Zippers are versatile and essential to everyday items, from clothing and bags to furniture and home décor. When choosing a zipper, it is important to measure it accurately to ensure it is the right size for your project. There are two main types of zippers: open-ended and closed-ended. Open-ended zippers have two separate ends that can be pulled apart, while closed-ended zippers have a stop at one or both ends, preventing them from being wholly unzipped.

Material Needed:

To measure a zipper  both open-ended and close-ended, you will need

  • a metal tape measure
  • a pencil & paper

Gather your tools

To measure an open-ended zipper:

  • Place the tape measure: Place the tape measure at the bottom of the zipper teeth. Run the tape measure up the zipper teeth to the top of the zipper.

place the tape measure

  • Record the measurement. write measurement on paper. 

record measurement

To measure a closed-ended zipper:

  • Place the tape measure: Place the tape measure at the bottom of the zipper teeth, just below the stop.Run the tape measure up the zipper teeth to the top of the zipper, just above the stop.

place the tape measure to measure a zipper

  • Record the measurement. write measurement on paper.

Record your measurement

zipper size chart

Zipper No. Size Best Suited For

1 – 4 Small Skirts, trousers, cushions, clutch bags, dresses

5 – 7 Medium Jackets, tents, sleeping bags, boots, golf bags, purses

8 – 10 Large Wetsuits, upholstery, heavy-duty clothing, boat covers

Chart Reference 

Here are some additional tips for measuring zippers:

  • Make sure the tape measure is level and parallel to the zipper teeth when measuring.
  • If you are measuring an open-ended zipper, measure the length of the zipper teeth, not the length of the zipper tape.
  • If you are measuring a closed-ended zipper, measure the length of the zipper teeth, including the stop.
  • If you need clarification on any of the measurements, it is best to consult with a professional sewist or tailor.

Other relevant keywords:

  • zipper size chart
  • how to choose the right size zipper
  • zipper measuring tips
  • zipper gauge
  • zipper types

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Here are some FAQs

Why is it important to measure a zipper accurately?

It is important to measure a zipper accurately to ensure that the zipper is the right size for your project. A zipper that is too small will not be able to close properly, while a zipper that is too large will be baggy and unsightly.

What are the two main types of zippers?

The two main types of zippers are open-ended and closed-ended. Open-ended zippers have two separate ends that can be pulled apart, while closed-ended zippers have a stop at one or both ends, preventing them from being wholly unzipped.

How do I measure an open-ended zipper?

To measure an open-ended zipper, place the tape measure at the bottom of the zipper teeth and run it up the zipper teeth to the top of the zipper. Record the measurement. This is the length of the zipper.

How do I measure a closed-ended zipper?

To measure a closed-ended zipper, place the tape measure at the bottom of the zipper teeth, just below the stop and run it up the zipper teeth to the top of the zipper, just above the stop. Record the measurement. This is the length of the zipper.

What is the gauge of a zipper?

The gauge of a zipper is the width of the zipper teeth. Zipper gauges are typically measured in millimetres, with higher numbers indicating wider teeth.

How do I measure the gauge of a zipper?

Place the tape measure across the zipper teeth at their widest point to measure the gauge of a zipper. Record the measurement. This is the gauge of the zipper.

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How to measure