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the bead aisleHANDCRAFTED PAPER JEWELRY
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FROM THE WORKTABLE / 01

How to calculate
bead diameters.

Different papers. Consistent beads. A little measuring helps you find the right strip length for the bead you have in mind.

Follow the steps ↓Original PDF ↓
A little measuring goes a long way.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Gather your tools.

MEASURE · ENTER · CALCULATE

A little guidance,
step by step.

Keep your measurements handy. Use the same unit for all three inputs.

  1. 0.00Close the jaws. Set to zero.01

    Zero your calipers

    Turn on the digital calipers and close the jaws completely. Check that the display reads zero. If needed, use the zero or on/off button to reset it.

  2. Rolling tool diameter02

    Measure your rolling tool

    Measure across the diameter of the rolling tool and write down the result. You can use inches or millimeters; millimeters are usually easier for these small measurements.

  3. Measure one sheet of paper03

    Measure your paper

    Reset the calipers to zero, then measure the thickness of the paper you will use. Write down this measurement, too.

  4. planetcalc.com/9063Spiral calculator04

    Open the spiral calculator

    Open the PLANETCALC spiral calculator ↗. If its input rows have dimension selectors, choose Outer diameter, Inner diameter, and Thickness.

  5. Outer diameter mmInner diameter mmThickness mm05

    Keep your units consistent

    Before entering measurements, set all three inputs to the same unit: either millimeters or inches. Use the unit you chose when measuring.

  6. Outer diameter = finished bead06

    Set your finished bead size

    In Outer diameter, enter the diameter you want the finished bead to have. This is the measurement across the outside of the bead.

  7. Inner diameter = rolling tool07

    Enter the rolling tool diameter

    In Inner diameter, enter the rolling tool measurement from step 2. This represents the opening at the center of the bead.

  8. Thickness0.10 mmInclude the leading zeroExample value only08

    Enter the paper thickness

    In Thickness, enter the paper measurement from step 3. For a fractional value, include the leading zero and decimal point, such as 0.10. Use your own measured value.

  9. Paper stripSpiral length = strip length09

    Read your paper strip length

    Select Calculate, then find the Spiral length result. Set its unit to centimeters or inches, whichever is more convenient for cutting. The result is the length of paper strip you need.

  10. Digits after the decimal point01012.345610

    Choose your precision

    Use the Digits after the decimal point slider to choose how many decimal places the calculator displays. Calculate again if needed, then note the strip length with its unit.

FROM NUMBERS TO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

Ready to give it a roll?

Open the spiral calculator ↗

Adapted from The Bead Aisle’s original guide, with illustrated steps. Diagrams are schematic. Example values are for illustration only.