Tattoo Size & Body Part Guide

Get tattooed at Sydney Tattoo Convention! Join us and get inked by the most talented artists on the international and Australian scene. 

Discover the perfect size and placement for your dream tattoo, whether you're drawn to a bold, large tattoo or a more minimalistic design. In this post, you’ll find a quick tattoo size guide to help you decide what’s the best placement to get your tattoo at our expo


Size Chart For Tattoos

Finding the right size for your tattoo is important to ensure you have a piece you like that fits your personality and is made in a style you love. When choosing the placement and size of your tattoo, you can start to consider the following factors:

  • Pain Tolerance: Different areas of the body have varying levels of sensitivity. Keep this in mind when selecting your tattoo placement.

  • Visibility: Think about whether you want your tattoo to be visible or easily hidden in professional or formal settings.

  • Skin Condition: Consider the texture and elasticity of your skin, as this can affect how the tattoo ages over time.

  • Design Complexity: Larger tattoos allow for more intricate detailing, while smaller tattoos may require simpler designs to maintain clarity.

Regarding the size, there’s no right or wrong; it will depend on your personal preferences and personality; however, here are some reference tables with the most popular body parts depending on the tattoo size.

Small Tattoos 

Tattoo Size Popular Recommended Body Parts
2-3 cm Finger, Wrist, Inner Ankle
3-5 cm Forearm, Behind Ear, Collarbone
5-7 cm Upper Arm, Back Of Neck, Calf
7-8 cm Shoulder, Thigh, Side Rib

Medium Tattoos

Tattoo Size Popular Recommended Body Parts
8-10 cm Upper Arm, Lower Leg, Shoulder
10-12 cm Forearm, Upper Back, Chest
12-15 cm Tight, Upper Back, Abs

Large Tattoos

Tattoo Size Popular Recommended Body Parts
15-20 cm Full sleeve (Upper or Lower Arm), Upper Back, Tight
20-30 cm Full Back, Full Leg, Chest, Side Rib
+30 cm Full Body (Back Piece, Body Suit), Torso

Most Painful Places To Get Tattooed

While getting a tattoo can be a fun experience, it's important to be aware that certain body areas are more sensitive than others. Here are some of the most painful places to get tattooed:

  • Ribcage: The thin layer of skin and proximity to bone make the ribcage one of the most painful areas for tattooing.

  • Spine: The bony structure of the spine and nerve endings along the vertebrae can make tattooing this area uncomfortable.

  • Elbows and Knees: The skin around joints tends to be thicker and less elastic, resulting in increased pain during tattooing.

  • Armpits: The sensitive skin and proximity to lymph nodes make the armpits one of the most painful areas to tattoo.

  • Feet and Ankles: The skin on the feet and ankles is thin and sensitive, making tattooing in this area quite painful.

Get Tattooed At Sydney Tattoo Convention

Ready to get inked? Join us at Sydney Tattoo Convention, where you'll have the opportunity to get tattooed by some of the most talented artists in the industry. 

Our vibrant convention celebrates the artistry and diversity of tattoo culture, offering different workshops, performances, exhibitions, merch and more! Find inspiration, community, and passion at Sydney Tattoo Convention.