Tattoo Needle Sizes Explained: A Guide for Tattoo Artists

Choosing the right tattoo needle can make a major difference in how efficiently you work and how a tattoo comes together. With different needle groupings, diameters, tapers, configurations, and cartridge options available, understanding tattoo needle terminology makes it much easier to choose the right setup for the job.

Whether you're restocking your station, experimenting with a new configuration, or simply trying to decode all those numbers on a cartridge box, here's a practical breakdown of tattoo needle sizes and configurations.

Understanding Tattoo Needle Codes

Tattoo needles are commonly identified using a combination of numbers and letters.

You might see something like:

1209RL

At first glance, it looks more complicated than it actually is.

In this example:

12 = needle diameter
09 = number of individual needles in the grouping
RL = Round Liner configuration

So a 1209RL is a #12 diameter, 9-needle Round Liner.

Once you understand the system, reading tattoo needle packaging becomes much easier.

Tattoo Needle Diameter

The first number generally refers to the diameter of each individual needle in the grouping.

Three commonly encountered diameters are:

#08 — approximately 0.25 mm
Smaller-diameter needles can be useful when an artist wants a finer grouping or different ink-flow characteristics.

#10 — approximately 0.30 mm
Often called bugpin, #10 needles are commonly used for applications where a smaller needle diameter is preferred.

#12 — approximately 0.35 mm
One of the most widely used tattoo needle diameters. You'll find #12 needles across many liner, shader, and magnum configurations.

Diameter is only one part of the equation. Needle count, configuration, taper, machine setup, technique, and the desired result all matter when selecting a needle.

What Does Needle Count Mean?

The next number tells you how many individual needles are contained within the grouping.

For example:

1203RL = 3-needle Round Liner
1205RL = 5-needle Round Liner
1207RL = 7-needle Round Liner
1209RL = 9-needle Round Liner
1214RL = 14-needle Round Liner

A larger needle count doesn't automatically mean "better" or even necessarily tell you exactly how wide a line will appear.

How tightly the needles are grouped, their diameter, taper, manufacturer design, machine settings, hand speed, technique, and other factors can all affect the final result.

That's why experienced artists often have several configurations available rather than relying on one liner for everything.

RL — Round Liner

Round Liners are arranged in a circular grouping with the needles positioned relatively close together.

They're commonly selected for:

• Outlining
• Linework
• Fine details
• Lettering
• Small details
• Bold linework, depending on grouping size

Round Liners are available in a huge range of sizes.

Smaller groupings may be selected for fine details, while larger groupings can create heavier lines and work well for styles requiring a stronger outline.

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RS — Round Shader

Round Shaders also use a circular configuration, but the needles are typically spaced differently than Round Liners.

Artists may use Round Shaders for:

• Small-area shading
• Color work
• Blending
• Certain traditional techniques
• Softer applications
• Small areas that would be difficult to reach with a magnum

Think of RL and RS as related configurations designed to perform differently.

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M1 — Weaved Magnum

Magnum needles contain multiple rows of needles and are designed to cover more surface area than most round configurations.

A standard weaved magnum typically uses two rows with spacing between the needles.

Artists commonly choose magnums for:

• Shading
• Color packing
• Larger areas
• Gradients
• Black and grey work

Because they cover more area, magnums are a staple in many professional tattoo setups.

M2 — Stacked Magnum

Stacked Magnums also use multiple rows, but the needles are positioned more tightly together than with a traditional weaved magnum.

That denser arrangement can provide different saturation and application characteristics.

The choice between a weaved and stacked magnum comes down to the artist's technique, tattoo style, desired result, and personal preference.

CM / RM — Curved Magnum

Curved Magnums—also commonly called Round Magnums or Soft Edge Magnums—have needle tips arranged in a slight arc rather than forming a completely straight edge.

You'll commonly see abbreviations such as:

CM — Curved Magnum

or

RM — Round Magnum

depending on the manufacturer.

Artists frequently choose curved magnums for:

• Smooth shading
• Black and grey
• Blending
• Color packing
• Working along contours
• Creating softer transitions

They're an extremely versatile configuration and a common choice for everyday tattooing.

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What Is Tattoo Needle Taper?

Taper refers to the length of the needle's transition toward its point.

You may encounter descriptions such as:

• Short taper
• Medium taper
• Long taper
• Extra-long taper

Manufacturers can define their taper options somewhat differently, so it's worth checking the specifications of the particular needles or cartridges you're considering.

Taper can influence how a needle interacts with the skin and deposits pigment, but it shouldn't be considered in isolation.

Needle diameter, configuration, machine setup, voltage, stroke, hand speed, depth, technique, and the artist's desired result all work together.

What Are Bugpin Tattoo Needles?

"Bugpin" generally refers to tattoo needles made with a smaller needle diameter than a standard #12 needle.

A common example is a #10, approximately 0.30 mm diameter needle.

Because individual needles are thinner, a bugpin grouping may behave differently from the same needle count made with a larger diameter.

For example, a bugpin 9-magnum and a standard-diameter 9-magnum aren't necessarily going to feel or perform exactly the same.

This is why it's important to look beyond the needle count when ordering cartridges.

Cartridge Needles vs. Traditional Tattoo Needles

Cartridge systems have become extremely common in modern tattooing.

Instead of attaching a traditional needle bar directly to the machine setup, cartridges allow artists to insert and remove compatible needle modules from an appropriate grip or machine.

One of the biggest practical advantages is convenience.

An artist can switch from a liner to a shader or magnum configuration during a tattoo without changing the entire needle-and-tube setup.

Cartridges are available in many of the same configurations as traditional tattoo needles, including:

RL
RS
M1
M2
CM/RM

However, cartridge construction and compatibility can vary by manufacturer. Always confirm that the cartridges you purchase are compatible with your equipment and intended professional use.

Which Tattoo Needle Should You Choose?

There isn't one universal "best tattoo needle."

The right choice depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

For example, an artist creating fine linework may select a very different configuration from someone packing a large area of solid color.

An artist working on smooth black-and-grey transitions may prefer something different again.

Consider:

The tattoo style — Fine line, traditional, realism, blackwork, lettering, color realism, and other styles can require very different setups.

The area you're working on — Tiny details and large areas generally call for different configurations.

Your machine setup — Stroke, give, operating speed, and other machine characteristics affect how a needle performs.

Your technique — Hand speed, angle, pressure, and application style matter.

The result you want — Crisp lines, smooth gradients, solid saturation, and soft shading don't necessarily call for the same needle.

Build a Needle Selection That Works for You

A well-stocked tattoo station usually includes multiple needle configurations and sizes.

Rather than searching for one cartridge that can do everything, build a selection that gives you options.

That might include several sizes of Round Liners, Round Shaders, smaller and larger Magnums, and Curved Magnums.

As you develop your technique and preferences, you'll naturally discover which configurations you reach for most often.

And when you find them, keeping backups on hand is never a bad idea.

Stock Your Station at Murrieta Tattoo Supply

From everyday workhorses to the configurations you always seem to run out of, Murrieta Tattoo Supply makes it easy to stock up on professional tattoo needles, cartridges, machines, inks, stencil products, and studio essentials.

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