Rubber band sizes chart – How to measure & choose the right size
Rubber bands come in a wide range of sizes, and choosing the right one makes all the difference. Whether you need a small elastic band for bundling envelopes or a wide, heavy-duty band for securing larger items, understanding rubber band sizes will help you pick the right one every time. Here’s everything you need to know.
When it comes to elastic band sizes, there are a whole host to choose from, and selecting the right one depends on the job you need it to do. Here’s our guide to elastic band sizes.
What is the standard rubber band size?
There is no such thing as a standard rubber band size. The size of a rubber band is determined by its length in millimetres, which can be measured by placing the folded rubber band along the length of a ruler. Rubber bands are all assigned a size number. This number relates to the dimensions of the rubber band, making them easier to identify.
Because of the number of different uses for rubber bands, it’s not possible to describe one as ‘standard’. Due to their common use for everyday jobs, there are certain sizes that you’re probably used to seeing more than others. We have compiled a rubber band size chart that displays the rubber band measurements and should help identify the size you require.
Rubber band size chart
When purchasing rubber bands, you should have a good idea of the type of application you would want to use them for. This rubber band size chart will help you find the right size elastic band for your needs.
| Size No. | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 25 mm | 1,5 mm |
| 10 | 35 mm | 1,5 mm |
| 12 | 38 mm | 1,5 mm |
| 14 | 50,8 mm | 1,6 mm |
| 16 | 60 mm | 1,5 mm |
| 19 | 88,9 mm | 1,6 mm |
| 24 | 152,4 mm | 1,6 mm |
| 30 | 50,8 mm | 3,2 mm |
| 32 | 76,2 mm | 3,2 mm |
| 33 | 88,9 mm | 3,2 mm |
| 34 | 101,6 mm | 3,2 mm |
| 36 | 127 mm | 3,2 mm |
| 38 | 152,4 mm | 3,2 mm |
| 63 | 76,2 mm | 6,3 mm |
| 64 | 88,9 mm | 6,3 mm |
| 65 | 101,6 mm | 6,3 mm |
| 69 | 152,4 mm | 6,3 mm |
| 75 | 101,6 mm | 9,5 mm |
| 89 | 152,4 mm | 12,7 mm |
| 90 | 170 mm | 12 mm |
| 170 | 160 mm | 12 mm |
How Are Rubber Bands Measured?
Rubber bands are measured by two dimensions: their length and their width, both expressed in millimetres.
Length is measured by laying the rubber band flat and folded in half against a ruler — so a rubber band listed as 88.9 mm is actually 88.9 mm when folded, meaning its full circumference is roughly double that. Width refers to the thickness of the band itself when laid flat.
Each rubber band is then assigned a size number (such as 33, 64, or 89) which corresponds to these dimensions, making it easier to identify and reorder the right size without measuring every time.
Viking Rubber Bands 150 x 6 mm Ø 100 mm Beige 500 g
Viking Rubber Bands 180 x 12 mm Ø 120 mm Beige 500 g
Viking Rubber Bands 160 x 3 mm Ø 101 mm Beige 500 g
Viking Rubber Bands 120 x 3 mm Ø 80 mm Beige 500 g
Viking Rubber Bands 60 x 1.5 mm Ø 40 mm Beige 500 g
Practical uses for rubber band sizes
Knowing the size of a rubber band is one thing, but knowing the practical use for a certain size of elastic band will make purchasing the right size even easier. Unfortunately, there’s no real science to which rubber band sizes work for each and every precise use. For everyday office jobs, it can often be worthwhile to purchase a multipack.
To help narrow down your choice, remember that more heavy duty uses will require a greater rubber band width — anything above 6 mm is suitable for heavier jobs, while a width of 1.5 to 3 mm works well for lighter everyday tasks. For instance, if you are looking to keep a shoebox closed with a rubber band, a size 89 would be a good choice. For lighter jobs, such as banding envelopes together, something like a number 34 elastic band would be a good choice.
There are so many wide and varied applications for elastic bands that make them one of the most useful items of stationery available. Check out our selection of elastic bands to find the right ones for you.
