Ear stretching schedule planner.

Worked example

Going from 14g to 8g with 6 weeks between steps, starting October 8, 2026: 12g on Oct 8 (adds 0.42 mm), 10g on Nov 19 (adds 0.54 mm) and 8g on Dec 31 (adds 0.68 mm). That is 3 steps and 1.64 mm in total, and December 31, 2026 is the earliest date you could reach 8g, assuming every step goes smoothly.

How it works

The planner lists each even gauge between your sizes, so no step is more than one full gauge, which the Association of Professional Piercers says to stay within. Step 1 is the date of the first stretch and each later step is the wait you chose after the one before. Millimetres added are the difference between the two American wire gauge diameters (see the Ear Gauge Size Converter). The steps get bigger as the sizes grow, for example 14g to 12g adds 0.43 mm while 4g to 2g adds 1.36 mm, and the Association of Professional Piercers says the larger you go, the longer you usually need to wait.

The 6-week default is Healthline's stated minimum, not a standard. Healthline also says not to go up if you see redness, swelling or irritation after 6 weeks, and the Association of Professional Piercers says there is no set timetable. Move to the next size only when the piercing is fully healed, matured and pliable (Association of Professional Piercers). Go slowly: Healthline says that if you feel any discomfort, you have done too much. Treat the dates as the earliest possible, not a target.

Sources and basis (opened 2026-10-08): Association of Professional Piercers, Stretching; Healthline, All About Ear Stretching (Ear Gauging), updated June 4, 2021; Wikipedia, Ear stretching; Wikipedia, American wire gauge.

FAQ

How long should I wait between ear stretches?

The Association of Professional Piercers says there is no set timetable: the wait can be anywhere from several weeks to months or even longer, depending on the piercing and your tissue, and larger sizes usually need longer waits. Healthline says to wait at least 6 weeks between gauges and not to go up if you see redness, swelling or irritation.

How much can I stretch at once?

The Association of Professional Piercers says stretching more than one full gauge size should be avoided, and that half sizes should be used when possible, particularly in larger jumps or sensitive areas. This planner uses one even gauge per step.

When is a piercing ready to stretch?

At a minimum the piercing should be fully healed, matured and pliable, according to the Association of Professional Piercers. Ask a professional piercer if you are unsure.

What happens if I stretch too fast?

The Association of Professional Piercers says overstretching tends to build up scar tissue and reduce healthy blood flow, and can cause a blowout, where a section of skin pushes out from the inside of the channel, thinning or even loss of the piercing.

Is there a size I should not go past?

Wikipedia says 0g (8 mm) is generally considered the point of no return, because a hole larger than this will rarely close to a standard piercing size. Treat any stretch as permanent.