What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO (2024)

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What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO (1)

You’ve seen large tattoos that look amazing, but also some poor designs. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon that a small body art piece looks more powerful. The goal is to find the right option for you, and our guide will help to find your way around different tattoo sizes.

Design, area, pain tolerance, and many other factors could affect the size you pick. Here is what you should know about sizing this body art to your individual preference!

Tattoo Size Chart

Tattoo artists use inches to determine the total size of your desired body art. Depending on the chosen option, the tattooed area can be square, rectangle, or non-specific. Some artists calculate a total area to cover when discussing the price and other specifics with you.

Another thing to note is that big tattoo sizes might require multiple sessions. A single session takes about two hours. But if you and the artist can handle it, it can extend up to five hours.

With that in mind, check out our tattoo size and time chart. It’s relative but should give you a general idea about different tattoo size requirements!

Size Hours Best Placement
Up to 1 inch 1 Toe, finger, wrist, ear
1-2 inches 2-3 Ankle, wrist, clavicle
2-3 inches 2-5 Ankle, calf, wrist, upper arm
3-4 inches 4-5 Lower arm, neck, chest
4-5 inches 5-8 Thigh, lower back, shoulders
5-7 inches 8-11 Upper back, half-sleeves
7-10 inches 11-18 Thigh, hip, sleeves
10-15 inches 18-23 Full sleeve, side body, back
15+ 24+ Full body

2×2 Tattoo Size

If you look at the tattoo size and time chart, this is a fine choice for most beginners. It’s not the smallest option available, so it gives enough room to convey the right message. If you have a single symbol, animal, or character, 2×2 will be sufficient to show it proudly.

The experts recommend anything from hearts and other symbols to butterflies, birds, and other animals for a small tattoo. You can also pick initials and some minimalist designs. As for the placement, go with the ankles, or wrists, or lower arm, especially if you are a female.

3×3 Tattoo Size

What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO (2)This is a common option, and the crucial thing to note is that it significantly increases the total tattoo area. That gives you more room when choosing the placement of the 3×3 tattoo. You can go with thighs or wrists, but also shoulders and upper arms. This size is sufficient enough for your chest and ribcage if those are your preferred body art options.

You can portray an animal protector or a mythological character with this size. A floral motive, but also swords, feathers, and similar shapes, can be a wise choice, too.

4×4 Tattoo Size

This range already enters large tattoo sizes. Not many people choose an actual square area, so the shape depends on the chosen tattoo. A dragon, tiger, or another powerful creator will look good in this size. You can go for cartoon and mythological characters, but also humans. If the stylist is skilled enough, they can even add some imagery around the focal point of the tattoo.

6×6 Tattoo Size

Although there are larger tattoo sizes, this is the last one we’ll mention. If it’s your first piece, don’t go bigger than this. 6×6 tattoos look best on thighs, hips, shoulders, or the upper back. It’s also enough to get a half or full-sleeve, depending on your arm’s dimensions.

If you like large fonts and symbols, you can go with that. However, there’s no reason not to combine a mythical creature or character with some additional elements. Roses and skulls are a common combination for this tattoo size.

Tattoo Size by Time

What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO (3)The desired tattoo sizes and time it takes to do them are usually directly proportionate. However, the actual duration of the tattoo process also depends on the following factors:

  • Artist’s skills. More experience, especially with the requested style, usually means less time required to finish the tattoo.
  • Pain tolerance. If you seem uncomfortable or in pain, the artist might take things slower.
  • Tattoo details. Your body art might be small but with many delicate details. Those tattoos could take more time than large but simple pieces.

It will take the stylist at least an hour for a small 3×3 inch tattoo. But if you want large imagery on your back, that could take multiple sessions and 20+ hours of work. The stylist will divide the process into multiple sessions. Our tattoo size and time chart serve merely for orientation. Make sure to schedule a tattoo consultation to get time and price estimation for your desired body art.

Tattoo Size Prices: Why They Are Hard to Guess?

Not every 3×3 inch tattoo will cost identically. It depends on many factors, ranging from the stylist to body art specifics.

