Button Sizes Chart & Measurements (+Printable PDF)
Generally speaking, button sizes fall into three basic categories – small, medium and large but they can be further broken down into precise diameter measurements. Buttons serve multiple functions as they fasten clothing and add decorative flair. They have evolved into one of the most versatile accessories for the dressmaker and home sewer. This tutorial will show you how buttons are measured, give a button sizes chart and answer some of your common questions.
How are Buttons Measured
Buttons are measured in “ligne” which is a French term to measure length. A ligne button measurement starts at 1 and is abbreviated to 1L. The L is measured across the diameter of the button using the widest portion. Fashion and designer buttons are manufactured in limited editions, and the sizes can vary from 10L up to 60L or larger.
Further Reading: Explore all the Types of Buttons you can use for sewing and dressmaking
Button Sizes Chart
Here is a button size chart with the ligne converted to inches and millimeters. Note there is a small amount of rounding in the conversions. You will notice that some of the measurements between buttons are very small.
| LIGNE | INCHES | MM |
| 10 | 1/4″ | 6mm |
| 12 | 5/16″ | 8mm |
| 14 | 11/32″ | 9mm |
| 16 | 13/32″ | 10mm |
| 18 | 7/16″ | 11mm |
| 20 | 1/2″ | 13mm |
| 22 | 9/16″ | 14mm |
| 24 | 5/5″ | 16mm |
| 28 | 11/16″ | 17.5mm |
| 30 | 3/4″ | 19mm |
| 36 | 7/8″ | 22mm |
| 40 | 1″ | 25.5mm |
| 45 | 1 1/8″ | 28mm |
| 50 | 1 1/4″ | 32mm |
| 55 | 1 3/8″ | 35mm |
| 60 | 1 1/2″ | 38mm |
| 65 | 1 5/8″ | 41mm |
| 70 | 1 3/4″ | 44.5mm |
Printable Button Size Chart
Download a printable button size chart for your sewing room. No more searching for a tape measure or ruler.
What are Standard Button Sizes?
Shirts have a standard size of 16L, and a bigger button size 32L is the norm for jackets. Many of my kid’s sewing patterns use 20L buttons which is the 1/2″ size.
Although there are standard button sizes for specific patterns, it is always possible to change for a bigger or smaller one and adjust the buttonhole length accordingly. The spacing of the buttons and buttonholes on the article or garment is an important facet of using buttons to their full potential. When choosing, look at the depth as that will affect the look and the size of the buttonhole required.
Alternatives
There are several alternatives to sewing buttons on your projects, including snaps, Velcro, zippers, and hooks. My favorite alternative to buttons is to use snaps.
- Alternatives to Buttons
- How to Use Kam Snaps
- Sewing Velcro
- How to Sew a Zipper
- How to Sew a Hook and Eye
- Sew on Snaps – Press Studs
Frequently Asked Questions
The L stands for Ligne, which is a French word denoting a code for button sizes. It measures the diameter of the button. 1 Ligne is equal to 1/40 of an inch
A 20mm button is equal to 30 ligne or 30L and is 3/4 inch in diameter. This is a common size for jackets and larger items.
The term small button is quite subjective, but most small buttons are under 1/2 inch (12mm) in diameter. The typical business shirt uses that popular size.
The diameter of a button is simply measured across its surface from one side to another. To get accurate measurements on rounded buttons, you can use a caliper which is a tool with adjustable jaws. Flat buttons can be measured with a ruler or tape measure.
Button dimensions are measured by their diameter and not their circumference. This diameter is reported in ligne, which is a button code, inches or millimeters.
Conclusion
In your sewing notions stash, you can never have too many button sizes to mix and match on your garments. However, if you suffer from koumpounophobia, the fear of buttons, you may want to avoid them regardless of their size!
Here are more articles on sewing buttons and buttonholes:
- Different Types of Buttons
- How to Sew a Button – 4 Holes, 2 Holes, Shank
- How to Sew a Buttonhole – Automatic & Manual
- Hand Sewn Buttonhole
- How to Sew a Button on a Shirt
- Easy Fabric Covered Buttons Tutorial
- Button Loops
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
