Zippers are always measured from “component to component” (end stops), regardless of zipper style. The illustrations below will assist you in determining the proper method for arriving at the desired zipper length.
Zippers are always measured from “component to component” (end stops), regardless of zipper style. The illustrations below will assist you in determining the proper method for arriving at the desired zipper length.
Zipper Size
Zipper Size: Zipper size is the double chain width of the zipper and is measured in millimetres. Most of the manufacturers have assigned codes to designate the elements or teeth width for example #2 is 3.90-4.05mm. These codes are typically available in #2 to #10 range.
| Type | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #8 | #10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | 3mm | 3mm | 4mm | 6mm | 7mm | 10mm |
| Plastic | 3mm | 4mm | 4.5mm | 5mm | 7mm | 8mm |
| Metal | 3.1mm | 4mm | 5mm | 6mm | 7mm | 8mm |
How to Measure a Zipper?
Important Note: The zipper must be completely closed when taking measurements.
Closed-end zipper
Dimensions (A):
From the top end of the slider to the tip of the bottom stop
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut end
Dimensions of Bottom Tape Extensions (C):
From the top stop to the to the tip of notches of the cut end
![Zipper2]()
Zipper with double sliders (arranged in the head to head relation)
Zipper with double sliders (arranged in the head to head relation)Dimensions (A):
From the tip of one bottom stop to the tip of the other bottom stop
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the upper bottom stop to the tip of notches of the cut end
Dimensions of Bottom Tape Extensions (C):
From the tip of the bottom stop to the tip of notches of the cut end
![Zipper3]()
Zipper with double sliders (arranged in bottom-to-bottom relation)
Dimensions (A):
From the top end of one slider to the top end of the other slider
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut end
Dimensions of Bottom Tape Extensions (C):
Same as the top tape extension end portion
Open-end zipper
Dimensions (A):
From the top end of the slider to the tip of the box
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the top stop to the cut end
Two-way separator From the top
Dimensions (A):
From the top end of the slider to the bottom end of the supplementary tape
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the top stop to the cut end
Top open zipper
Dimensions (A):
From the top stop to the tip of the box
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the top stop to the cut end
Reversible slider
Dimensions (A):
Rather than from the top end, the measurement should be made from the shoulder inlet portion of the slider
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the top stop to the cut end
When the top stop does not enter the slider
Dimensions (A):
Measurement should be made from the top stop
Dimensions of Top Tape Extensions (B):
From the top stop to the tip of notches of the cut end
Zipper Teeth/Element width usage according to fabric weight
Zipper selection depends on the type of garment and also the fabric weight is used for the particular garment. Zipper selection is based on zipper teeth or Element width as below. This is a recommendation only and not a standard.
| Fabric Type | Weight Range | Recommended Teeth width range |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra weight | 85-120gsm | 2.5-4.0mm |
| Lightweight | 120-160gsm | 4.0-5.5mm |
| Medium weight | 160-240gsm | 5.5-7.0mm |
| Medium-Heavy weight | 240-320gsm | 7.0-8.5mm |
| Heavyweight | 320-410gsm | 8.5-12.0mm |
Very helpful to have all this in one place. Great!