Here are some pointers on different tattoo sizes and prices:

  • Stylist’s reputation and skills. An advanced tattoo will require a master artist. However, famous and reputable stylists tend to charge more. And it might be worth paying a bit extra to get the best service and outcome possible.
  • The equipment used in the process. The payment will cover studio expenses, but also sterilization, ink, needles, and other equipment. Different machines and ink options might result in some cost differences.
  • Tattoo difficulty. Body art that contains many delicate details and colors is more demanding. It requires more focus from the artist, which leads to a price increase.
  • The number of sessions. Some artists might adjust the price depending on the number of sessions they require to finish your tattoo.

About the Author

What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO (4)

Jacob Pullman

Jacob Pullman is a former tattoo artist turned into a consultant-enthusiast-writer-educator. A change of career, before he started writing, he got a degree in PR and communications. He is passionate about traveling and exploring the world and cultures visiting all those funky museums as a modern art lover. His ultimate goal is to spread knowledge about relationships (but only theoretically, as he is still single), a healthy lifestyle, body art, and of course, everything related to tattoo art. That's how he went deep into digital marketing, working with Skin Design Tattoo to educate and share his knowledge and experience.

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What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO (5)

What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO (2024)

FAQs

What is a good tattoo size for you? - SKIN DESIGN TATTOO? ›

Most 4-inch tattoo sizes tend to be oblong or rectangle, so they can fit along the lines of your body. This one flatters the shoulder area, but the upper arm or lower leg works as well – but of course, you can't really fit a 4×4 square there.

What size is a 4 inch tattoo? ›

Most 4-inch tattoo sizes tend to be oblong or rectangle, so they can fit along the lines of your body. This one flatters the shoulder area, but the upper arm or lower leg works as well – but of course, you can't really fit a 4×4 square there.

How big is a 3 hour tattoo? ›

Palm-sized tattoo would take from one to three hours to make. Hand sized tattoo can take up to 5 hours to make. Full sleeve tattoo can take 6-10 hours to make. Very large tattoos, such as a back piece, can take up to 30 hours to make.

How big is a5 tattoo? ›

Fake tattoos, or temporary transfer tattoos are printed papers, which let you transfer the print easily to the skin. Fake tattoos make a great promotional item, cheap, easy to like and highly visible.

How do you explain what size tattoo you want? ›

So when you work out what you want, make sure you make a note of your tattoo size in inches. Second, multiply the height by the width to get the square inch size. This is what you'll tell your artist when you discuss your design with them, so be sure to double check that you've got the right size! And that's it!

How much does a 4 inch tattoo usually cost? ›

BASIC TATTOO COSTS
TYPESIZECOST
Small Tattoos2-4 inches$50 - $250
Medium Sized Tattoos4-6 inches$150 - $450
Large Single-Piece Tattoos4-6 inches$500 - $5,000
Large Sleeves (arms, back, legs)N/A$650 - $8,000
1 more row
Jan 29, 2022

How much is a 5 inch tattoo? ›

How do you figure out how much a tattoo will cost? It depends on the country and on the level of the tattoo artist, usually, in the US, from $80/hour to +$300/hour. How much would a 5 inch tattoo cost? A standard 5″ tattoo may be about a couple of hours so, in the US, between $150 and $600.

How big is a $500 tattoo? ›

A standard size hip or thigh tattoo (about 1ft in length) will run you about $500 for outline only, or anywhere from $1500-$2000 for full color.

How much should you tip for a 3 hour tattoo? ›

The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip — just like at a restaurant or a hair salon.

How much do you tip a tattoo artist? ›

“A suggested percentage of 20% to 25% for personal services is an accepted standard, especially in these post-COVID times.” Cornolo puts the range between 15% to 20%, but says that it really varies. “Some tip less, and some are very generous."

How big is A6 tattoo? ›

Great size tattoos as small gift.

What size is a 50 dollar tattoo? ›

$50 tattoos are approximately one inch by one inch in black ink on arms or legs. Other areas of the body start at only $70.

