If you buy rhinestones wholesale, you have probably seen packs labelled SS10, SS16, SS20 or SS34 - but what do those numbers actually mean? SS stands for stone size, and the number is a standard sizing scale used across the rhinestone industry. The higher the number, the larger the stone diameter.
Rhinestone size chart
| Size |
Diameter |
Typical use |
| SS10 |
2.5-2.7 mm |
Small lettering, fine detail, craft accents |
| SS16 |
3.9-4.1 mm |
Dancewear outlines, monograms, trim |
| SS20 |
4.6-4.8 mm |
All-purpose: uniforms, transfers, statement lines |
| SS30 |
6.3-6.5 mm |
Bold accents, borders, large motif fills |
| SS34 |
7.8-8.0 mm |
Large focal stones, dramatic trim |
Our factory-direct stock covers SS10 through SS34 in hot-fix and flatback. If you need a size outside this range (for example SS6 for micro-detail or SS40 for large focal stones), contact us for availability.
Which size should you pick?
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SS10 (2.5-2.7 mm): small and subtle. Good for fine lettering, delicate lace, and craft projects where you want texture without weight.
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SS16 (3.9-4.1 mm): the workhorse for dancewear outlines and monograms. Reads clearly on stage without overpowering the garment.
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SS20 (4.6-4.8 mm): the most popular all-purpose size for uniforms, transfers and statement lines.
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SS30 (6.3-6.5 mm): bold. Use for borders, big motifs and areas that need to catch light from a distance.
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SS34 (7.8-8.0 mm): large focal stones for dramatic trim and hero pieces.
Why size matters for rhinestone transfers
In a custom transfer, stone size controls both the look and the price. Small stones create crisp, detailed logos but take longer to set. Large stones cover area faster and sparkle more, but they limit how much detail a design can hold. A good rule of thumb for team names and logos: use SS16-SS20 as the base, with SS30-SS34 reserved for outlines or accents.
Buying by the gross
Wholesale rhinestones are priced by the gross - a unit of 144 stones. Our packs contain 10 gross (1,440 stones), which covers roughly one full adult dance costume at SS16-SS20 density. Compare prices per stone across sizes so you can budget accurately: see current pricing in the loose rhinestones collection.