Perler Bead Sizes Explained: Mini, Midi and Maxi Beads
The three common bead sizes
Exact sizes vary slightly by brand, so beads from different brands of the same nominal size can look a little different side by side. Stay with one brand inside a single project when you can.
| Size | Approx. diameter | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 2.5–2.6 mm | Detailed portraits and small jewellery; needs tweezers and patience. |
| Midi / standard | about 5 mm | Almost everything: coasters, magnets, characters, wall art. |
| Maxi / biggie | about 10 mm | Young children and large, simple shapes. |
How to calculate finished size
Multiply the number of beads by the bead diameter. Ironing changes the size very little, so this gives a reliable estimate.
| Grid | Mini (2.6 mm) | Midi (5 mm) | Maxi (10 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 × 15 | about 4 cm | about 7.5 cm | about 15 cm |
| 29 × 29 | about 7.5 cm | about 14.5 cm | about 29 cm |
| 50 × 50 | about 13 cm | about 25 cm | about 50 cm |
| 80 × 80 | about 21 cm | about 40 cm | about 80 cm |
Pegboards and joining them
The most common large square pegboard for standard beads has 29 × 29 pegs. Bigger designs use several boards side by side; interlocking boards make this easier. Pegboards are size-specific: mini beads need mini pegboards.
When a pattern is wider than one board, print it split into board-sized pages so each page matches one pegboard. The PDF export of our pattern maker splits large patterns into readable pages with grid coordinates.
Which size should you choose?
Not sure what to make yet? Browse beginner project ideas.
- First project or crafting with kids: midi beads (or maxi for very young children).
- Detailed pet or face portrait in a small frame: mini beads.
- Big wall art: midi beads over several joined boards, which keeps the bead count manageable.
Frequently asked questions
What size are standard perler beads?
Standard (midi) fuse beads are about 5 mm in diameter. That is the classic size for Perler and Hama beads.
How many beads fit on a large square pegboard?
A 29 × 29 pegboard holds up to 841 beads.
Can I mix bead brands in one project?
You can if the nominal size is the same, but the diameter, colour and melting behaviour may differ slightly, so test-iron a small sample first.