Tattoo Needle Sizes and Types - AuthorityTattoo

Written ByDan Hunteron November 15, 2020Last Updated: October 7, 2023 Being a tattoo artist is no easy task, and having hundreds of different needle diameters, needle counts, groupings and more does not make the job any easier. Whether you’ve been tattooing for years or just beginning your practice, it’s sometimes difficult to differentiate which needles to use and why.In this article, we break down the different tattoo needle types and sizes, so you can make the most informed decisions when choosing a needle for your next tattoo.Types of NeedlesThere are three main categories of needles that are important to know; round needles, magnum needles and flat needles.Round NeedlesRound tattoo needles are grouped in a circular pattern with a center shaft. Round liner needles produce a crisp line.Round liner needles: Round liners are often marked with a number followed by RL, like 7RL. The number in front indicates how many pins are in the grouping. You can also buy different sizes, or gauges,...