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Hair Clipper Guard Size Converter
Convert clipper guard numbers to mm and inches with suggested blends for common cuts.
The clipper guard number you want to convert. Higher numbers leave more hair.
Guard sizes are mostly universal, but some brands have slight variations.
About This Tool
Clipper guard numbers are the universal language of barbershops, but most guys have no idea what a #2 guard actually means in real measurements. This hair clipper guard converter translates any guard number into millimeters and inches, shows common uses, and reveals which guards pair together for smooth fades. Use it alongside our Barber Instruction Generator to communicate exactly what you want.
How to Use
Select the guard number and optionally choose your clipper brand for precision adjustments. The converter shows exact length in millimeters and inches, blend partners for fades, and typical use cases. Planning a beard trim instead? Our Beard Guard Style Match covers facial hair guard settings.
FAQ
Are guard sizes different between clipper brands?
Guard sizes are largely standardized across Wahl, Andis, and Oster. Differences are fractions of a millimeter and not noticeable in practice. The bigger variable is the clipper lever position, which adds or subtracts about 0.5mm. If your barber uses a different brand than your home clipper, the guard numbers produce virtually the same result.
What does open lever vs closed lever mean?
Most clippers have a side lever that adjusts the blade gap. Closed cuts at the shortest setting for that guard; open leaves about 0.5mm extra. Barbers use the lever to create half-steps for smoother blends. For example, a #1 guard with the lever open cuts at about 3.5mm. Our Fade & Taper Maintenance Planner explains how this affects your maintenance schedule.
How do barbers blend between guard sizes?
Blending makes transitions between lengths look seamless. Barbers use adjacent guards, adjust the lever between open and closed, and rock the clipper to feather the transition zone. The key is working in small sections and never skipping more than one guard size. Use our Barber Instruction Generator to specify your preferred blend type.
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