Does tattoo size matter? ›

In addition, larger tattoos allow for more detail and have a longer longevity. Finally, larger tattoos might cost a bit more money forehand. But remember that you also get more for your money, since the higher amount of detail and the longevity are an investment for the future.

How do I ask my tattoo artist to design my tattoo? ›

Dream Tattoo: How to Effectively Communicate Your Vision to Your Artist
  1. Effective Communication – Describing Your Dream Tattoo to Your Tattoo Artist.
  2. Be Specific As You Can From the Very Beginning.
  3. Verbalize your Idea and Let the Artist Create from There.
  4. See What the Artist Comes Up and Keep an Open Mind.

Is it better to get a big or small tattoo? ›

The more of your skin that is covered with ink, the more invested you'll likely be in making sure that that ink doesn't bleed or fade too much over time. In fact, you may even be at an advantage by getting larger tattoos. As Gilat says, “Bigger tattoos actually age better than small ones that become blurry faster.”

Is a 6 hour tattoo session long? ›

6️ Is a 6-hour tattoo session long? Yes, a 6-hour session is long. It is almost an all-day session, so your body will be tired and you will feel pain. More than 4-hour sessions are recommended only for those, who have already done tattoos before.

Is $150 a lot for a small tattoo? ›

Pricing for tattoos can vary widely, but $150 to $450 is a typical range. (Very large tattoos can cost quite a bit more.)

Is $200 a lot for a tattoo? ›

-Medium Tattoos

Medium-sized tattoos, including half-sleeves or designs covering a significant portion of a body part, can cost between $200 and $800, sometimes more. The price will depend on the design's complexity, the artist's expertise, and the time required to complete the tattoo.

What size tattoo can I get for $200? ›

Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect the price. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces.

How much do you tip a 300 dollar tattoo artist? ›

How much do you tip on a $300 tattoo? You would tip around $60 - $90 for a $300 tattoo. So, the final price you'd expect to pay for the service is $360 - $390.

How long does a simple 4 inch tattoo take? ›

Expect about half an hour to an hour for a simple, small tattoo. Keep in mind, however, a small tattoo with lots of color, line work, details, or a tricky placement could take several hours. Small tattoos are great for people who don't want to go through a lengthy tattoo process, but still want some cool ink.

How much is 1 sq inch tattoo? ›

On average, the 1-square inch price is typically is around ₹1500 per square inch of Fully Tattooed Region, which means if you want a tattoo 10 inches high and 4 inches across.

Do you tip on a $500 tattoo? ›

💲 How much do you tip for a $500 tattoo? It depends on the percentage that you are ready to pay. The average percent of tips to a tattoo artist is 15-20%. So, for a $500 tattoo, you can tip $75-100.

How do I size my tattoo? ›

To determine your tattoo size, simply multiply the height of your tattoo with the width at the longest points. A small wrist or ankle tattoo might end up being 2 inches tall and 1 inch wide, making it a 2 square inch tattoo. A large tattoo might be 5 inches by 8 inches on your back, making it a 40 square inch tattoo.

How long after a tattoo can I shower? ›

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

Is it rude not to tip tattoo artist? ›

Just as you would tip your waiter or hairdresser, it is polite to tip your tattoo artist for their time and skill. Of course, the amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you. A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo.

Do I tip my tattoo artist every session? ›

When do you tip? While this decision is entirely up to you, typically clients tip at the end of each session so that your tattoo artist has confidence that you will be tipping them for their work. Alternatively, you could let your artist know that you will be tipping them in the final session.

Do you tip for free tattoo touch ups? ›

Plus, many artists offer free touch-ups after the tattoo is completed. (Just make sure to tip your artist, even for a complementary touch-up session!)

What not to do before you get a tattoo? ›

Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.

How long can you sit for a tattoo? ›

But optimally, four to six hours is the limit. For one thing, you, as the person being tattooed, is going to run out of adrenaline and all those lovely chemicals the brain makes that are "natural opiates" which keep you from feeling pain clearly.

