Decoding the Code: Your Guide to Tattoo Needle Sizes (5RL, 7RS, 9M1 Explained)
Reading Time: 5 Minutes
For any professional or aspiring tattoo artist, the needle is your primary tool—it dictates the precision of your lines, the softness of your shadows, and the saturation of your color. But if the codes on the cartridge box—1205RL, 1007RS, 1209M1—look like cryptic hieroglyphics, you're not alone.
Understanding these Tattoo Needle Sizes is the key to elevating your work, minimizing skin trauma, and mastering any style from fine-line to bold traditional.
We're breaking down the complete Tattoo Cartridge Code so you can select the perfect needle every time.
Section 1: The Three Parts of the Tattoo Needle Code
Every standard tattoo needle or cartridge code is composed of three essential elements. Knowing these three numbers and letters is crucial for professional procurement.
| Code Part | Example: 1209RL | Represents | What It Determines |
| Diameter (Gauge) | 12 (or 0.35mm) | The thickness of each individual needle pin. | Ink flow rate and line boldness. |
| Count | 09 | The number of individual pins grouped together. | Line thickness or shading area width. |
| Configuration | RL | How the pins are arranged (Liner, Shader, Magnum). | The needle's primary function (Lining, Shading, Packing). |
1. Decoding Needle Diameter (The Gauge)
The first two digits (or the # number) tell you the diameter of the needle. This is commonly referred to as the Gauge.
| Gauge | Diameter (mm) | Nickname | Ink Flow & Use |
| #08 | $0.25\text{mm}$ | Bugpin | Finest Flow. Best for delicate realism, fine-line work, and soft gradients (minimal skin trauma). |
| #10 | $0.30\text{mm}$ | Double Zero | Balanced Flow. The most versatile, middle-ground option used for general lining and shading across all styles. |
| #12 | $0.35\text{mm}$ | Standard | Fastest Flow. Ideal for bold lines, traditional work, rapid color packing, and covering large areas. |
💡 Pro Tip: A thicker gauge (#12) delivers ink faster, making it great for single-pass color packing. A finer gauge (#08) requires more passes but achieves smoother, more controlled blending.
Section 2: Tattoo Needle Configurations Explained (RL, RS, M1, RM)
The letters are the most critical part—they define the Needle Configuration and the job the needle is built to do.
A. Round Needles (Lining & Small Shading)
| Code | Full Name | Use Case | Key Features |
| RL | Round Liner | Crisp Outlines and Fine Detail. Used for primary line work, scripts, and intricate designs. | Pins are tightly grouped in a circle for focused, saturated ink deposit. |
| RS | Round Shader | Small Area Shading and Color Fill. Excellent for whip shading, basic shading, and filling tight spots. | Pins are grouped in a circle but looser than RL, providing a softer application. |
B. Magnum Needles (Shading & Color Packing)
Magnums are essential for large-area work. They deliver huge amounts of ink with fewer passes, reducing overall skin trauma.
| Code | Full Name | Use Case | Key Features |
| M1 | Weaved Magnum | Heavy Color Packing and Large Shading. The go-to for solid fills and efficient coverage. | Pins are arranged in two stacked, staggered rows (like interlaced fingers). |
| RM | Curved Magnum (or CM) | Softest Blending and Gradients. Perfect for portraiture, realism, and smooth black & grey work. | The tips of the two staggered rows are curved into an arc, conforming better to the skin and minimizing trauma on the edges. |
Section 3: Putting the Code Together (The Practical Application)
Knowing the theory is one thing—using it effectively is where you earn your money. Here are practical examples of how Tattoo Needle Sizes translate to real-world application:
| Code Example | Translation | Best Use Case | Tattoo Style |
| 1005RL | #10 Gauge (0.30mm), 5-Pin Round Liner | Versatile, medium-fine line work. | Geometric, Micro-realism, Standard Lettering. |
| 1207RS | #12 Gauge (0.35mm), 7-Pin Round Shader | Small to mid-sized color fills, strong whip shading. | Traditional fill, small detail shading. |
| 1215M1 | #12 Gauge (0.35mm), 15-Pin Weaved Magnum | Maximum ink saturation, large color areas. | New School, large area Traditional color packing. |
| 0813RM | #08 Gauge (0.25mm), 13-Pin Curved Magnum | Delicate, super smooth black & grey blending. | Hyper-realism, smooth portrait shading. |
Where to Find the Best Needles and Deals
Whether you're stocking up on Round Liners or investing in a large batch of Curved Magnums, high-quality, sterile needles are non-negotiable.
Don't spend your valuable time price-checking every supplier. Before your next bulk order, check for the best professional deals on Tattoo Cartridge Codes and equipment. Visit Tattoohotdeals.com to find the latest discounts from trusted manufacturers and keep your studio stocked affordably.
Master the code, master the craft!
Need to save money on your supply list? Check out our last blog post: Maximize Profit: The Professional Tattoo Artist's Ultimate Annual Buying Guide & Discount Secrets.