manufacturers (such as Wahl, Andis, Oster, and BaByliss) use slightly different blade teeth depths, comb geometry, and lever tolerances. While a #2 is generally ~6 mm across the industry, variations of 0.5 mm can occur between brands.
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