Is it better to tip a tattoo artist in cash? ›

Cash is definitely the preferred method of tipping a tattoo artist, but some clients choose to bring their tattoo artists small gifts in place of or in addition to a tattoo tip. If you are planning to bring your tattoo artist a gift, you should still provide a cash tip in addition to the gift if you're able.

What does A6 size look like? ›

Papermminches
A6105 x 148.5 mm4.1 x 5.8 inches
A774 x 105 mm2.9 x 4.1 inches
A852 x 74 mm2.0 x 2.9 inches
A937 x 52 mm1.5 x 2.0 inches
7 more rows
Apr 27, 2022

What does 13 mean in tattooing? ›

The MS 13, also sometimes seen just as MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck.

What is A6 size design? ›

The dimensions of a6 paper.
FormatWidth x Height (in mm)Width x Height (in cm)
A6105 x 14810.5 x 14.8
A774 x 1057.4 x 10.5
A852 x 745.2 x 7.4
A937 x 523.7 x 5.3
7 more rows

How big is a 2 hour tattoo? ›

Another thing to note is that big tattoo sizes might require multiple sessions. A single session takes about two hours.
...
Tattoo Size Chart.
SizeHoursBest Placement
Up to 1 inch1Toe, finger, wrist, ear
1-2 inches2-3Ankle, wrist, clavicle
2-3 inches2-5Ankle, calf, wrist, upper arm
6 more rows
May 12, 2022

Why are tattoos so expensive? ›

You're paying for the artist to set up shop

Similarly, another factor clients cannot control are insurance rates. Tattooing is a high-risk industry and, depending on the arrangement, an artist pays the premium or the studio pays it and factors that into their cut of an artist's earnings.

What is a flash size tattoo? ›

There is no standard size for tattoo flash, but it is most commonly found on 11x14 inch prints in North America. Tattoo flash may come with an outline, also known as a line drawing, printed on a separate sheet, so that tattoo artists do not need to draw the linework themselves.

Do tattoos hurt less if you're chubby? ›

Heavier people may have looser skin, which could also be more sensitive to tattoos. Conversely, people with very low body fat might also feel more pain.

Do thin tattoos get thicker? ›

Your tattoo will get a bit lighter or slightly thicker depending on how your body heals it,” Kim says. “Go with your artist's suggestion regarding placement, size, and detail. They're the expert and are there to make your tattoo experience as fun, informative, and seamless as possible.

Do tattoos grow with weight? ›

The tattoo moves with your skin, so in most cases, the tattoo's design will remain proportionate. That means it should look essentially the same, even if you gain weight. Any stretch marks that develop are more likely to affect the look of your ink than your new body size or shape.

What not to ask a tattoo artist? ›

Tattoo Etiquette Guide
  • I Let My Dog Sleep In My Bed With Me. ...
  • How Much For A Sleeve? ...
  • Can You Draw Something, And If I Like It, I Book An Appointment? ...
  • I Am Just 17, But My Parents Approve. ...
  • Can You Hurry Up, Please? ...
  • I Had A Few Beers To Man Up. ...
  • I Want The Text To Be Super Small, Like A Freckle. ...
  • Can I Pay You Next Week?
Dec 27, 2020

Do tattoo artists sketch first? ›

Whether someone chooses the artist or the design first is totally up to them. While some might already know what they want tattooed and can be flexible with the artist doing it, others might be dead set on a specific artist and more open to the artists' input when it comes to the design and placement.

Can you pick tattoo design? ›

Once you've revealed a few personal details, most tattoo artists can help you brainstorm a few designs based on what you tell them and can suggest some options that fit your desired placement and size. No matter how good the artist's suggestion is, make sure it really fits you before committing.

Is it easier to tattoo fat or skinny people? ›

“In most people, areas overlying bone or other structures without much 'padding' do tend to be more painful, but not always,” Shah confirms. “However, a heavier person with a lot of fat might find getting a tattoo underneath a fat roll more painful because the skin is less exposed to sensation and touch in general.

Why are small tattoos more expensive? ›

Bigger tattoos usually involve a lot more details and ink, so it will take the artist much longer to finish. Bigger doesn't always mean more expensive, however. Smaller tattoos can involve a lot of intricate details, sometimes making them more expensive than a large tattoo of a simple image.

