Beard Trimmer Guard Sizes: The Complete Chart and Guide

Guard sizes are the language of clippers: every "#" number corresponds to a fixed cutting length, and knowing them is the difference between a clean fade and an accidental buzz cut. This guide gives you the complete standard guard chart, explains what each size is for, and recommends guard sets worth buying.

Standard Clipper Guard Size Chart

Standard guards follow the same numbering across brands (Wahl, Andis, Oster). Each number equals 1/8 inch (3.175mm) of cutting length:

• #0 — 1/16" (1.5mm): skin-close stubble, bald fades
• #1/2 (or #0.5) — 3/32" (2.4mm): very short buzz, fade blending
• #1 — 1/8" (3mm): short buzz cut, faded sides
• #1.5 — 3/16" (4.8mm): fade transition
• #2 — 1/4" (6mm): classic buzz, short beard stubble
• #3 — 3/8" (10mm): medium buzz, neat short beard
• #4 — 1/2" (13mm): standard crew cut length, trimmed beard
• #5 — 5/8" (16mm): longer crew, fuller beard shaping
• #6 — 3/4" (19mm): long top, full beard
• #7 — 7/8" (22mm): long cuts, thick beard maintenance
• #8 — 1" (25mm): longest standard guard

Beard Trimmer Guard Sizes Explained

Stubble (1–3mm): #0 to #1

For designer stubble and five-o'clock-shadow looks, guards #0 through #1 leave 1.5–3mm. This range is also where most beard trimmers' built-in length settings operate.

Short Beard (6–10mm): #2 to #3

The most popular beard range: neat, professional, and low maintenance. #2 (6mm) gives a tight, tidy beard; #3 (10mm) adds visible fullness while staying controlled.

Full Beard (13–25mm): #4 to #8

For longer beards, #4–#8 guards maintain even length across the whole beard. Many beard growers use a #4 or #5 for the body of the beard and taper the neckline with smaller guards.

Fades and Blending: Half Sizes

Half-size guards (#0.5, #1.5) exist specifically for blending between standard lengths — they're what make a fade gradient smooth instead of stepped. If you're cutting your own hair, a set with half sizes is worth it.

How to Use Guards Without Ruining Your Cut

• Always start longer than you think. You can take more off; you can't put it back. First-time cut? Start with #4 and work down.
• Cut against the grain for an even cut, using smooth, overlapping strokes.
• Check guard seating. A guard that isn't fully snapped on can pop off mid-stroke — the classic cause of accidental bald spots.
• Match guard to clipper. Standard guards fit most full-size Wahl, Andis, and Oster clippers, but compact trimmers use brand-specific guards — check compatibility before buying.

Recommended Guard Sets

If your clipper came with a skimpy set of guards — or you've lost a few — these replacements cover every length in the chart above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What guard number is 3mm?

#1 equals 1/8 inch, which is 3mm. For 3mm stubble, use a #1 guard — or your trimmer's 3mm setting.

What guard should I use for a fade?

Fades typically blend from #0 or #0.5 at the bottom up through #1, #1.5, and #2. The half sizes (#0.5, #1.5) are what make the gradient smooth.

Do Wahl guards fit Andis clippers?

Standard full-size guards are largely interchangeable between Wahl, Andis, and Oster — but not always perfectly. For guaranteed fit, use the clipper brand's own guards or a universal set like the Miaco above.

What length is a #2 guard in mm?

#2 equals 1/4 inch, or 6mm. Each guard number adds 1/8" (3.175mm): #1 = 3mm, #2 = 6mm, #3 = 10mm, #4 = 13mm.

Conclusion

Guard sizes are simple once you know the chart: each number adds 1/8 inch, #2–#3 is the sweet spot for most beards, and half sizes make fades work. Start long, keep your guards snapped on tight, and you'll never fear the clippers again.

Need the full range? A complete Wahl guard set, Andis magnetic guards, or the universal Miaco 10-piece set covers every length in this guide.