Have you wondered about the different sizes of bead strands and how many beads you get on them? Often beads and pearls are sold on temporary loosely strung strands, on fishing cord or thread.

Round gemstone beads are described as 16" and will be between 36 to 40 cm strands with the average being 37 cm. Chip strands can come in a few temporary strung strand
sizes so you may want to clarify before buying a full strand if the length is not stated. Our picture shows a full 36" - 90 cm strand and two 16" - 40 cm strand. Glass beads can come in varying strand lengths depending on the manufacturer.

Round beads in a strand (appx guide) 2 mm 180 4 mm 102 6 mm 67 8 mm 50 10 mm 40

See left for a guide for round loosely strung 40 cm strands of gemstone beads.

If planning a design it is best to err on the size of caution and allow for a couple of beads less per strand, it is better to have a couple of beads left over than fall short before completing your work.