Why do small tattoos not age well? ›

Unfortunately, tiny tattoos may not age well. Tiny tattoos are small and have lots of detail in one concentrated space. These intricate details will be lost with time as your skin changes.

What size tattoo can I get in 1 hour? ›

A small, simple quarter-sized tattoo could take an hour, where a large back piece could take seven or 10. Size matters in this equation, and it's important to remember that time is also money. The longer it takes to finish, the more your piece will cost.

What is the 24 hour rule for tattoos? ›

If you see any type of prolonged redness or swelling, contact your artist right away. We would suggest you to avoid going out in the sunlight in the first 24 - 72 hours. This is the time when your tattoo needs to rest and not come into contact with continuous heat or water.

What is the longest tattoo session in one sitting? ›

(ANSA) - Modena, February 16 - A Modena tattoo artist has added to his string of world records by inking the longest tattoo session ever on a single person, lasting over 60 hours. It is Alessandro Bonacorsi aka Alle Tattoo's 14th record in 10 years.

Where do you put a 4 inch tattoo? ›

Tattoo artists use inches to determine the total size of your desired body art.
...
Tattoo Size Chart.
SizeHoursBest Placement
1-2 inches2-3Ankle, wrist, clavicle
2-3 inches2-5Ankle, calf, wrist, upper arm
3-4 inches4-5Lower arm, neck, chest
4-5 inches5-8Thigh, lower back, shoulders
5 more rows
May 12, 2022

What is a 1 4 sleeve tattoo? ›

A quarter-sleeve usually covers only the shoulder to midway to the elbow. The quarter-sleeve is not often seen because it is so high on the arm; for that reason, individuals may choose to get a quarter-sleeve so it can be covered with a short-sleeved shirt.

How long is a small tattoo? ›

A bigger design with a lot of detail or color might take two sessions, while an entire sleeve could take months (and hundreds to thousands of dollars) to finish. On the other hand, a simple tattoo, like a small black star, should only take about 5 minutes.

How big is a 500 dollar tattoo? ›

A standard size hip or thigh tattoo (about 1ft in length) will run you about $500 for outline only, or anywhere from $1500-$2000 for full color.

Is a 4 inch tattoo small? ›

In general, a tattoo under 2 inches is tiny, something 2 to 4 inches is small, 4-6 inches is medium, and 6 or more inches is large. It is important to understand that these sizes are subjective though. Each tattoo artist will have to determine their sizes and how they price them.

Where is the hardest part to tattoo? ›

Pain in these areas may be high to severe.
  • Armpit. The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed. ...
  • Rib cage. ...
  • Ankles and shins. ...
  • Nipples and breasts. ...
  • Groin. ...
  • Elbows or kneecap. ...
  • Behind the knees. ...
  • Hips.
Jul 23, 2019

Should tattoos face in or out? ›

In tattooing a general rule is that all designs should face the center of the body (heart). For example, front thigh tattoos should face inwards towards each other. And top outer arms will face forward in the same direction the body faces.

What is a 143 tattoo? ›

143 is code for I love you, especially used on pagers back in the 1990s.

What is the thinnest line for a tattoo? ›

Single needle tattooing is the thinnest of fine line tattoos, creating smaller and subtler micro tattoos with delicate and detailed artwork much like a drawing.

How much does a 1 2 sleeve tattoo cost? ›

The average cost for a half-sleeve tattoo is $500 to $1,500. It can span either the bicep or the forearm.

What not to do before tattoo? ›

Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.

What is the smallest tattoo size? ›

Micro tattoos are tiny designs that are usually less than an inch in size. They can be as small as a quarter of an inch! That's smaller than a dime! Because they are so small, they can be placed in a variety of locations on the body.

Why are small tattoos expensive? ›

Smaller tattoos also might not take multiple sessions, so the artist might choose to charge you for the whole piece instead of by the hour. In this case, the price is based on whether it's custom designed, picked from a design book, colored or not, and the placement on your body.

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