Rubber Band Size Chart: Numbers, Inches & Millimeters
Every industrial rubber band carries a size number – #8, #16, #32, #64 and so on. The numbers look cryptic, but they follow a simple logic, and once you can read them you can order the right band for any bundling job without samples and guesswork. This chart covers the standard American sizing used across wholesale rubber bands worldwide, with dimensions in both inches and millimetres.
How rubber band sizes work
A rubber band’s size number describes its flat length and band width, not its stretched length:
- Bands numbered in the teens (#8–#19) are 1/16″ (1.6 mm) wide – the flat, everyday office style.
- Bands numbered in the 30s (#30–#34) are 1/8″ (3.2 mm) wide – stronger, general industrial bands.
- Bands numbered #64 and above are 1/4″ (6.4 mm) or wider – heavy-duty pallet and warehouse bands.
- Within each width group, a bigger number means a longer band. #30, #31, #32, #33 and #34 all share the same width and differ only in length.
The length listed is the flat length: the circumference of the band when laid flat and doubled, i.e. the size of the object it wraps when relaxed.
Standard rubber band size chart (inches & mm)
| Size | Flat length | mm | Band width | Common industrial uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #8 | 7/8″ | 22 mm | 1/16″ / 1.6 mm | Small bundles, stationery, seedlings |
| #10 | 1-1/4″ | 32 mm | 1/16″ / 1.6 mm | Mail, small cartons, general office |
| #12 | 1-3/4″ | 44 mm | 1/16″ / 1.6 mm | File folders, printed sheets |
| #14 | 2″ | 51 mm | 1/16″ / 1.6 mm | Vegetable bunches, crafts |
| #16 | 2-1/2″ | 64 mm | 1/16″ / 1.6 mm | Produce bundling, newspapers |
| #18 | 3″ | 76 mm | 1/16″ / 1.6 mm | Large produce, light packaging |
| #19 | 3-1/2″ | 89 mm | 1/16″ / 1.6 mm | Wide folders, garment rolls |
| #30 | 3-1/2″ | 89 mm | 1/8″ / 3.2 mm | Box closure, heavier bundling |
| #31 | 2-1/2″ | 64 mm | 1/8″ / 3.2 mm | Food packing, sturdy loops |
| #32 | 3″ | 76 mm | 1/8″ / 3.2 mm | General industrial bundling |
| #33 | 3-1/2″ | 89 mm | 1/8″ / 3.2 mm | Bank note bands, tool handles |
| #34 | 4″ | 102 mm | 1/8″ / 3.2 mm | Export cartons, tube packs |
| #64 | 3-1/2″ | 89 mm | 1/4″ / 6.4 mm | Pallet work, heavy warehouse duty |
| #105 | 5″ | 127 mm | 1/8″ / 3.2 mm | Oversized bundles, carpet rolls |
| #107 | 7″ | 178 mm | 1/8″ / 3.2 mm | Extra-long items, mouldings |
Width matters as much as length: a wider band spreads tension over more material, grips soft or slippery items better, and resists snapping. When in doubt between two lengths, the slightly shorter band usually holds better.
How to measure a rubber band
Lay a band flat, unstretched, and note three numbers:
- Flat length – end to end when doubled flat (half the circumference).
- Band width – the height of the band from edge to edge (1/16″, 1/8″, 1/4″…).
- Thickness – wall thickness of the rubber, typically 1.0–1.4 mm for standard bands. Thicker walls mean more strength and longer service life.
Those three numbers are all a manufacturer needs to quote or mould a matching band.
How to choose the right size
- Measure the circumference of the object or bundle you need to hold.
- Pick a band whose flat length is roughly half to two-thirds of that circumference – a band should stretch about 50–100% in service.
- Choose width by weight and surface: 1/16″ for light, dry bundles; 1/8″ for heavier cartons and export work; 1/4″ for pallets and rough handling.
- For slippery or sharp-edged goods, step up one width and consider a textured or coated band.
Custom sizes and materials
Standard sizes cover most jobs, but production lines often sit between sizes. Bands can be made to order in any length, width, thickness and colour, including anti-static compounds for electronics and food-contact grades. Thickness is the cheapest upgrade for a longer service life – see our guide on material choices including latex-free options.
FAQ
What size rubber band do I need for bank notes?
#33 (3-1/2″ × 1/8″) is the traditional currency strap band; #32 is also common for smaller stacks.
What size for bundling vegetables?
#14–#16 in 1/16″ width for bunches; food-contact and latex-free grades are available on request.
What is the biggest standard rubber band?
Standard charts stop around #107 (7″ × 1/8″), but larger loops are routinely made to order – flat lengths of several hundred millimetres are normal for pallet and moulding work.
Does a bigger number always mean a bigger band?
Within the same width group, yes. Across groups, compare length and width separately – a #31 is shorter than a #18 even though its number is larger.
Rubber King manufactures the full standard range plus custom dimensions in Guangdong, China, with low MOQs, free samples and factory-direct pricing. Browse regular size rubber bands or request a size-specific quote.
